Quetiapine (Seroquel) is an atypical antipsychotic that's used to improve mood, thoughts, and behaviors for people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The extended-release form of quetiapine (Seroquel) can also be used to treat depression when combined with another antidepressant. While quetiapine (Seroquel) works well, it has many risks and side effects, so it's not the best choice for everyone. Make sure your provider knows about all of your medical conditions and medications you're taking before starting quetiapine (Seroquel) to make sure it's as safe for you as possible.
Schizophrenia in adults and children age 13 years and older
Bipolar disorder in adults and children age 10 years and older
Add-on to antidepressants for depression (extended-release only)
Quetiapine (Seroquel) is an atypical antipsychotic. It's not completely known how quetiapine (Seroquel) works, but it's thought to work by balancing out the levels of chemicals (dopamine and serotonin) in your brain to help control your thoughts, mood, and behaviors.
Source:Â DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Chills
cold sweats
confusion
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
Less common
Black, tarry stools
blurred vision
changes in patterns and rhythms of speech
inability to move the eyes
inability to sit still
increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid
lip smacking or puckering
loss of balance control
mask-like face
muscle aches
need to keep moving
painful or difficult urination
puffing of the cheeks
rapid or worm-like movements of the tongue
restlessness
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
shuffling walk
slowed movements
slurred speech
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
sticking out of the tongue
stiffness of the arms or legs
sweating
swelling of the face, arms, hands, feet, or lower legs
swollen glands
trembling and shaking of the hands and fingers
trouble with breathing, speaking, or swallowing
uncontrolled chewing movements
uncontrolled movements of the arms and legs
uncontrolled twisting movements of the neck, trunk, arms, or legs
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual facial expressions
unusual tiredness or weakness
Rare
Dry, puffy skin
fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
loss of appetite
menstrual changes
unusual secretion of milk (in females)
Incidence not known
Aching or discomfort in the lower legs or sensation of crawling in the legs
agitation
bed-wetting
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
bluish lips or skin
chest discomfort
dark urine
decreased awareness or responsiveness
decreased urine output
difficulty breathing
difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
difficulty swallowing
dizziness
faintness
general feeling of tiredness or weakness
headache
hoarseness
increased thirst
indigestion
irritability
joint or muscle pain
light-colored stools
loss of consciousness
lower back or side pain
muscle cramps, spasms, stiffness, or twitching
painful or prolonged erection of the penis
pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
red, irritated eyes
seizures
severe constipation
severe sleepiness
severe vomiting
stomach pain, continuing
tightness in the chest
tingling of the hands or feet
unusual bleeding or bruising unusual drowsiness, dullness, or feeling of sluggishness
unusual weight gain or loss
upper right abdominal pain
vomiting
yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Abnormal vision
belching
decreased appetite
decreased strength and energy
increased appetite
increased muscle tone
increased sweating
indigestion
stomach discomfort or upset
stuffy or runny nose
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Might notice an improvement in your symptoms in as early as a week of starting quetiapine (Seroquel)
Taken by mouth
Extended-release quetiapine (Seroquel) can help treat depression (adults only)
Available as a lower-cost generic
Available in both short-acting and long-acting forms
Can cause weight gain and can raise your blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels
Must be avoided in older adults who have dementia-related psychosis
Can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in people who are age 24 or younger
Need to take immediate-release tablets 2 to 3 times a day
Make sure to mark your appointments to see your provider or get blood tests done in your calendar so you don't miss any appointments. This is to make sure quetiapine (Seroquel) is working as well and as safe for you as possible.
Don't crush or chew the immediate-release or extended-release tablets. If you're having trouble swallowing the tablets, contact your provider because you might need to be switched to another medication.
The immediate-release tablets can be taken with or without food. If it's hurting your stomach, try taking it with food to help. The extended-release tablets should be taken on an empty stomach or with a light meal (about 300 calories).
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking quetiapine (Seroquel) because it can raise the levels of quetiapine (Seroquel) in your body, which can cause side effects.
Avoid alcohol while taking quetiapine (Seroquel) because it can worsen side effects (e.g., drowsiness, dizziness), worsen your schizophrenic or bipolar disorder symptoms, and lower how well quetiapine (Seroquel) works for you.
Quetiapine (Seroquel) can interact with a lot of commonly used medications. For example, quetiapine (Seroquel) can change your blood pressure, so you might need to adjust the dose of blood pressure medications if you're taking any. Taking quetiapine (Seroquel) with anticholinergic medications can lead to stomach-related side effects, such as constipation. Make sure to tell your provider and pharmacist about all of the medications you're taking before starting quetiapine (Seroquel).
Don't change your dose or suddenly stop taking quetiapine (Seroquel) without talking to your provider first. Doing so can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. If you're interested in stopping the medication, contact your provider. They'll give you specific instructions on how to lower your dose slowly over a period of time before completely stopping the medication.
Quetiapine (Seroquel) can raise your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, ask your provider if you need to check your blood sugar more often while taking quetiapine (Seroquel). Quetiapine (Seroquel) can raise cholesterol (fat) levels in your blood and can cause weight gain. It's important that you eat a healthy and balanced diet low in fat and sugar and maintain a regular exercise routine while taking quetiapine (Seroquel).
Quetiapine (Seroquel) can cause a drop in blood pressure when moving positions, such as from sitting to standing. This is more common when starting treatment and when your dose changes. Make sure to get up slowly and try to hold onto something for stability. If you end up falling or hitting your head, seek medical help right away.
In contrast to adults, quetiapine (Seroquel) can raise blood pressure in children and teenagers. Contact your child's provider if your child experiences symptoms of high blood pressure, such as vision changes, confusion, headache, or weakness. Ask your child's provider if you need to monitor their blood pressure during treatment.
Although rare, quetiapine (Seroquel) can cause difficulty swallowing, which can raise the risk for choking. Make sure to take small bites of food and eat slowly to lower your risk for choking.
Quetiapine (Seroquel) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: Age 65 years and older with dementia and psychosis
People 65 years and older with dementia sometimes have symptoms of schizophrenia, like delusions and hallucinations (believing, seeing, or hearing things that aren't real). This is called dementia-related psychosis. Older people with dementia-related psychosis have a high risk of death if they take medications like quetiapine (Seroquel). Because of this risk, quetiapine (Seroquel) shouldn't be used in people 65 years and older with dementia-related psychosis. Let your provider know if you or your loved one has dementia before starting quetiapine (Seroquel).
Risk factors: Age younger than 24 years old | History of depression or other mental health conditions
Taking quetiapine (Seroquel) can make your depression worse and cause you to have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. The risk is highest if you're 24 years of age or younger, during the first few weeks of taking the medication, and when your dose changes. If you or anyone around you notice that you have suicidal thoughts or unusual behavior (e.g., anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, feeling angry or irritated, restlessness) while taking quetiapine (Seroquel), get medical help right away.
Taking antipsychotic medications like quetiapine (Seroquel) can cause a rare, but life-threatening condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Symptoms include fever, sweating, stiff muscles, confusion, not aware of your surroundings, and fast or irregular heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking quetiapine (Seroquel), get medication attention as soon as possible. You provider will likely have you stop taking quetiapine (Seroquel) and switch you to something else.
Risk factors: Diabetes | High cholesterol | Obesity
Quetiapine (Seroquel) can raise your blood sugar and cholesterol levels as well as raise your appetite, all of which can lead to weight gain. Your provider will likely order blood tests regularly throughout treatment with quetiapine (Seroquel) to make sure your blood sugar and cholesterol aren't too high. Make sure to have a healthy and balanced diet low in fat and sugar and maintain a regular exercise routine while taking quetiapine (Seroquel).
Taking antipsychotic medications like quetiapine (Seroquel) can cause uncontrolled body movements, such as eye-twitching or lip-smacking. This is more likely to happen the longer you take medications like quetiapine (Seroquel). This can become permanent if it's not caught in time. If you experience any uncontrolled movements and aren't able to stop them, talk to your provider right away.
Risk factors: Low blood pressure | Taking medications that lowers blood pressure | History of medical conditions that can lower blood pressure
Quetiapine (Seroquel) can make you tired, lower your blood pressure, or lose your balance, which can lead to falls. When standing from a sitting or lying position, make sure to get up slowly and hold onto something. If you experience a fall while taking quetiapine (Seroquel), contact your provider.
Sometimes, quetiapine (Seroquel) can also cause high blood pressure in children or teens. Because of this, your provider will check your blood pressure before you start quetiapine (Seroquel) and regularly throughout treatment.
Risk factors: History of low blood cell counts
Though rare, quetiapine (Seroquel) can lower your white blood cell counts (WBCs) and put you at risk for developing infections. You'll need to get blood tests done regularly during the first few months of taking quetiapine (Seroquel) so your provider can make sure your WBCs are in a safe range. If your WBC count drops too low, you'll likely need to stop taking quetiapine (Seroquel). If you develop any signs of infection, such as fever, tiredness, chills, cough, or trouble breathing, and they don't go away, contact your provider right away.
Risk factors: Low blood potassium or magnesium levels | History of heart problems, slow heart rate, or other abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) | Older age | Personal or family history of long QT syndrome | Taking other medications that cause QT prolongation
Quetiapine (Seroquel) can affect your heart rhythm, which can be serious and life-threatening. One example includes affecting the time it takes for your heart to pump and then relax. This is known as QT prolongation. Your risk for QT prolongation is higher if you have certain factors, including abnormal electrolyte levels, heart rhythm problems, or are taking other medications that cause heart rhythm problems, such as amiodarone (Pacerone), among others. If you feel your chest pounding, have shortness of breath or chest pain, or feel faint or lightheaded while taking quetiapine (Seroquel), call 911 right away.
Risk factors: History of seizures | Health conditions that make it easier to get seizures
Quetiapine (Seroquel) can potentially cause seizures. Before starting this medication, let your provider know if you have a history of seizures or have a medical condition that puts you at risk for getting seizures.
Although rare, quetiapine (Seroquel) can lower the amount of thyroid hormone your body makes and cause hypothyroidism. Because of this, your provider might order lab work to check your thyroid hormones regularly while you take this medication. If you get symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as tiredness, weight gain, and feeling cold, contact your provider right away.
Antipsychotics like quetiapine (Seroquel) can raise the levels of prolactin in your body. High prolactin can lead to fertility problems, enlarged male breasts, sexual dysfunction, absence or irregular menstrual periods, and weak bones. Your provider will likely measure your prolactin levels during treatment to make sure they aren't too high.
Risk factors: Taking high doses of quetiapine (Seroquel) | Age 65 years or older | Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications that can cause sleepiness
Quetiapine (Seroquel) can cause extreme sleepiness and lower your ability to think, react, and focus. Your risk is higher if you're also taking other medications that can cause drowsiness, such as benzodiazepines, anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, and sleep medications. Make sure you know how this medication affects you before driving a car or doing activities that require your concentration. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you feel too sleepy from taking quetiapine (Seroquel).
Generic quetiapine and Seroquel immediate-release tablets
Schizophrenia (adults and children): The typical starting dose is to take 25 mg by mouth twice daily. Your provider will raise your dose slowly over time. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 150 mg to 800 mg daily, divided into smaller doses and taken twice to three times throughout the day.
Bipolar I disorder (adults and children): The typical starting dose ranges from 25 mg to 50 mg by mouth twice daily, depending on age and whether or not you're taking other medications for bipolar disorder. Your provider will raise your dose slowly over time. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 400 mg to 800 mg daily, divided into smaller doses and taken twice to three times throughout the day.
Bipolar depression (adults only): The typical starting dose is 50 mg by mouth once daily at bedtime. The typical maintenance dose is 300 mg at bedtime.
Generic quetiapine extended-release and Seroquel extended-release tablets
Schizophrenia (children and adults): The typical starting dose is 50 mg to 300 mg by mouth once daily, depending on age. Your provider will raise your dose slowly over time. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 400 mg to 800 mg once daily.
Bipolar disorder (children and adults): The typical starting dose is 50 mg to 300 mg by mouth once daily, depending on age and whether or not you're taking other medications for bipolar disorder. Your provider will raise your dose slowly over time. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 400 mg to 800 mg once daily.
Bipolar depression and depression (adults only): The typical starting dose is 50 mg by mouth once daily. Your provider will raise your dose slowly over time. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 150 mg to 300 mg once daily.
Your dose of quetiapine (Seroquel) might be different if you're an older adult or if you've liver problems.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Schizophrenia in adults and children age 13 years and older
Bipolar disorder in adults and children age 10 years and older
Add-on to antidepressants for depression (extended-release only)
Schizophrenia - people ages 13 years and older
Manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder - people ages 10 years and older
Irritability associated with autism - children ages 5 to 17 years old
Tourette syndrome in children
Depression (add-on treatment)
Irritability associated with autistic disorder in children
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