Seroquel

Seroquel is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is used for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. While it cannot cure these conditions, the medication is generally successful in helping to manage symptoms. Seroquel comes in tablet form and is believed to block or lessen the effect of certain chemicals in the brain. Possible side effects include dry mouth, headaches, and dizziness.

 

What Is Seroquel?

Seroquel® (quetiapine fumarate) is a prescription medication that is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
 
(Click Seroquel Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses for the drug.)
 

Who Makes Seroquel?

The drug is manufactured by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.
  

How Does It Work?

Seroquel belongs to a group of medications called atypical (or second-generation) antipsychotic medications. It is not entirely known how Seroquel works in the treatment of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. However, it is known that the medication blocks or lessens the effects of several chemicals in the brain. These chemicals (such as dopamine and serotonin) may be elevated in people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression).
 
This medication is not a cure for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. It only helps to control symptoms (see Symptoms of Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder Symptoms).
 

Effectiveness

In previous clinical studies of Seroquel for the treatment of schizophrenia, people taking the drug experienced improvement in their schizophrenia symptoms (including hallucinations and suspiciousness) when compared to those not taking the drug.
 
Previous clinical studies have also shown it to be effective in the treatment of bipolar disorder. In these studies, the drug was effective for treating episodes of mania or depression and also helped prevent symptoms of bipolar disorder from returning. For bipolar depression episodes, Seroquel reduced suicidal thinking and improved the overall quality of life. For bipolar mania episodes, it helped to decrease the manic symptoms.
 

When and How to Take Seroquel

General considerations for when and how to take the medication include the following:
 
  • Seroquel comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth one to three times a day. If you are taking the medication once a day, it is usually best to take it at bedtime.
     
  • You can take the medication with or without food. If it bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • It should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain even levels in your blood.
     
  • For the drug to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
 

Dosing Information

The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • The severity of your condition
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Seroquel Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects include, but are not limited to:
 
(Click Seroquel Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
You can also read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
 
 

Drug Interactions With Seroquel

Seroquel can potentially interact with a number of other medicines (see Seroquel Drug Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
 
In addition, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Seroquel Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much of the medication may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Low blood potassium (hypokalemia)
  • Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • Coma
  • Loss of life.
     
If you happen to overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Seroquel Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Seroquel Be Stored?

Seroquel should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The tablets should be stored in an airtight container.
 
Keep this medication and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Seroquel as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Strengths

Seroquel tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Seroquel 25 mg
  • Seroquel 50 mg
  • Seroquel 100 mg
  • Seroquel 200 mg
  • Seroquel 300 mg
  • Seroquel 400 mg.
 

Alternatives to Seroquel

Several alternatives to this drug are available for the treatment of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Other atypical antipsychotic medications for treating these conditions include:
 
Older, "typical" antipsychotics are also approved to treat schizophrenia. Haloperidol (Haldol®) and thioridazine (Mellaril®) are examples of typical antipsychotics.
 
Mood stabilizer bipolar medications (which are alternatives to Seroquel for treating bipolar disorder) can include:
 
Not all of the medications listed above are approved to treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. However, they are commonly used "off-label" for the treatment of these conditions.
 
(Click Seroquel Alternatives for more information, including non-medication alternatives to Seroquel.)
 

Generic Seroquel

There is currently no generic Seroquel licensed for sale (see Generic Seroquel).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;