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In January 2010, the FDA approved Seroquel XR (quetiapine fumarate) extended-release tablets for use as adjunctive treatment to antidepressants in adults suffering from major depressive disorder. Seroquel XR is already indicated for the treatment of both acute manic episodes and depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder, as maintenance therapy in the treatment of bipolar disorder and for the treatment of schizophrenia. This new approval for Seroquel XR will be beneficial to patients who are not achieving adequate relief of their depressive symptoms from their current medication regimen.
Another new investigational use of immediate-release Seroquel is for the treatment of insomnia, both alone and in combination with currently approved agents. The rationale behind this therapy is to exploit the common side effect of drowsiness by administering small doses of the medication at bedtime. However use of Seroquel for this indication is very risky due to the other serious long-term side effects of this medication, including metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular-related risks. Therefore, use of other available therapies or medications FDA-labeled for the treatment of insomnia should be considered prior to approving Seroquel.
References:
- Waknine Y. FDA Approves Extended-Release Quetiapine as Add-On Treatment of Depression. Published: 12/07/09. Accessed: 06/20/10. Available from:http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/713482
- Gugger, J.J. and M. Cassagnol, Low-dose quetiapine is not a benign sedative-hypnotic agent. Am J Addict, 2008. 17(5): p. 454-5. Accessed: 06/20/10
- Lexi-Comp [database on the Internet]. 2010, Lexi-Comp, Inc. Accessed: 6/20/10. Available from: http://online.lexi.com
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