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What Causes Worsening Of Depression After Increasing The Dose Of Quetiapine?
Question: Hi 7 days ago my psychiatrist upped the quetiapine i'm on from 225mg to 400mg, and after taking it like this for 5 days noticed worsening of my depression, and noticed on the packaged I was now taking extended release quetiapine tablets instead of just normal quetiapine tablets. And i'm pretty sure he changed me to extended release tablets accidently, because he said nothing of doing so. So for the last two night I have gone back to taking my normal release tablets at 400mg. I'm still felling very depressed, and just want to know this isn't harmful?.
Brief Answer:
I do not think it is due to extended release
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
I like to assure you that there are no major difference between plain and extended release quetiapine. The extended release have only purpose to reduce the frequency of dosing. For example extended quetiapine can be taken once daily but simple release to be taken at least twice a day.
Having said this the antidepressant dose of quetiapine is generally 200-300 mg per day. Above this dose there are no benefits conferred in regard to depressive symptoms. Dose above 300 mg is anti psychotic dose rather than anti depressant dose.
In my view, in reference to worsening of depressive symptoms, it will be appropriate to shift back to previous dose of 225 mg per day from the current dose of 400 mg per day. It is also essential to talk to your doctor to add anti depressant along with quetiapine if you are not having complete remission with current treatment.
'Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help".
Thanks
I do not think it is due to extended release
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
I like to assure you that there are no major difference between plain and extended release quetiapine. The extended release have only purpose to reduce the frequency of dosing. For example extended quetiapine can be taken once daily but simple release to be taken at least twice a day.
Having said this the antidepressant dose of quetiapine is generally 200-300 mg per day. Above this dose there are no benefits conferred in regard to depressive symptoms. Dose above 300 mg is anti psychotic dose rather than anti depressant dose.
In my view, in reference to worsening of depressive symptoms, it will be appropriate to shift back to previous dose of 225 mg per day from the current dose of 400 mg per day. It is also essential to talk to your doctor to add anti depressant along with quetiapine if you are not having complete remission with current treatment.
'Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help".
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
I'm being treated for thought disorder and depression, and are on 100 mg of pristiq in the mornings.
Brief Answer:
In that case the quetiapine dose is ok
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for reverting back to me.
For thought disorder the effective dose of quetiapine is 400 to 750 mg per day and current dose can be considered in recommended dose range. In case you are having very severe symptoms you can take the current dose in divided dosage which is likely to cause less side effects.
For the purpose of depression if you are getting response, pristiq is good option. In case there is partial or no response you can talk to your doctor to change to SSRI.
I hope this clears the furrther doubt about your medication.
"If you do not have any more clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Wish you good health".
In that case the quetiapine dose is ok
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for reverting back to me.
For thought disorder the effective dose of quetiapine is 400 to 750 mg per day and current dose can be considered in recommended dose range. In case you are having very severe symptoms you can take the current dose in divided dosage which is likely to cause less side effects.
For the purpose of depression if you are getting response, pristiq is good option. In case there is partial or no response you can talk to your doctor to change to SSRI.
I hope this clears the furrther doubt about your medication.
"If you do not have any more clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Wish you good health".
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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