Quetiapine extended-release (ER) is a newer and safer second generation antipsychotic that was approved for use in the United States in 2013. It comes as a tablet that can be taken once daily, without the need to split or crush it. In this article we will explore how quetiapine ER differs from quetiapine as well as other second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs), such as olanzapine, risperidone and aripiprazole. We’ll also take a look at which patients might benefit most from taking quetiapine ER rather than quetiapine or another SGA.
What is Quetiapine?
Quetiapine is an antipsychotic medication that was first approved for use in the US in 1997. It belongs to a group of medications called atypical antipsychotics that are used to treat psychological disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders. Quetiapine is indicated as a first-line treatment for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and as a first- or second-line treatment for major depressive disorder. It can also be prescribed off-label for other conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and borderline personality disorder.
Quetiapine is available as an oral tablet and oral long-acting suspension (sustained-release). It can also be prescribed as a liquid injected into a vein for people experiencing a psychotic episode or manic episode. Quetiapine is metabolized in the liver and has a low potential for abuse. Its most common side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, headache, weight gain, and drowsiness. It is not recommended for people with a known hypersensitivity to quetiapine or those taking a drug that is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4).
How does Quetiapine ER differ from Quetiapine?
While both medications are quetiapine, they are not the same drug. Quetiapine ER is an extended-release formulation of quetiapine. Quetiapine is immediate-release (IR) whereas Quetiapine ER is extended-release (ER). This means that Quetiapine ER is a controlled-release or delayed-release formulation of quetiapine. Quetiapine ER contains the same active ingredient as quetiapine and can be used for the same indications. However, it is designed to be more convenient to take than immediate-release quetiapine. Quetiapine ER is available in two doses: 100mg and 300mg. It is taken once daily, without the need to split or crush it.
FDA-Approved Uses for Quetiapine ER
Quetiapine ER is indicated for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder as well as major depressive disorder (MDD). It is also indicated for use off-label for conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and borderline personality disorder. Quetiapine ER is recommended as a first-line treatment for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and MDD. It is also recommended as a first- or second-line treatment for manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Quetiapine ER has the same FDA-approved indications as other quetiapine formulations, but is a more convenient to take once a day than quetiapine IR, which must be taken twice a day.
Differences between Quetiapine and other SGAs
– Efficacy of Quetiapine ER versus other SGAs
Research studies and clinical experience have shown that quetiapine is an effective antipsychotic medication, equivalent to other SGAs such as olanzapine, risperidone, and aripiprazole. Quetiapine ER is more effective and better tolerated than immediate-release quetiapine. It has a lower risk of metabolic adverse effects than other SGAs. Quetiapine ER has a lower risk of adverse effects than immediate-release quetiapine.
– Safety of Quetiapine ER versus other SGAs
Quetiapine ER is safer than immediate-release quetiapine, with a lower risk of adverse effects. It has a lower risk of metabolic adverse effects and a lower risk of the movement disorder known as tardive dyskinesia. Quetiapine ER has a lower risk of adverse effects than other SGAs.
– FDA-approved indications of Quetiapine ER
Quetiapine ER can be used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and MDD. It can also be used to treat these conditions off-label. Quetiapine ER is more convenient than immediate-release quetiapine, which must be taken twice a day.
Important Warnings for Those Taking Quetiapine ER
– Weight gain – Many antipsychotics cause weight gain, although the degree of weight gain will vary from person to person. Some studies suggest that quetiapine has a risk of weight gain similar to other SGAs. However, other studies suggest that quetiapine is associated with less weight gain than olanzapine, risperidone, and aripiprazole. Quetiapine ER has a lower risk of weight gain than immediate-release quetiapine.
– Sedation – Several studies suggest that quetiapine is associated with a higher risk of sedation than other SGAs. Quetiapine ER has a lower risk of sedation than immediate-release quetiapine.
Bottom line: Quetiapine ER Oral Tablet, a Safer and More Effective Antipsychotic Alternative?
Quetiapine ER is an extended-release version of the antipsychotic medication quetiapine. It has a lower risk of metabolic adverse effects than other SGAs and a lower risk of the movement disorder known as tardive dyskinesia than immediate-release quetiapine. Quetiapine ER is recommended as a first-line treatment for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and MDD. It is also recommended as a first- or second-line treatment for manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder.