Seroquel Withdrawal

Although patients are not likely to abuse Seroquel, withdrawal symptoms are possible as the brain adjusts to a reduction in the medication. Symptoms can include nausea and vomiting, insomnia, and symptoms of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. To prevent Seroquel withdrawal symptoms from occurring, your healthcare provider may gradually wean you off the drug, even if switching to a different medication.

 

Seroquel Withdrawal: An Introduction

Seroquel® (quetiapine fumarate) is a prescription medication approved to treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. As with most medications for mental illnesses, stopping Seroquel is not recommended without your healthcare provider's approval. Although the drug is not addicting and is not likely to be abused, the brain may need time to adjust to a decrease in levels.
 

Symptoms of Seroquel Withdrawal

Seroquel withdrawal symptoms can include, but are not limited to:
 
These withdrawal symptoms may not improve with time, as they may be symptoms of the underlying disorder (schizophrenia or bipolar disorder).
 

Limiting Symptoms of Seroquel Withdrawal

Your healthcare provider may decide to wean you off the drug slowly to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms, although this may not be necessary in all situations. Even if you are switching to another bipolar disorder or schizophrenia medication, your healthcare provider may still recommend stopping Seroquel slowly. Do not stop taking the drug without discussing it with your healthcare provider. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you notice any bothersome symptoms after stopping it.
 
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;