Qusel Side Effects

Qusel is an antipsychotic medication primarily used to treat conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder (as an adjunct treatment). Like most medications, Qusel can cause various side effects. Here are some common and less common side effects of Qusel.

Common Side Effects

• Drowsiness and Sedation: Qusel commonly causes drowsiness, especially when starting the medication or when the dosage is increased. This effect can impact daily activities.
• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, particularly when standing up quickly, is a frequent side effect.
• Dry Mouth: Reduced saliva production leading to dryness in the mouth is common.
• Weight Gain: Many individuals experience weight gain while taking Qusel, potentially due to increased appetite and metabolic changes.
• Increased Cholesterol and Blood Sugar: Qusel might elevate cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels in some individuals.
• Constipation: Slowed bowel movements leading to constipation.
• Orthostatic Hypotension: A sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing can cause dizziness or fainting.
• Increased Heart Rate (Tachycardia): Some people may experience a faster heart rate while taking Qusel.
• Changes in Vision: Blurred vision or difficulty focusing can occur.
• Dyspepsia: Indigestion or discomfort in the upper abdomen.

Less Common Side Effects

• Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS): These include symptoms like tremors, muscle stiffness, restlessness, and involuntary movements.
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): A rare but serious condition characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, confusion, and changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
• Seizures: Seizures can occur, albeit rarely, particularly at higher doses.
• Blood Disorders: Rare cases of decreased white blood cell count (agranulocytosis) have been reported.

Qusel is one of the leading brands of Quetiapine, manufactured and marketed by Hilton Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Presently, Qusel is available in Tablets Form with the following strengths.

Qusel Tablets : 25mg, 100mg, 150mg, and 200mg strengths.

1.  Alcohol: Increases the sedative effects of Qusel, leading to enhanced drowsiness and impairment.
2. Benzodiazepines: Such as lorazepam or diazepam, can intensify sedation and respiratory depression when combined with Qusel.
3. Antihistamines: Medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can increase the risk of anticholinergic side effects (dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision) when combined with Qusel.
4. QT Prolonging Agents: Certain medications (e.g., certain antibiotics, antifungals, antidepressants) can prolong the QT interval in the heart. When combined with Qusel, it might increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
5. Dopamine Agonists/Antagonists: Drugs affecting dopamine levels, like levodopa (used in Parkinson’s disease), might have altered effects when combined with Qusel.
6. Inhibitors: Drugs inhibiting the CYP3A4 enzyme (e.g., ketoconazole, fluoxetine) can increase Qusel levels in the body, potentially leading to higher concentrations and increased side effects.
7. Inducers: Enzyme inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine) can decrease Qusel levels, reducing its effectiveness.
8. Blood Pressure Medications: Qusel might lower blood pressure. Combining it with other medications for hypertension could result in additive effects, leading to hypotension.
9. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Potential additive effects on serotonin levels might increase the risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with Qusel.
10. Protease Inhibitors: Some HIV medications can interact with Qusel, affecting its metabolism and leading to altered blood levels.