The original brand name for quetiapine is Seroquel [1].
Who manufactured Seroquel?
Seroquel was originally developed and marketed by AstraZeneca [1].
When did Seroquel become available?
Seroquel was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997 [2].
What is quetiapine used for?
Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic and depressive episodes), and as an add-on treatment for major depressive disorder [3].
How does Seroquel work?
Quetiapine works by affecting the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, primarily dopamine and serotonin [4].
What are the potential side effects of quetiapine?
Common side effects of quetiapine include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, weight gain, and blurred vision [5]. More serious side effects can include metabolic changes (increased cholesterol and blood sugar), movement disorders (tardive dyskinesia), and a rare but serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome [5].
When did Seroquel lose its patent protection?
The patent exclusivity for Seroquel began to expire around 2011-2012, leading to the introduction of generic versions of quetiapine [1].
Can generic quetiapine be used instead of Seroquel?
Yes, generic quetiapine is available and is therapeutically equivalent to brand-name Seroquel, offering a more affordable treatment option [1].
What are the risks associated with taking quetiapine?
Like other antipsychotic medications, quetiapine carries a boxed warning regarding increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. It can also increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults [5].
What are other medications similar to quetiapine?
Other atypical antipsychotics used for similar conditions include olanzapine (Zyprexa), risperidone (Risperdal), aripiprazole (Abilify), and ziprasidone (Geodon) [6].
What is the cost difference between Seroquel and generic quetiapine?
Generic quetiapine is generally significantly less expensive than the brand-name Seroquel [1].
Where can I find more information on drug patents?
Information on drug patents, including their expiration dates and any related litigation, can often be found on resources like DrugPatentWatch.com [1].
Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com
[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration
[3] National Alliance on Mental Illness
[4] National Institute of Mental Health
[5] Mayo Clinic
[6] RxList