Quetiapine is an antipsychotic forming part of the class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics. This group of antipsychotics primarily works by reducing the effects of naturally occurring substances in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin.
Quetiapine is prescribed for psychosis due to schizophrenia or severe depression, for mania, restlessness and sometimes also for compulsive disorder (OCD).
Quetiapine and the benefit of DNA analysis
The rate at which quetiapine is processed within your body varies from one individual to another. This means that the efficacy and side effects of quetiapine can be predicted to some extent on the basis of your genes. This is called pharmacogenetics.
Preventive DNA analysis can therefore be an important tool in optimising your medication.
Quetiapine and the enzyme CYP3A4
Quetiapin is processed to a large extent by the enzyme CYP3A4. The activity of this enzyme can vary considerably depending on your genetic predisposition, which means the efficacy of quetiapine can also differ from person to person. Information about your genetic predisposition may therefore provide grounds for extra vigilance in relation to a treatment with quetiapine.
Read more about CYP3A4 enzyme »
Also known as
Seroquel