Seroquel, also known by its generic name quetiapine, is an atypical antipsychotic medication that blocks dopaminergic transmissions, resulting in less overall excitement in the brain. It is a prescription-only medicine and cannot be obtained over the counter.

What Does Seroquel Treat?

Seroquel is used to treat symptoms associated with schizophrenia in adults and children who are aged 13 years or older. This drug may be used alone, or in conjunction with other medications to treat episodes of mania and depression experienced by adults with bipolar, as well as the manic phase of bipolar I in children aged 10 to 17. Seroquel may also be combined with antidepressant medication as a means of treating depression in adults. While this medication may help to control associated symptoms, it will not cure schizophrenia, bipolar, or depression.

Dosage Information

Considerations Before Use

Like many antipsychotic medications, this drug is not recommended by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use by older adults experiencing dementia, as it may increase the risk of death. This medication may increase this risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in children, teens, and young adults. Children who use this medication may experience an increase in blood pressure. Long term use of this medication may lead to serious and/or potentially fatal movement conditions such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia.

If you have a history of cataracts, high or low blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, high cholesterol, high prolactin levels, breast cancer, Parkinson's disease, thyroid problems, heart disease, low white blood cell count, liver disease, seizures, or kidney disease, you should talk to your doctor before you take this medication. Tell your doctor if you have ever had diabetes.

Seroquel may interact with other medications or supplements, including antidepressants, antifungal drugs, HIV medication, anti-anxiety medication, sleeping pills, steroids, medication for Parkinson’s disease, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and others. If you are taking other prescription drugs or supplements, you should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this drug. If you have ever experienced addiction to street drugs or a prescription medication, let your doctor know before you begin taking Seroquel. You should also mention any serious reactions you may have had to other similar medications.

Important Drug Information

This drug carries several important associated risk factors. If prescribed this medication, your doctor and pharmacist should deliver the following treatment information:

Possible Side Effects

If you experience serious or severe side effects after taking this medication, you should call your doctor immediately. Serious side effects may include:

Less serious side effects may include:

Withdrawal from Seroquel

See your doctor before reducing or discontinuing this medication; you should not stop taking it abruptly. You can reduce withdrawal symptoms by slowly tapering off of this medication. Possible symptoms of withdrawal include:

 References:

  1. Drugs.com. (2014). Seroquel. Retrieved from http://www.drugs.com/seroquel.html
  2. Medline Plus. (2014). Quetiapine. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a698019.html
  3. RxList. (2013). Seroquel. Retrieved from http://www.rxlist.com/seroquel-drug.htm
  4. United States Food and Drug Administration. (2013). Medication guide: Seroquel. Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/downloads/drugs/drugsafety/ucm089126.pdf

Page content reviewed by James Pendleton, ND.