What Is Quetiapine (Seroquel) Used For?

If you’re considering starting a prescription of quetiapine (brand name Seroquel), you might have a lot of questions about this potential treatment.

Starting any new medication can cause uncertainty, as there are likely to be both positive and negative changes. Even though medication for psychiatric conditions can be life-changing, it’s not always an easy journey. Side effects, dosage changes, alternative options, and eventually coming off medication (if you choose to) can all pose challenges.

If you want to know more about this medication, this page will explain:

• The conditions quetiapine is used to treat.
• How quetiapine works in the body.
• Common and rare side effects, and how these can be managed.
• How you might experience withdrawing from quetiapine, and how to do so safely.
• Alternatives to quetiapine.
• Some frequently asked questions about quetiapine.

What Is Quetiapine Used For?

Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic (AAP) medication that is FDA approved to treat patients with schizophrenia and acute manic episodes, as well as those with major depressive disorder in conjunction with antidepressants.

Quetiapine is sometimes used off-label to treat insomnia, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and psychosis in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Plus, it’s used as an adjunctive treatment (meaning, alongside other medications) for borderline personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and to reduce aggression in those with psychiatric illnesses.

The dose for using Seroquel for bipolar depression ranges from 200 mg to 800 mg daily, but it will depend on the patient’s age and the doctor’s discretion. The dose range when using Seroquel for schizophrenia is similar, with research finding 150 mg to 750 mg to be effective.^[1]

Quetiapine for Sleep

Though quetiapine is not FDA approved as a sleep aid, it can be used as one. Research has found a low dose of between 50 mg and 150 mg to be an effective sleep-helping prescription, increasing total sleep time and quality in patients.^[2]

If you’re thinking about quetiapine for sleep, be aware your doctor might opt for a medication specifically designed for insomnia, as it may come with a less risky profile of side effects.

How Does Quetiapine Help?

Quetiapine works similarly to other AAPs in the way that it blocks neurotransmitter receptors in the brain (D1 and D2 for dopamine and 5-HT2 for serotonin). Quetiapine also impacts histamine and adrenergic receptors in your brain, which is why it can cause sedation and low blood pressure.

If you’re wondering “How long does Seroquel take to work?”, remember that it’s different for everyone. In general, you might feel an effect 1 to 2 hours after taking your first dose, but that doesn’t equate to feeling better immediately.^[1]

It might take several days or weeks for you to feel an improvement in your symptoms and see signs Seroquel is working.^[3] Signs that your quetiapine is working effectively include improved mood and sleep, clearer thinking, and reduced anxiety.

Seroquel Side Effects

There are a few side effects to expect when starting a prescription of quetiapine. The most common side effects of quetiapine include dizziness, drowsiness, and light-headedness when standing up or sitting down. Additionally, you may experience:

• Weight gain.
• Increased heart rate (tachycardia).
• Dry mouth.
• Shortness of breath.
• Cough, nasal congestion, and rhinitis.
• Constipation and abdominal pain.
• Lethargy.
• Tardive dyskinesia.

Patients being treated for major depressive disorder should be aware that, for them, quetiapine also carries the risk of increasing suicidal thoughts and behavior. Always speak to your doctor if your symptoms are getting worse, or you’re worried.^[1]

Seroquel and Weight Gain

Unfortunately, long-term use of quetiapine is associated with moderate weight gain, with most of this occurring during the first 12 weeks of treatment.^[4] This is similar to all atypical antipsychotics, though aripiprazole carries the least risk of this.

To manage the effect on your appetite and body weight, you should be mindful of your diet and exercise regime once starting your prescription. Ensure you are eating a balanced diet and not significantly increasing your portion sizes from what they were before.

Seroquel and Blood Sugar

Quetiapine can raise blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) and also cholesterol levels (hyperlipidemia). Your doctor should be monitoring your blood levels and weight, especially if your family has a history of diabetes or you already have the condition.^[1]

Quetiapine and Hypersexuality

On one hand, all AAPs can cause sexual dysfunction due to increasing levels of prolactin, sedative effects, and blocking the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. There are some cases of AAPs being used to treat hypersexuality in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

However, the way in which quetiapine may affect your sexual life is not totally clear. There are limited reports of increased sexual drive from AAPs and it could be that activating serotonin receptors can both inhibit and enhance sexual behavior.

Ultimately, if you experience sexual dysfunction when taking your quetiapine prescription, you should speak to your doctor. However, when comparing different AAPs, research finds quetiapine to cause the lowest frequency of sexual dysfunction.^[5]

Severe Side Effects of Quetiapine

If a patient is taking quetiapine for dementia-related psychosis and is elderly, there is an increased risk of death. Quetiapine also carries the risk of causing NMS, a rare but life-threatening condition, though quetiapine is the least likely to cause this out of all the atypical antipsychotics.^[1]

Understandably, reading about severe side effects can be worrying. However, these are rare. Your doctor should be monitoring your symptoms and intervene if there are any troubling signs.

Stopping Seroquel Safely

You have the right to stop taking your medication. However, it is strongly advised that you follow discontinuation instructions from your prescribing doctor. If you stop taking your Seroquel all of a sudden, you may experience somatic quetiapine withdrawal symptoms such as:^[6]

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Agitation and restlessness.
• Irritability and anxiety.
• Excessive sweating.
• Sleep disturbance and insomnia.
• Dizziness.
• High blood pressure and increased heart rate.

Everyone’s experience of reducing or stopping their antipsychotic use will be different. However, your doctor will most likely provide you with a tapering schedule and recommend that you slowly reduce your usage before stopping completely.

If you’re having a hard time withdrawing from Seroquel, listen to your body. It may be that you have to return to your previous dose for longer. Make sure you reach out for advice from your doctor and support from friends and family during the process.

Alternatives to Quetiapine

You might benefit from being on a different medication for your condition. Some people wonder about Seroquel vs Abilify:

• Both are atypical antipsychotics.
• When compared with Seroquel (quetiapine), Abilify (aripiprazole) has been found to have a similar effectiveness for treating patients with schizophrenia and bipolar depression.^[7][8]
• Compared with other atypical antipsychotics, aripiprazole carries less risk of weight gain, extrapyramidal symptoms, and metabolic syndromes, which some patients may feel more comfortable with.^[9]

When considering your medication options, it’s best to speak with your doctor. Your personal health and circumstances may mean one is a better option than others.

Experience Comprehensive Mental Health Treatment With Mission Connection

If you’re currently taking Seroquel or another antipsychotic medication or have questions about whether one might be right for you, support is available.

At Mission Connection, our team of licensed mental health professionals goes beyond traditional treatment and provides life-changing care.

We create a structured care plan for every patient that consists of evidence-based therapies and services alongside medication management.

We offer several options for effective outpatient treatment, including in-person programs at our locations in California, Virginia, and Washington, virtual telehealth, and a hybrid program that combines in-person and virtual care.

Mission Connection is Joint Commission-accredited. We also accept most major insurance providers, so that your recovery is not hindered due to financial issues.

Reach out to us online or call us at 866-833-1822 to find out how we can support your long-term recovery. Our compassionate team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide guidance with no obligation.

Quetiapine FAQs