Seroquel 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).
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 Seroquel 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.