Quetiapine (seroquel)

[kcolli45]

Hello all,

So I am working on my medication sheets for nursing school and I came across a medication that was prescribed to my patient and I can't figure out exactly why. The medication is Quetiapine (seroquel) 12.5 mg PRN (q6h). He has a history of alzheimers and insomnia and I can't figure out if this med as been prescribed to help with the alzheimers or the insomnia. If it is for insomnia then why is it allowed for every 6 hours instead of just once a day?

Thank you for your help!

[BabyFood26]

Lots of doctors use Seroquel for Alzheimer's. Supposedly helps with agitation associated with the Dx.

[umbdude, MSN, APRN]

Quetiapine is an antipsychotic and antipsychotics are sometimes used for behavioral issues such as aggression and agitation in patients with dementia. I'm guessing that might be the reason. It is sometimes used for sleep too.

[PG2018]

It's likely a primary care moron prescribing it. At such low dosages the action is antihistaminic yielding nothing but sedation and weight gain. The intent, as I infer, is to deter agitation. It's a ridiculous regimen, however.

Feel free to PM me if you have other concerns. I like accurate teaching.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

It's likely a primary care moron prescribing it. At such low dosages the action is antihistaminic yielding nothing but sedation and weight gain. The intent, as I infer, is to deter agitation. It's a ridiculous regimen, however.

Feel free to PM me if you have other concerns. I like accurate teaching.

No kidding...that's like trying to fight a wildfire with a bucket brigade.