last update: November 14, 2025
Seroquel (generic name: quetiapine fumarate) is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat serious mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is available as immediate-release (IR) tablets taken two to three times daily and extended-release (XR) tablets taken once daily, often in the evening. Quetiapine works by acting on several neurotransmitter systems in the brain, chiefly serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (D2) receptors, to help stabilize mood, improve thought processes, and reduce distressing symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, agitation, and severe mood swings.
Clinically, Seroquel is valued for its relatively low propensity to cause movement disorders compared with some older antipsychotics, and for its efficacy across multiple symptom clusters (positive, negative, and mood symptoms). Its antihistaminic and alpha-adrenergic effects contribute to sedation and blood pressure changes, which can be helpful at times (for example, promoting sleep in acute agitation) but also necessitate careful monitoring.
Quetiapine is considered a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic with a receptor profile that includes antagonism at serotonin 5-HT2A and dopamine D2 receptors, as well as histamine H1 and adrenergic alpha-1/alpha-2 receptors. Its active metabolite, norquetiapine, additionally exhibits norepinephrine reuptake inhibition and partial agonism at 5-HT1A receptors. These combined actions are thought to:
This multi-receptor activity underpins Seroquel’s versatility across schizophrenia, bipolar mania, and bipolar depression, and its approved use of the XR formulation as adjunctive therapy in major depressive disorder (MDD) in some regions.
Important limitation: Seroquel is not approved for treating dementia-related psychosis and carries a boxed warning for increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. Use in that population should be avoided unless a specialist determines a compelling indication and carefully assesses risks versus benefits.
Use Seroquel as directed by your doctor. Do not change your dose or stop taking it without medical guidance. Consistency is key to achieving symptom control and preventing relapse.
If you have any questions about timing, food interactions, or what to do if you miss multiple doses, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Doses vary widely based on diagnosis, age, other medications, and individual response. Your prescriber will tailor a schedule for you. Examples below are common adult starting and target ranges; always follow your clinician’s instructions.
Hepatic impairment: Lower starting doses and slower titration are recommended. Renal impairment generally does not require adjustment, but clinical judgment prevails.
Store Seroquel at 77°F (25°C). Brief storage between 59 and 86°F (15–30°C) is permitted. Keep tablets in a dry place away from excess heat and light. Do not store in bathrooms. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Safely discard expired or unused medication per your pharmacy’s guidance or local take-back programs.
Inform your prescriber about all medical conditions before starting Seroquel, especially if you have:
Quetiapine is extensively metabolized by CYP3A4 in the liver. Many interactions stem from inhibition or induction of this enzyme or from additive CNS or cardiovascular effects.
Always provide your healthcare team with a current list of prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements before starting, stopping, or changing any drug.
Many people tolerate Seroquel well, and some side effects lessen over time. Still, knowing what to expect helps you respond appropriately.
Report side effects to your prescriber. If you experience emergency symptoms (for example, difficulty breathing, chest pain, signs of stroke), call emergency services immediately.
Because quetiapine can affect metabolism, blood pressure, and other systems, routine monitoring supports safe, effective treatment.
If significant weight gain or metabolic changes occur, clinicians may adjust the dose, address lifestyle factors, add treatments to manage metabolic parameters, or consider an alternative medication.
Do not stop Seroquel abruptly unless instructed by a clinician. A gradual taper helps reduce the risk of rebound insomnia, nausea, anxiety, irritability, and return of psychosis or mood symptoms. When switching to or from another antipsychotic or mood stabilizer, prescribers may cross-taper and monitor closely for symptom breakthrough, side effects, and interactions. Never adjust your medication plan on your own—coordination with your healthcare team is essential.
Overdose may cause profound drowsiness, low blood pressure, fast heartbeat, QT prolongation, and in severe cases, coma. If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical care immediately and bring the medication bottle for identification.
Quetiapine is sometimes misused for its sedative effects. Misuse increases the risk of dangerous interactions (for example, with opioids or alcohol), accidents, and medical complications. Always use Seroquel exactly as prescribed.
Quetiapine is available as brand-name Seroquel and as generics, which can reduce cost. Prices vary widely among pharmacies and regions. Cost-saving options may include:
In the United States and many other countries, quetiapine is a prescription-only medication. Only purchase from licensed pharmacies that require a valid prescription. Be cautious of websites that advertise prescription drugs without a prescription; such practices are unsafe and often illegal. Your healthcare team can help you find reputable, affordable options to fill your prescription.
Because interactions can be complex and highly individualized, never start or stop medications, including over-the-counter products and supplements, without checking with your clinician or pharmacist.
Response patterns vary. Some people notice improvement in sleep and agitation within days, while core psychotic or depressive symptoms may take 2 to 6 weeks to improve, with continued gains over several months. It is common to require dose adjustments to balance effectiveness and tolerability. Good communication with your prescriber helps tailor therapy and reduces the risk of relapse. If you do not feel better after an adequate trial, do not be discouraged—there are alternative dosing strategies and other evidence-based options to explore.
In the United States, Seroquel (quetiapine) is a prescription-only medication. Federal and state laws require a valid prescription from a licensed clinician to dispense Seroquel. Legitimate in-person and online pharmacies must verify a prescription before filling it. Purchasing quetiapine from sources that do not require a prescription is unsafe and often illegal.
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Petersburg offers a legal and structured solution for accessing Seroquel—by connecting patients with qualified healthcare professionals for proper evaluation, diagnosis, and, when clinically appropriate, issuance of a valid prescription that can be filled at a licensed pharmacy. This approach complies with U.S. regulations and prioritizes patient safety, appropriate monitoring, and continuity of care. If you are interested in treatment with Seroquel or alternatives, the HealthSouth team can guide you through a legitimate care pathway, including telehealth options where available, without bypassing necessary medical oversight.
Seroquel is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (mania, mixed episodes, and bipolar depression), and as an adjunct to antidepressants in major depressive disorder (XR formulation); it is not approved for dementia-related psychosis due to increased mortality risk.
It blocks dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2 receptors and has antihistamine and alpha-1 adrenergic effects; its active metabolite (norquetiapine) also affects norepinephrine reuptake, which may support antidepressant effects in bipolar depression and MDD augmentation.
Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, increased appetite, weight gain, orthostatic hypotension, and mild headache are common; some people experience elevated blood sugar or lipids.
Seek care for signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (fever, rigidity, confusion), severe orthostatic dizziness or fainting, uncontrolled movements (tardive dyskinesia), high blood sugar (excess thirst/urination), severe rash, seizures, or signs of stroke; young people may have increased suicidal thoughts.
Because it can be sedating, most take it in the evening; immediate-release can be taken with or without food, while XR is typically taken once daily, consistently with regard to meals; follow your prescriber’s timing and do not crush XR tablets.
Both contain quetiapine; Seroquel (IR) is usually taken 2–3 times daily with quicker peaks and more pronounced sedation, while Seroquel XR releases slowly for once-daily dosing and smoother blood levels that may reduce daytime sedation and peaks.
Sedation and anxiety relief can appear within hours to days; improvements in mania or agitation often emerge in 1–2 weeks; schizophrenia and depressive symptoms may continue to improve over 2–6 weeks or longer.
Yes; it can increase appetite, weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol; baseline and periodic checks of weight/BMI, waist circumference, fasting glucose/A1c, and lipids are recommended, along with diet, activity, and lifestyle support.
Sedation is common, especially at lower doses due to strong antihistamine effects; dose timing, formulation choice (XR vs IR), and gradual titration can help manage drowsiness.
It is sometimes prescribed off-label, but most guidelines discourage routine use for primary insomnia or mild anxiety due to risks like metabolic effects; consider safer, evidence-based options unless there is a clear psychiatric indication.
Avoid alcohol and grapefruit/grapefruit juice; be cautious with other sedatives, certain antibiotics/antifungals, and seizure or HIV medications that affect CYP3A4; do not combine with other QT-prolonging drugs without medical guidance.
Take it when remembered unless it’s close to the next dose; do not double up; if you miss several doses in a row, contact your prescriber as you may need to retitrate.
Abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms (insomnia, nausea, irritability, return of symptoms); taper under medical supervision to minimize risks.
It can be used, but sedation, falls, orthostatic hypotension, and metabolic effects are more likely; it carries an increased mortality risk in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use.
It is metabolized mainly by CYP3A4; strong inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir) can raise levels, while inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin) can lower levels; avoid grapefruit and review all medications with your clinician.
No; alcohol adds to sedation, slows reaction time, worsens orthostatic hypotension, and increases the risk of accidents and overdose-like effects.
It may be considered when benefits outweigh risks; third-trimester exposure can cause newborn adaptation symptoms (jitteriness, feeding or breathing issues); discuss family planning and perinatal monitoring with your obstetric and psychiatric teams.
Quetiapine passes into breast milk at low levels and is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but monitor the infant for excessive sleepiness, poor feeding, or developmental concerns and coordinate with pediatric and maternal care.
Do not stop abruptly; it is usually continued, but inform the surgical and anesthesia team because it can cause hypotension, sedation, and potential QT effects when combined with anesthetics or opioids.
Yes; it can impair alertness, reaction time, and coordination; avoid driving until you know how it affects you and after any dose changes.
Use with caution; lower starting doses and slower titration are recommended in hepatic impairment, with periodic liver function monitoring.
Quetiapine has a modest QT-prolongation potential; use caution and consider ECG monitoring if you have existing QT prolongation, electrolyte abnormalities, or take other QT-prolonging agents.
Sedation and orthostatic hypotension can intensify with cannabis, opioids, or benzodiazepines; stimulants may worsen agitation or psychosis; avoid mixing and seek medical advice.
Both are effective; risperidone may control positive symptoms at lower doses but more often increases prolactin and causes extrapyramidal symptoms, while Seroquel tends to be more sedating with lower prolactin effects but higher risk of weight gain; individual response and side effect priorities guide choice.
Olanzapine generally causes more weight gain and metabolic issues; Seroquel also causes weight gain but is usually more sedating and can cause orthostatic hypotension; efficacy for schizophrenia and mania is comparable, so metabolic risk and sedation often drive the decision.
Seroquel is more sedating; aripiprazole is less sedating but more likely to cause akathisia or activation; aripiprazole tends to be more weight-neutral, while Seroquel has higher metabolic risk.
Ziprasidone is relatively weight-neutral with a lower metabolic burden but has a higher risk of QT prolongation and must be taken with food for absorption; Seroquel is more sedating with higher metabolic risk but typically less QT effect.
Both treat bipolar depression; lurasidone has a favorable metabolic profile and needs food for reliable absorption, with akathisia more common; Seroquel is sedating and effective but has higher metabolic risk and orthostatic hypotension.
Clozapine is the gold standard for treatment-resistant schizophrenia and reduces suicide risk but requires blood monitoring due to agranulocytosis and has significant metabolic and other side effects; Seroquel is safer to manage but less effective in true treatment resistance.
Haloperidol is potent for acute agitation and positive symptoms but has higher rates of extrapyramidal symptoms and prolactin elevation; Seroquel has lower EPS/prolactin risk, more sedation, and greater metabolic impact.
Paliperidone often elevates prolactin and has long-acting injectable formulations that improve adherence; Seroquel is prolactin-sparing but only available orally and is more sedating with higher metabolic risk.
Cariprazine may be advantageous for negative symptoms and has a long half-life; it can cause akathisia and insomnia; Seroquel is more sedating and anxiolytic but less activating, with more metabolic effects.
IR allows flexible split dosing but causes peak-related sedation; XR offers once-daily dosing with smoother levels and may improve daytime function; selection depends on symptom timing, sedation tolerance, and adherence.
Both are approved as adjuncts to antidepressants; brexpiprazole often has less sedation and metabolic impact but more akathisia at higher doses; Seroquel XR can aid sleep and anxiety but carries higher sedation and metabolic risk.
Both are effective for schizophrenia and bipolar mania; asenapine is sublingual or transdermal, can cause oral numbness and has lower weight gain risk than many atypicals; Seroquel is oral, more sedating, and has higher metabolic risk but may be better for patients needing nighttime sedation.