What Is Bipolar Depression?

Bipolar Depression Facts

Most people with bipolar disorder when ill or when symptomatic experience more depressive moods (lows) than elevated moods (highs)
Bipolar depression can make you lose interest in your favorite things and activities. Learn more about bipolar depression symptoms

In a national survey, approximately 7 out of 10 people with bipolar disorder had been misdiagnosed—most frequently with major depressive disorder.

Bipolar Depression or Major Depressive Disorder?

The differences between depressive symptoms caused by bipolar disorder and those caused by major depressive disorder (sometimes called "major depression") can be subtle and easy to miss. To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder you must have experienced a high period (mania or hypomania). A manic episode can be the defining criterion that separates a diagnosis of major depressive disorder from bipolar depression. To learn about manic symptoms, click here. That's why it's so important to be familiar with those differences and to have a trusting and open relationship with your health care professional so that you can discuss them. Get more insights on bipolar disorder diagnosis.

Be sure to talk to your health care professional about all the symptoms you are experiencing, including any manic episodes. Health care professionals are trained to recognize the differences between these often-similar disorders, but their ability to do so relies in part on good information and history from you. Use the questions to ask your doctor at your next appointment. Keep accurate records and notes so that you can have a productive conversation with your health care professional. Consider a Mood Tracking Diary to help you keep track of your symptoms.

SEROQUEL XR is not approved to treat major depressive disorder. SEROQUEL XR is a once-daily tablet approved to treat acute depressive episodes in bipolar disorder; acute manic or mixed episodes in bipolar disorder alone or when added to lithium or divalproex; long-term maintenance of bipolar disorder when added to lithium or divalproex; and schizophrenia.

Learn about the symptoms of bipolar disorder, including bipolar depression.

The information on this Web site should not take the place of talking with your doctor or health care professional. If you have any questions about your condition, or if you would like more information about SEROQUEL XR, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Only you and your health care professional can decide if SEROQUEL XR is right for you.

Important Safety Information and Indications for SEROQUEL XR

Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis (having lost touch with reality due to confusion and memory loss) treated with this type of medicine are at an increased risk of death, compared to placebo (sugar pill). SEROQUEL XR is not approved for treating these patients.

Antidepressants have increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults. Patients of all ages starting treatment should be watched closely for worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, unusual changes in behavior, agitation, and irritability. Families and caregivers should watch patients daily and report these symptoms immediately to the physician. SEROQUEL XR is not approved for patients under the age of 18 years.

High blood sugar and diabetes have been reported with SEROQUEL XR and medicines like it. If you have diabetes or risk factors such as obesity or a family history of diabetes, ask your doctor about checking your blood sugar before starting SEROQUEL XR and regularly throughout treatment. If you develop symptoms of high blood sugar or diabetes, such as excessive thirst or hunger, increased urination, or weakness, contact your doctor. Complications from diabetes can be serious and even life threatening.
Increases in cholesterol and triglycerides, and weight gain have been reported with SEROQUEL XR
A rare, but potentially fatal, side effect reported with SEROQUEL XR and medicines like it is neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Tell your doctor if you have very high fever; rigid muscles; shaking; confusion; sweating; changes in pulse, heart rate, or blood pressure; or muscle pain and weakness because treatment should be stopped if you have NMS
Another serious side effect reported with SEROQUEL XR and medicines like it is tardive dyskinesia(TD)—uncontrollable movements of the face, tongue, or other parts of the body. TD may become permanent, and the risk of TD is believed to increase as the length of time on and the amount of these medications increase. While TD can develop in patients taking low doses for short periods, this is much less common. There is no known treatment for TD, but it may go away partially or completely if treatment is stopped
Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you have high prolactin levels or have a history of, or are at risk for, seizures or a low white blood cell (WBC) count. An eye exam for cataracts is recommended at the beginning of treatment and every 6 months thereafter
During treatment, tell your doctor if you feel dizzy or lightheaded upon standing, or if you have trouble swallowing
Suicidal thoughts or actions may occur; tell your doctor if you have thoughts about death or suicide
Since drowsiness has been reported with SEROQUEL XR, you should not participate in activities such as driving or operating machinery until you know that you can do so safely. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking SEROQUEL XR because SEROQUEL XR increases the effects of alcohol. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated while taking SEROQUEL XR
Common side effects: The most common side effects are drowsiness, dry mouth, increases in cholesterol and triglycerides, constipation, upset stomach, dizziness, a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, weight gain, increased hunger, tiredness, increases in blood sugar, difficulty speaking, and stuffy nose

This is not a complete summary of safety information. Please discuss the full Prescribing Information with your health care provider.

Indications

SEROQUEL XR is a once-daily tablet approved to treat acute depressive episodes in bipolar disorder; acute manic or mixed episodes in bipolar disorder alone or when added to lithium or divalproex; and long-term maintenance of bipolar disorder when added to lithium or divalproex.

Click here to see Prescribing Information for SEROQUEL XR, including Boxed Warnings.

Please see the last page of the Prescribing Information for the Medication Guide.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

SEROQUEL XR is a registered trademark and Thinking Forward is a trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies.