Accidentally Took Two Seroquel During The Day Instead Of One

In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses concerns after accidentally taking two doses of quetiapine in one day.

Question

I usually take 150 mg of quetiapine at night and 100 mg of lamotrigine in the morning. However, this morning, I accidentally took my quetiapine again instead of the lamotrigine. Should I be concerned?

Asked by Linnea On Jul 24, 2023

Answered by
Medical Content Reviewed By HelloPharmacist Staff

Published Aug 08, 2023
Last updated May 01, 2024

Key points

  • Accidentally taking 300mg of quetiapine instead of the usual 150mg is generally not a significant cause for alarm, considering FDA-approved dosage limits and studies support higher doses. However, it is important to monitor for potential side effects such as sedation.
  • If severe symptoms like rapid heart rate, persistent dizziness, severe confusion, or difficulty breathing occur, seek immediate medical attention.

Answer

I certainly understand your concern about accidentally taking an extra dose of quetiapine (generic for Seroquel) in the morning instead of lamotrigine. While everyone's medical situation is different, for most individuals, taking 300mg of quetiapine instead of your usual 150mg is not a significant cause for alarm.

Having said this, and before getting into more detail, I always like to say it is better to always err on the side of caution and if you are feeling unwell, please seek medical attention or at the very least contact Poison Control (Poison.org; 1-800-222-1222) for personalized advice.

What To Expect

It is important to note that the maximum recommended daily dosage of quetiapine noted in the prescribing information for the drug is 800mg. Various studies indicate that doses up to 800mg per day can be tolerated when prescribed for certain conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. However, since you are not accustomed to taking a higher dose of quetiapine, it's certainly possible you may experience some side effects, and therefore, it is important to monitor for any.

One of the most common side effects of quetiapine, especially with a higher dosage, is sedation or excessive drowsiness.

It is normal to experience increased sedation and feel more tired due to a higher dose. If you encounter this side effect, be sure to avoid activities like driving a vehicle or operating machinery until you feel comfortable.

Other common side effects of the drug include dry mouth, constipation and headache.

While it is unlikely that you will experience any major issues with an accidental increase in your quetiapine dosage, it is essential to be aware of any potential severe side effects. These could include:

  • Rapid increase in heart rate
  • Persistent dizziness
  • Severe confusion
  • Agitation
  • Difficulty breathing

If you encounter any of these severe symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Considering the circumstances, it would be advisable to contact a healthcare professional, such as your prescribing doctor or your pharmacist where you get your medication.

They can provide personalized guidance regarding your situation, take into account your medical history, and offer appropriate recommendations based on your individual needs.

Final Words

In conclusion, while accidentally taking more medication than prescribed can cause concerns, the increase in quetiapine dosage you described is within the acceptable range and is not likely to pose a significant danger for most individuals.

However, it's crucial to be mindful of side effects, particularly sedation, and adjust your daily activities accordingly. If more severe side effects occur, seek medical attention.

Additionally, contacting a healthcare professional who knows your medical history would be prudent to seek their guidance based on your specific medical situation.

References

  • Seroquel Prescribing Information, AccessFDA
  • Quetiapine: dose-response relationship in schizophrenia, AccessFDA

About the Pharmacist

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD

Dr. Brian has been practicing pharmacy for over 13 years and has wide-ranging experiences in many different areas of the profession. From retail, clinical, program development, and administrative responsibilities, he's your knowledgeable and go-to source for all your pharmacy and medication-related questions! Dr. Brian Staiger also has herbalist training and educational certificates in the field of medical ethnobotany. Feel free to send him an email at [email protected]! You can also connect with Dr. Brian Staiger on LinkedIn.

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