Seroquel XR, Seroquel

Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Purva Singla, PharmD
Updated on June 26, 2023

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved quetiapine to treat:

• bipolar disorder
• depression
• schizophrenia

These approved uses differ based on the form of quetiapine your doctor prescribes.

This article describes quetiapine’s uses, side effects, and more. You’ll also find some coupon options to help save on the cost of quetiapine.

This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of quetiapine. To find coupons for quetiapine extended-release oral tablet, see this article.

Boxed warnings

Quetiapine has boxed warnings, which are the most serious warnings from the FDA. These include:

• risk of death in certain older adults
• risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in people ages 24 years or younger

For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for quetiapine” section.

Quetiapine may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of quetiapine and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about quetiapine’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for quetiapine listed in the “Article resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of quetiapine are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of quetiapine you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about quetiapine’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for quetiapine listed in the “Article resources” section.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Quetiapine extended-release oral tablet and quetiapine oral tablet’s mild side effects include:

• constipation
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• sleepiness
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for quetiapine” section.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of quetiapine are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of quetiapine you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about quetiapine’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for quetiapine listed in the “Article resources” section.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, quetiapine’s serious side effects include:

• cataracts
• problems thinking
• difficulty completing tasks
• discontinuation syndrome (side effects that happen when you stop taking a drug, especially when you stop it suddenly)*
• high blood pressure†
• high prolactin hormone levels
• low thyroid hormone levels
• increased body temperature
• increased risk of falls
• increased risk of stroke in older adults with dementia
• low white blood cell counts
• metabolic changes, such as changes in blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight
• neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a rare reaction to antipsychotic drugs that can be life threatening)
• orthostatic hypotension (sudden drop in blood pressure when you change positions, which can cause fainting)
• prolonged QT interval (changes in the heart’s electrical signals)
• seizures
• tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements of the face and body that you can’t control)
• difficulty swallowing
• boxed warning: increased risk of death in certain older adults*
• boxed warning: suicidal thoughts or actions in people ages 24 years or younger†
• severe allergic reaction‡

* For details about this side effect, see the “Common questions about quetiapine” section.”
† In studies, this side effect was seen in children ages 10–17 years.
‡ For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for quetiapine” section.

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about quetiapine.

Can quetiapine be prescribed for sleep?

Possibly. Quetiapine isn’t approved for treating sleep problems. But it can cause sleepiness as a side effect. So it may be prescribed to someone who needs an atypical antipsychotic drug and also has difficulty sleeping. But this drug is not usually prescribed for sleep problems.

For more information about taking quetiapine for sleep, talk with your doctor.

What is quetiapine’s mechanism of action? How does the drug work?

Quetiapine’s mechanism of action (how it works) isn’t fully understood. It likely works by balancing the brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Dopamine and serotonin are the neurotransmitters that quetiapine could affect.

Quetiapine and other drugs for mental health conditions may relieve some symptoms soon after you start taking them. In general, it can take 6–8 weeks to see the full effect of the drug.

If you’d like to know more about how quetiapine works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Are brand names available for quetiapine?

Yes, Seroquel is the brand-name version of quetiapine oral tablet. The extended-release oral tablet is available as the brand-name drug Seroquel XR.

A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is an ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs. And they’re thought to be as safe and effective as the brand-name versions.

To learn more about brand-name products, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is withdrawal possible with quetiapine?

Yes, suddenly stopping quetiapine can cause withdrawal symptoms. This is called discontinuation syndrome. Symptoms can include:

• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• irritability
• nausea and vomiting
• sleep problems

Be sure to talk with your doctor before stopping treatment with quetiapine. If they recommend you should stop taking the drug, your doctor may slowly taper your dose over time. This can help prevent withdrawal symptoms.

If you have more questions about the withdrawal symptoms with quetiapine, talk with your doctor.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as quetiapine for certain conditions. Approved uses for quetiapine are described below. These uses differ based on the form of quetiapine prescribed.

Use for certain mental health conditions

Doctors may prescribe quetiapine oral tablet and extended-release oral tablet for treating the following conditions:

• bipolar disorder in children ages 10–17 years and adults
• schizophrenia in children ages 13–17 years and adults

Doctors may also prescribe quetiapine extended-release oral tablet for depression in adults. For depression, doctors prescribe it along with antidepressant drugs.

Quetiapine is usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.

With bipolar disorder, people have episodes of mania and depression. Mania episodes are times of extremely high energy or impulsiveness. Depression episodes are times of emotional lows. Either can interfere with daily life.

With schizophrenia, people may experience difficulties understanding what’s real. Common symptoms include:

• delusions (false beliefs about reality)
• disordered thinking
• hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)

With depression, people have changes in the way they think, feel, or act. Common symptoms include:

• feelings of hopelessness, sadness, or worthlessness
• increased sleeping or other sleep problems
• lack of energy or appetite
• loss of interest in activities

Below, you’ll find information about quetiapine’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of quetiapine

Certain things may affect how the drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take quetiapine, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for quetiapine” section below.

Warnings for quetiapine

Some people should not take quetiapine, and others should take it cautiously.

Boxed warnings

Quetiapine has boxed warnings about the increased risks of death in certain older adults and suicidal thoughts or actions in people ages 24 years or younger. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

To learn more about these warnings, read below. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Risk of death in certain older adults. Older adults with dementia-related psychosis are more likely to have an increased risk of death with quetiapine. (Psychosis is a group of symptoms that alters the perception of reality.) Due to this risk, quetiapine isn’t approved to treat older adults with dementia-related psychosis.

To learn more about using quetiapine in older adults, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in people ages 24 years or younger. People ages 24 years or younger have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. They’re more likely to think about or attempt suicide.

Due to this risk, quetiapine isn’t approved for use in children younger than 10 years of age. In teenagers and young adults, doctors monitor them closely for new or worsening symptoms. Symptoms may include changes in behavior, thoughts of suicide, or new or worsening depression.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend stopping quetiapine.

Suicide prevention

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

• Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
• Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
• Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Other warnings

Quetiapine could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether quetiapine is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of quetiapine you take.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for quetiapine, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Quetiapine can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to quetiapine or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe quetiapine. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to quetiapine, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of quetiapine

If you take quetiapine by mouth, you should not take more quetiapine than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much quetiapine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and quetiapine

Information about quetiapine and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Quetiapine and pregnancy

There are risks to taking quetiapine during pregnancy. But there are also risks with having untreated mental health conditions while pregnant. (Keep in mind that quetiapine is prescribed for treating certain mental health conditions.)

If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about mental health treatment options during pregnancy. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether you should take quetiapine during pregnancy.

Your doctor may also talk with you about the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics. It’s a registry that monitors atypical antipsychotic use during pregnancy. You can sign up by calling 866-961-2388 or visiting this website.

Quetiapine and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether quetiapine should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

This article describes quetiapine’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about quetiapine or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• How does quetiapine compare with other drugs that treat my condition?
• What drug interactions should I avoid when taking quetiapine?
• What should I do if I miss a dose of quetiapine?
• What are my options if I am unable to afford my medication?

• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
• Quetiapine fumarate tablet, extended release. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/7803a290-91c0-4e7f-90b5-d2ff33a46cee/spl-doc
• Quetiapine fumarate tablet, film coated. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/d73655d3-4b3f-40b4-92cb-053ad4f21a92/spl-doc

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.