This article describes quetiapine oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for quetiapine. If you want to know more about quetiapine oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Quetiapine oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Seroquel. Quetiapine also comes in an extended-release* oral tablet, but that form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about that form, talk with your doctor.
* “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
Boxed warnings
This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the end of this article.
Form and strengths of quetiapine
Quetiapine oral tablet comes as follows:
- Form: oral tablet, which you’ll take by swallowing
- Strengths: 25 milligrams (mg), 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg
Dosage of quetiapine
This article describes the recommended dosages for quetiapine oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of quetiapine oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of quetiapine in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of quetiapine oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of quetiapine oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.
Dosage for bipolar disorder and other conditions
The following table shows the recommended dosages of quetiapine oral tablet for adults in milligrams (mg).
| Condition | Starting dosage | Recommended dosage | Maximum dosage |
| schizophrenia | 25 mg twice per day | Two options: • for short-term treatment: 150–750 mg divided into 2 or 3 doses per day • for long-term treatment: 400–800 mg divided into 2 or 3 doses per day | Two options: • for short-term treatment: 750 mg divided into 2 or 3 doses per day • for long-term treatment: 800 mg divided into 2 or 3 doses per day |
| bipolar I disorder | 100 mg twice per day | 400–800 mg divided into 2 doses per day | 800 mg divided into 2 doses per day |
| mania related to bipolar I disorder | 100 mg twice per day | 400–800 mg divided into 2 doses per day | 800 mg divided into 2 doses per day |
| depression related to bipolar I or bipolar II disorder | 50 mg once per day at bedtime | 300 mg once per day at bedtime | 300 mg once per day at bedtime |
Dosages of quetiapine in children
The following table shows the recommended dosages for children in milligrams (mg).
| Condition | Starting dosage | Recommended dosage | Maximum dosage |
| schizophrenia in children ages 13 years and older | 25 mg twice per day | 400–800 mg divided into 2 or 3 doses per day | 800 mg divided into 2 or 3 doses per day |
| mania related to bipolar I disorder in children ages 10 years and older | 25 mg twice per day | 400–600 mg divided into 2 or 3 doses per day | 600 mg divided into 2 or 3 doses per day |
Dosage adjustments for quetiapine
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of quetiapine oral tablet based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
- other medications you may take
Missed dose of quetiapine
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of quetiapine oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of quetiapine oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about quetiapine oral tablet and its dosage.
Can quetiapine be prescribed for sleep or anxiety? If so, what is the dosage?
Possibly, but quetiapine oral tablet is not approved for these uses.
Quetiapine is approved to treat certain mental health conditions in adults and some children. These include:
- schizophrenia
- bipolar I disorder
- manic episodes of bipolar I disorder
- depressive episodes of bipolar I or bipolar II disorder
However, doctors may prescribe quetiapine off-label for sleep or anxiety. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.
If you have questions about taking quetiapine for sleep or anxiety, talk with your doctor. They can give you more information about the dosage for these uses.
What is considered a high dose of quetiapine?
It depends. What is considered a high dose of quetiapine oral tablet may vary from person to person. For example, this could refer to a dose at the higher end of a recommended range or one that exceeds the maximum dosage.
The maximum dosage of quetiapine varies from 300–800 milligrams (mg) per day depending on the condition that’s being treated. The starting dosage and recommended dosages of quetiapine also vary.
For more information on the recommended dosages of quetiapine, see the “Dosage of quetiapine” section above. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is quetiapine taken long term?
Yes, it’s taken long term for certain conditions.
Quetiapine oral tablet is usually recommended for short-term treatment of manic or depressive episodes of bipolar disorder. If the drug works well for this use, your doctor will likely recommend you continue taking the drug long term to treat bipolar I disorder.
Doctors typically prescribe quetiapine oral tablet as a long-term treatment for schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for either condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take quetiapine oral tablet, talk with your doctor.
How quetiapine is taken
You’ll swallow quetiapine oral tablet one to three times per day, depending on the condition that’s being treated.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
The drugmaker doesn’t specify whether you can split, crush, or chew quetiapine tablets. If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Quetiapine coupon
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for quetiapine when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
