Seroquel Uses

The uses of Seroquel are primarily concerned with the treatment of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It's important to note, however, that the drug is only used to manage the symptoms associated with these conditions and is not a cure. Off-label Seroquel uses include the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder and behavior problems associated with dementia in the elderly.

Uses of Seroquel: An Overview

Seroquel® (quetiapine fumarate) is a prescription medicine known as an "atypical antipsychotic" that has been licensed to treat the following conditions:
 
 

Seroquel Uses for Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is one of the most confusing and disabling mental illnesses. The term refers to a group of mental disorders that involve abnormal thinking. Although the causes of schizophrenia are not fully understood, it is currently thought that genetics and environmental factors play an important role. Depending on the type of schizophrenia (see Types of Schizophrenia), symptoms may include the following:
 
  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions
  • Thought disorders
  • Disorders of movement
  • Flat affect (immobile facial expression, monotonous voice)
  • Lack of pleasure in everyday life
  • A diminished ability to initiate and sustain planned activity
  • Speaking infrequently, even when forced to interact
  • Poor executive functioning (the ability to absorb and interpret information and make decisions based on that information)
  • An inability to stay focused
  • Problems with working memory (the ability to keep recently learned information in mind and use it right away).
     
Although psychotherapy may be helpful for schizophrenia (see Psychosocial Therapy for Schizophrenics), medication is often essential in schizophrenia treatment. Seroquel can help improve the symptoms of schizophrenia. It also helps to prevent schizophrenia relapses (worsening of schizophrenia); however, the medication is not a cure for schizophrenia.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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