QUETIAPINE FUMARATE FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA AND BIPOLAR DISORDER IN YOUNG PATIENTS

During the post decode, there has been a substantial increase in the prescribing of antipsychotics to young patients for a variety of pediatric psychiatric disorders. Quetiapine (Seroquel (R)) received its initial indication from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of schizophrenia in 1997 and it received its second indication for the treatment of mania-associated bipolar disorder in 2004. Currently, in young patients, authorized quetiapine indications are schizophrenia in individuals aged 13 or older and manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in children 10 to 17 years old. Quetiopine has different pharmacological actions and acts as an antagonist for following receptors: D-2 receptor, serotonin 5-HT2A also known as alpha(1)-adrenoceptor; histamine 1 receptor and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. Several studies have shown its favorable profile of effectiveness and tolerability in young bipolar and schizophrenic patients. However, the current data make it very clear that the risks and benefits of this drug need to be weighed individually for each patient.