What Is Quetiapine (Seroquel) Used For?

Author:

Emma Loker

B.S

Editor:

Ashley Pena

LCSW

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

Let’s dive in.

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 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 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 if you want to. However, if you stop taking your Seroquel all of a sudden, you may experience somatic Quetiapine withdrawal symptoms such as:

Nausea and vomiting
Agitation and restlessness
Irritability and anxiety
Excessive sweating
Sleep disturbance and insomnia
Dizziness
High blood pressure and increased heart rate⁶

Everyone’s experience of reducing or stopping their antipsychotic use will be different. However, if you’re wondering how to taper off Seroquel, there is some rough guidance you can follow:

It’s recommended that you slowly reduce your usage before stopping completely, so that there is a much smaller disparity between your last dose and no dose. Reduce gradually, leaving time between dose changes. If your medication is in liquid form, or you have access to tablet cutters, these may help you achieve those smaller doses.

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 support from your doctor or 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.

Quetiapine FAQs

What Should I Avoid While Taking Quetiapine?

Your doctor will need to know if you have diabetes, a history of cardiac arrhythmia, or low blood levels of magnesium and potassium. You should speak to them about any medications you’re currently taking to check compatibility with Quetiapine; they will be particularly cautious with those that affect your heart rhythm.¹

Be aware, also, that you must avoid drinking grapefruit juice when taking Quetiapine as it can exacerbate the risk of its side effects.¹⁰

Can I Take Quetiapine While Pregnant or Breastfeeding?

Quetiapine isn’t recommended for use while breastfeeding, and serious consideration should be given to risk vs benefits if you are pregnant. Your doctor may still prescribe you Quetiapine as untreated bipolar and schizophrenia carries risks for both pregnant women and their infants.¹

Is Quetiapine a Sleeping Pill?

Though Quetiapine is sometimes prescribed off-label in smaller doses to treat insomnia, it is not classed as a sleeping pill. If you are seeking treatment for poor sleep, your doctor is more likely to prescribe you other sleep-helping drugs first.

Does Seroquel Calm Anxiety?

Quetiapine is sometimes prescribed off-label for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) due to its sedative effects. However, there is a wide range of other medications available for treating anxiety. Other options may have more preferable side effects, but you should speak to your doctor about Quetiapine and anxiety, and your symptoms, as your personal health and circumstances are likely to impact the option that’s best for you.

Why Do People Take Seroquel at Night?

Since sedation and drowsiness are common side effects of Quetiapine, some patients may prefer to take their prescriptions in the evenings. This might help them avoid feeling drowsy during the day and fall asleep more easily at night.

Find Out More About Quetiapine Today

You’ll find that at Mission Connection, we work closely with you and your family to ensure your antipsychotic prescription is best fitted to your unique needs and monitor your experience for the best results. We treat people with schizophrenia, bipolar, depression, and psychosis. Medication aside, we also offer a range of talking therapies, including:

Online talk therapy
In-person cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused therapy, exposure therapy, mindfulness therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and many more approaches.
A hybrid approach, combining in-person and online outpatient treatment

Call us today to schedule your personalized consultation and start the journey to getting support straight away.

References

Maan, J. S., & Saadabadi, A. (2023). Quetiapine. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459145/
Lin, C.-Y., Chiang, C.-H., Tseng, M.-C. M., Tam, K.-W., & Loh, E.-W. (2023). Effects of quetiapine on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 67(67), 22–36. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36463762/
NHS. (2022, July 8). Common questions about quetiapine. Nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/quetiapine/common-questions-about-quetiapine/
Brecher, M., Leong, R. W., Stening, G., Osterling-Koskinen, L., & Jones, A. M. (2007). Quetiapine and long-term weight change: a comprehensive data review of patients with schizophrenia. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 68(4), 597–603. ‌https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17474816/
Naghibi, S. M., Hosseini, S. H., & Asheghhosseini, M. (2025). Quetiapine and hypersexuality. Shiraz E-Medical Journal, 26(3), e145935. https://brieflands.com/articles/semj-145935.pdf
Monahan, K., Cuzens-Sutton, J., Siskind, D., & Kisely, S. (2020). Quetiapine withdrawal: A systematic review. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 55(8), 772–783. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33059460/
Shoja Shafti, S., & Kaviani, H. (2015). Quetiapine Versus Aripiprazole in the management of schizophrenia. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, 5(3), 166–171. ‌https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4502587/
Tao, H., Wang, J., Shen, D., Sun, F., & Jin, W. (2022). Is aripiprazole similar to quetiapine for treatment of bipolar depression? Results from meta-analysis of Chinese data. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13. ‌https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9500216/
Gettu, N., & Saadabadi, A. (2023). Aripiprazole. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547739/
Bailey, D. G., Dresser, G., & Arnold, J. M. (2013). Grapefruit–medication interactions: Forbidden fruit or avoidable consequences? CMAJ, 185(4), 309–316. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3589309/