Key takeaways:
Seroquel (quetiapine) is an atypical antipsychotic. It treats conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Seroquel dosage depends on the condition being treated, as well as your age and other medical conditions. Generally, you’ll start with a low dose that’s slowly raised over several days.
Seroquel and Seroquel XR are both available as lower-cost generics. GoodRx can help you save over 90% off the average retail price at certain pharmacies.
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Seroquel (quetiapine) is an atypical antipsychotic medication. It’s FDA approved to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Your healthcare provider can help determine the safest and most effective Seroquel dose for your needs. But it’s good to have an idea of what to expect. Here, we’ll cover common Seroquel dosages for adults.
What dosage forms does Seroquel come in?
Seroquel comes as a tablet in two different forms: immediate release (IR) and extended release (ER).
Immediate-release tablets
The IR form of Seroquel doesn’t last for a long time in the body. That’s why it’s usually taken twice daily with or without food.
IR Seroquel comes in the following tablet forms:
25 mg
50 mg
100 mg
150 mg
200 mg
300 mg
400 mg
Extended-release tablets
The ER version is called Seroquel XR. You may see the generic as quetiapine ER (ER and XR mean the same thing). Since it’s ER, it lasts in the body longer than the IR version. So it’s usually only taken once a day.
Seroquel XR comes in the following tablet forms:
50 mg
150 mg
200 mg
300 mg
400 mg
You should swallow Seroquel XR tablets whole. They shouldn’t be cut, chewed, or crushed. You should also take Seroquel XR on an empty stomach or with a light meal of about 300 calories or less.
What’s the typical Seroquel dosage for adults?
The typical dose of Seroquel or Seroquel XR for adults depends on why you’re taking it.
Schizophrenia
In adults, dosing for schizophrenia will vary based on which form of Seroquel you’re taking. The recommended adult dose of Seroquel is 150 mg to 750 mg per day for schizophrenia. For Seroquel XR, the recommended dose is 400 mg to 800 mg per day for schizophrenia.
The following schedule is recommended when starting the medication:
Dosing Schedule | Seroquel | Seroquel XR |
Day 1 | 25 mg by mouth twice daily | 300 mg once daily |
Days 2-4 | Add another 25 mg-50 mg 2 or 3 times daily, on days 2 and 3; the goal is to be taking 300 mg-400 mg total per day by day 4 | No recommendation |
Recommended dose | 150 mg-750 mg total per day, divided into two or three doses | 400 mg-800 mg once daily |
Raising the dose | You can raise the dose by 25 mg-50 mg twice a day; you should wait at least 2 days before each raise in dose | You can raise the dose by up to 300 mg daily as needed |
Maximum dose | 750 mg per day | 800 mg per day |
Bipolar disorder: Manic episodes
The adult dose of Seroquel and Seroquel XR for manic episodes associated with bipolar 1 disorder is 400 mg to 800 mg per day. It can be taken on its own or in combination with lithium (Lithobid) or divalproex (Depakote).
Seroquel XR can also be used for bipolar episodes with mixed symptoms (both mania and depression). The dosing for manic episodes is followed in this case.
The following schedule is recommended when starting the medication:
Dosing Schedule | Seroquel | Seroquel XR |
Day 1 | 100 mg divided into two doses* | 300 mg once daily |
Day 2 | 200 mg divided into two doses* | 600 mg once daily |
Day 3 | 300 mg divided into two doses* | No recommendation |
Day 4 | 400 mg divided into two doses* | No recommendation |
Recommended dose | 400 mg-800 mg total per day, in divided doses* | 400 mg-800 mg once daily |
Raising the dose | You can raise the dose by up to 200 mg per day | No recommendation |
Maximum dose | 800 mg per day | 800 mg per day |
*Seroquel doses do not need to be divided evenly. They can also be divided into three doses per day instead of two, if needed.
Bipolar disorder: Depressive episodes
The adult dose of both Seroquel and Seroquel XR is 300 mg per day taken at bedtime for depressive episodes of bipolar disorder.
The following schedule is recommended when starting the medication:
Dosing Schedule | Seroquel and Seroquel XR |
Day 1 | 50 mg once daily |
Day 2 | 100 mg once daily |
Day 3 | 200 mg once daily |
Day 4 | 300 mg once daily |
Recommended dose | 300 mg per day |
Maximum dose | 300 mg per day |
Major depressive disorder
You can take Seroquel XR in addition to antidepressants as a treatment for depression. It’s not approved on its own for this condition. The recommended adult dose is 150 mg to 300 mg at bedtime for major depressive disorder.
The following schedule is recommended when starting the medication:
Dosing Schedule | Seroquel XR |
Days 1 and 2 | 50 mg once daily |
Day 3 | 150 mg once daily |
Recommended dose | 150 mg-300 mg once daily |
Maximum dose | 300 mg daily |
Are there any dosage adjustments for medical conditions?
Your recommended Seroquel dose may be different if you have certain health conditions. Your healthcare provider will help determine if this applies to you.
Dosage for people with liver problems
Seroquel is broken down by the liver. If you have liver problems, this could lead to elevated Seroquel levels in the body.
Both Seroquel and Seroquel XR have dosage adjustments if you have liver problems.
Seroquel
People with liver problems taking Seroquel should start with a dose of 25 mg total per day. You can then raise the dose by 25 mg to 50 mg per day, depending on how you respond.
Seroquel XR
People with liver problems taking Seroquel XR should start with a dose of 50 mg by mouth once daily. You can raise the dose by 50 mg per day, depending on how you respond.
Dosage for people 65 and older
If you’re 65 or older, you may be more sensitive to Seroquel side effects, such as low blood pressure. It’s recommended that you start with 50 mg per day and increase your dose by another 50 mg each day until you reach your target dose. This applies to both Seroquel and Seroquel XR.
Dosage for people switching from immediate release to extended release
Sometimes you may need to switch from IR Seroquel to Seroquel XR. Generally, your total daily dose will stay the same. For example, if you’re taking Seroquel 200 mg twice daily, you would switch to Seroquel XR 400 mg once daily. Your healthcare provider will give you directions to follow if this change needs to be made.
What happens if you miss a dose of Seroquel?
If you miss a dose of Seroquel or Seroquel XR, take the dose as soon as you remember. But if it’s close to time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose at the regular time. Don’t take two doses at the same time.
If you miss more than one dose of Seroquel, contact your healthcare provider. They can advise you on how to get back on track with your doses.
What should you do if you take too much Seroquel?
Sometimes you might accidentally take an extra dose of Seroquel. One extra dose usually doesn’t cause serious problems. You might notice worse side effects, like drowsiness or headaches.
But taking large amounts can have serious side effects. A Seroquel overdose can cause rapid heart beat and slowed breathing, and may require emergency care. If you or a loved one takes more Seroquel than prescribed, call 911 immediately. You can also call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
How to save on Seroquel
There are many ways to save on Seroquel and Seroquel XR, which are both available as brand-name and generic medications.
Save with GoodRx. GoodRx can help you save over 95% off the average retail price of the generic version. Generic quetiapine’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $9.00 with a free GoodRx discount. And quetiapine ER’s price at some pharmacies is as low as $16.31.
Save with a copay savings card. If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $3 for brand-name Seroquel XR using a savings card from the manufacturer.
Save with patient assistance programs. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for a patient assistance program, which offers both brand-name and generic Seroquel XR free of cost.
The bottom line
Seroquel is an atypical antipsychotic medication. IR Seroquel is usually taken twice a day. Seroquel XR is usually taken once daily. Your dose of Seroquel depends on what condition is being treated, your age, and your other medical conditions. Your healthcare provider will help determine the best Seroquel dosage for you.
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References
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. (2022). Seroquel XR [package insert].
RemedyRepack Inc. (2022). Quetiapine [package insert].
