Quel SR 200 Tablet

What is Quel SR 200 tablet

Quel SR 200 is a sustained-release antipsychotic medication containing Quetiapine (200mg) as its active pharmaceutical ingredient. This atypical antipsychotic belongs to the dibenzothiazepine class and is specifically formulated to provide consistent therapeutic effects over 24 hours. 

The extended-release technology allows for once-daily dosing, improving treatment adherence and reducing fluctuations in blood levels. Ipca Laboratories Ltd, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer with extensive experience in neuropsychiatric medications, produces Quel. 

This medication is indicated for the treatment of Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder (manic, mixed, and depressive episodes) and as adjunctive therapy in major depressive disorder when conventional antidepressants provide insufficient response.

Quetiapine works by antagonizing multiple neurotransmitter receptors in the brain, including dopamine, serotonin, histamine, and adrenergic receptors. 

This complex mechanism helps alleviate symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, thought disorders, mood instability, and severe depression. Notable side effects include sedation, dizziness, weight gain, and potential metabolic changes, including elevated blood glucose and lipid levels.

Patients should store Quel SR  at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. To minimize side effects, treatment should be started at lower doses and gradually increased. Regular monitoring of physical and metabolic parameters is essential during treatment. 

Quel SR 200 should not be discontinued abruptly as this may lead to withdrawal symptoms or rapid recurrence.

What are the benefits of Quel SR 200 tablet

Quel SR 200 works through a unique pharmacological profile that targets multiple neurotransmitter systems simultaneously. The medication is an antagonist at various receptors, including serotonin 5-HT2A, dopamine D1 and D2, histamine H1, and alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic receptors. 

This broad mechanism of action contributes to its efficacy across various psychiatric conditions.

Quel SR provides therapeutic benefits for several psychiatric disorders:

• In Schizophrenia: Effectively reduces positive symptoms like hallucinations and delusions while also addressing negative symptoms such as social withdrawal and emotional flatness. 
• In Bipolar Disorder: Helps stabilize mood, preventing both manic and depressive episodes. 
• In major depression: Enhances the effect of traditional antidepressants when used as an adjunctive treatment.
• For anxiety symptoms: Often provides relief from anxiety associated with primary psychiatric conditions. 

The sustained-release formulation of Quel SR offers additional advantages, including reduced sedation during daytime hours, decreased frequency of dose-related side effects, and improved treatment compliance due to once-daily administration. 

This makes it particularly suitable for patients who struggle with complex medication regimens. It is important to note that Quel SR requires continuous treatment to maintain symptom control, and benefits must be weighed against side effects through regular consultation with a healthcare provider.

How to take Quel SR 200 tablet

Quel SR is a prescription medication that should be taken per your doctor's instructions. Here are the general guidelines:

• Take Quel SR once daily, preferably in the evening or at bedtime. 
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not split, crush, or chew the tablet. 
• It may be taken with or without food, but consistent meal administration is recommended. 
• Do not exceed the prescribed dosage of this medication.

Strength and substitutes

The strength and substitutes available for Quel SR are:

View all substitutes

What are the side effects of Quel SR 200 tablet

Quel SR is generally effective in the conditions indicated. However, it may cause side effects, including:

• Drowsiness, fatigue, and sedation
• Dry mouth and digestive disturbances
• Dizziness and headache
• Weight gain and increased appetite
• Elevated blood sugar, lipid levels, and blood pressure

These adverse effects often diminish over time as your body adjusts to the medication. However, consult your healthcare provider immediately if they become severe or persist.

Safety Advice

Liver disease

Patients with hepatic impairment require dosage adjustments. For mild to moderate liver disease, start with a lower dose (typically 50mg/day) and increase gradually under close monitoring. Those with severe liver dysfunction should use Quel SR with extreme caution, with potential dose reductions of up to 75% and frequent liver function testing.

Kidney impairment

While no specific dose adjustment is typically required for patients with renal impairment, those with severe kidney disease should be monitored closely, especially during the initial titration phase. Healthcare providers may consider slower titration schedules and more frequent monitoring of kidney function.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women

Quel SR should be used during pregnancy only when needed and when benefits outweigh possible risks. Limited data suggest potential withdrawal symptoms in newborns exposed during the third trimester. Quetiapine is excreted in breast milk, so breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.

Avoid

Alcohol consumption should be avoided while taking Quel SR as it may intensify side effects like drowsiness and impaired coordination. Grapefruit juice may increase blood levels of Quetiapine and should be avoided. Concomitant use of medications that also affect the central nervous system requires careful medical supervision due to potential additive effects.