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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.
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.)
The drug is manufactured by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.
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).
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.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD