Q BRAIN 25 Tablet 10's

Introduction About Q BRAIN 25 TABLET

Q BRAIN 25 TABLET is a psychiatric medicine used in the management of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression.

Before taking Q BRAIN 25 TABLET, inform your doctor if you have any liver, kidney, or heart problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have diabetes, blood clots or a history of drug abuse in the past.

This medication can be taken with or without food but should ideally be consumed at the same time daily to maintain stable drug levels in the body. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the dosage and duration. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Avoid stopping this medicine abruptly without consulting your doctor, as it could worsen symptoms.

Avoid consumption of alcohol or grapefruit juice while taking Q BRAIN 25 TABLET as it may increase the risk of side effects. Consult your doctor before taking Q BRAIN 25 TABLET if you are pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Q BRAIN 25 TABLET may increase your blood sugar or cholesterol levels. To avoid this, your doctor will regularly monitor your health condition through periodic blood tests.

However, discontinue it immediately and seek medical help if you experience signs of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), such as fever, muscle stiffness, or altered consciousness.

Other common side effects include low hemoglobin levels, headache, movement-related symptoms (extrapyramidal symptoms), dry mouth, and withdrawal symptoms. It may also cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions, so rise slowly to avoid dizziness. Drowsiness and sleepiness are common, so avoid driving or activities requiring focus until you know how the medicine affects you. Weight gain is possible but can be managed with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Also, inform your doctor immediately if your mood becomes excessively depressed along with thoughts of self-harming or killing after taking Q BRAIN 25 TABLET.

Uses Of Q BRAIN 25 TABLET

• bipolar disorder
• depression (major depressive disorders)
• schizophrenia

Benefits of Q BRAIN 25 TABLET for Mania (Acute Episodes):

• Quetiapine helps control symptoms such as irritability, heightened energy, aggression, and rapid thoughts. It stabilizes mood by modulating dopamine and serotonin activity, reducing the intensity of manic episodes.

Benefits of Q BRAIN 25 TABLET for Schizophrenia:

• It Effectively reduces hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, improving clarity of thought.
• Enhances social functioning and emotional stability by balancing brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin

Benefits of Q BRAIN 25 TABLET for bipolar disorder:

• Manages both manic and depressive episodes, helping stabilize extreme mood fluctuations.
• Reduces relapses by maintaining mood stability when used as maintenance therapy.

Additional Benefits:

• Quetiapine offers sedation properties, which can aid in reducing agitation and improving sleep in affected individuals.

How Q BRAIN 25 TABLET Works

Quetiapine helps manage mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and mania by balancing chemicals in the brain. It works in three main ways:

1. Calms Overactive Brain Signals: It blocks dopamine, which reduces symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and manic behaviors.
2. Improves Mood: By adjusting serotonin levels, it helps stabilize mood and reduce depressive symptoms.
3. Promotes Relaxation: Quetiapine has a calming effect, which can help with anxiety, agitation, and sleep problems.

This combination makes it effective for treating a range of symptoms and improving overall well-being. Always take it as prescribed to get the best results.

How to use Q BRAIN 25 TABLET

• Take Q BRAIN 25 TABLET as advised by your physician.
• Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine.
• Q BRAIN 25 TABLET should be taken at least one hour before meals or prior to bedtime.
• Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.
• Do not stop taking Q BRAIN 25 TABLET unless your doctor advises you to stop, as it may lead to certain withdrawal symptoms such as difficulty in sleeping, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, irritability, weight gain or increased hunger.

Missed Dose of Q BRAIN 25 TABLET:

If you miss a dose of Quetiapine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Avoid taking a double dose to make up for the missed tablet.

Stopping Q BRAIN 25 TABLET:

If you stop taking Quetiapine suddenly, you may experience symptoms such as insomnia (difficulty sleeping), nausea, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, or irritability. To avoid these effects, your doctor may advise gradually reducing the dose instead of stopping abruptly. Always consult your doctor before making changes to your medication.

Overdosage of Q BRAIN 25 TABLET:

If you or anyone else accidentally took more Q BRAIN 25 TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose are sleepiness, dizziness, and abnormal heart beats.

Side Effects Of Q BRAIN 25 TABLET

The most common side effects of Q BRAIN 25 TABLET are:

• headache, dizziness, sleepiness
• dry mouth
• weight gain
• increase in blood fat levels
• constipation, stomach upset
• weakness
• swelling of arms or legs
• feeling dizzy or faint while standing up (orthostatic hypotension)
• increased blood sugar levels
• unusual dreams or nightmares
• feeling irritated
• disturbance in speech and language
• raised levels of the hormone prolactin in the blood (signs include breast enlargement and milk production in both men and in women, irregular or lack of menstrual periods in women)
• decreased sex drive
• changes in thyroid production

Stop taking Q BRAIN 25 TABLET and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

• blood clots in the veins especially in the legs (swelling, pain, and redness in the leg) which may travel through blood vessels to the lungs (causing chest pain and breathing problems)
• signs of a neuroleptic malignant syndrome (fever, sweating, stiff muscles, feeling very drowsy or faint)
• uncontrollable movements (especially face or tongue)
• dizziness or severe sleepiness
• fits
• priapism (long-lasting and painful erection)
• fast and irregular heartbeat, even when you are at rest, palpitations, or unexplained tiredness
• decreased WBC and platelet counts (signs include fever, flu-like symptoms, sore throat, or any other infection)
• bowel obstruction (signs include constipation, persistent abdominal pain)
• suicidal thoughts and worsening of depression

How To Manage Side Effects

Dizziness Or Drowsiness

1. Rise Slowly: Sudden changes in position can lead to dizziness. Always stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position to prevent feeling lightheaded. This helps to avoid a sudden drop in blood pressure.
2. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can worsen dizziness. Drinking water throughout the day can help maintain hydration levels and reduce dizziness or lightheadedness.
3. Balanced Diet: Eating regular meals, particularly those rich in protein and fiber, can help maintain stable blood sugar levels, which may reduce dizziness. Avoid skipping meals, as this can contribute to lightheadedness.
4. Rest and Relaxation: If you feel drowsy, it is important to get plenty of rest. Taking short breaks during the day and ensuring a proper sleep routine can help manage drowsiness.
5. Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness, especially when taken with medications like Quetiapine. It’s best to avoid drinking alcohol while on this medication.
6. Gentle Physical Activity: If dizziness persists, light physical activities like walking or stretching can help improve circulation and reduce the feeling of dizziness. However, avoid strenuous exercise if you're feeling overly drowsy.
7. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of how often you experience dizziness or drowsiness. If these symptoms continue or worsen, contact your doctor for further guidance.

These remedies help alleviate mild dizziness or drowsiness, but if these side effects become bothersome or severe, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider to adjust the medication or dosage. Always follow your doctor’s advice for managing side effects.

Weight Gain

1. Follow a Healthy Diet:

• Focus on a balanced diet with more vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. Reducing your intake of refined sugars and processed foods can help prevent weight gain.
• Avoid high-calorie, sugary snacks and opt for healthier alternatives like nuts, seeds, or yogurt.
• Keep portion sizes in check to prevent overeating.

2. Exercise Regularly:

• Regular physical activity can help counteract weight gain. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Activities like walking, jogging, or yoga can help improve metabolism and burn calories.
• Strength training can also build muscle, which helps to burn more calories even at rest.

3. Stay Hydrated:

• Drinking plenty of water helps regulate metabolism and can also curb unnecessary hunger, reducing the temptation to overeat. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day.

4. Eat Smaller, Frequent Meals:

• Instead of having three large meals, try eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. This can help keep your metabolism active and prevent overeating.

5. Consult Your Doctor:

• If weight gain continues to be a problem, consult your healthcare provider. They may suggest adjustments to your medication or refer you to a nutritionist or fitness expert for personalized advice.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Consult your doctor

Available epidemiologic studies on pregnant women exposed to quetiapine have not identified a drug-related risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. However, clinical studies indicate that newborns exposed to antipsychotics, including quetiapine, during the third trimester may experience extrapyramidal symptoms or withdrawal after birth. While these risks cannot be ruled out for both the newborn and the pregnant woman, Q BRAIN 25 TABLET should be used in pregnant women only if clearly considered necessary after evaluating the risks and benefits of the therapy.

 

Breastfeeding

Contraindicated

Studies have shown that quetiapine may pass through breast milk. Therefore, Q BRAIN 25 TABLET should not be used in breastfeeding women unless considered necessary.

Driving and Using Machines

Use with Caution

Do not drive or operate any machines if you feel dizzy or sleepy after taking Q BRAIN 25 TABLET.

 

Alcohol

Consult your doctor

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine, as the combined effect of alcohol and Quetiapine will make you feel sleepier.

 

Kidney

Monitoring required

There is limited information regarding the use of Quetiapine in patients with renal impairment. Therefore, Q BRAIN 25 TABLET should be used in patients with kidney problems like urinary retention (inability to completely empty your bladder) only if it is absolutely necessary with careful monitoring.

Liver

Use with Caution

Q BRAIN 25 TABLET should be used with caution in patients with liver problems. Quetiapine must be started with a lower dose in the initial days of the therapy and the dosage should be gradually increased according to the patient’s need along with careful monitoring in such patients.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Before taking Q BRAIN 25 TABLET talk to your doctor if you are allergic to Quetiapine.

 

Heart Disease

Use with Caution

Q BRAIN 25 TABLET should be used with caution in patients with heart diseases (such as heart rhythm problems, weakening of the heart muscle, inflammation of the heart, or low blood pressure). Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Use In Pediatrics

Consult your doctor

The safety and effectiveness of Quetiapine tablets are not established clearly in children aged below 18 years. Limited studies indicate that both adults and children exposed to antipsychotic medications had similar side effects. Therefore, this medicine is generally not recommended for use in children aged under 18 years unless considered necessary by your doctor.

 

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

Q BRAIN 25 TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients who have stroke, dementia, or parkinsonism. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

 

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before taking Q BRAIN 25 TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicine:

• medicines used to manage HIV infection (Ex. lopinavir, indinavir)
• medicines used to manage fungal infections (Ex. voriconazole, itraconazole)
• medicines used for bacterial infections (Ex. erythromycin or clarithromycin)
• nefazodone (a medicine used to manage depression)
• medicines used to manage fits (Ex. carbamazepine, phenytoin)
• medicines used to lower blood pressure (Ex. telmisartan, atenolol)
• medicines used to induce sleep (Ex. phenobarbital, pentobarbital)
• medicines used to manage edema (Ex. furosemide, chlorthalidone)
• medicines that cause constipation (Ex. ferrous sulphate, sertraline)
• medicines that affect heartbeat and muscle movements (Ex. atropine, dicyclomine)

B. Drug-Food interaction:

Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking Q BRAIN 25 TABLET as it may affect the way this medicine works.

Synopsis

More Information

Relevant Health Articles:

Bipolar Disorder in Teen: Symptoms And Treatment

Schizophrenia: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

FAQs About Q BRAIN 25 TABLET

References

1. KD. Tripathi. Antipsychotic and Antimanic Drugs. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 442.

2. Muneer A. Pharmacotherapy of bipolar disorder with quetiapine: a recent literature review and an update. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. PubMed Central. April 2015. [Accessed on 16th May 2022] click here

3. Quetiapine Fumarate Tablet. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. National Library of Medicine. [Revised in May 2023]. [Accessed on 4th December 2024] click here

4. APL Swift Services (Malta) Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in July 2024] [Accessed on 4th December 2024] click here

5. AstraZeneca UK Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in August 2021] [Accessed on 16th May 2022] click here

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Author Details

Written By Srilekha. R - B.Pharm

Reviewed For Accuracy By Dr. Aravindan Balachandran - MBBS, MD (Psychiatry)

Last updated on 04 Dec 2024 | 03:28 PM(IST)