Seroquel, known generically as quetiapine or quetiapine fumarate, was introduced in the late 1950s as a treatment for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. It was approved for treating schizophrenia in the 1970s, bipolar disorder in 1992, and major depressive disorder in 2002. The main side effects of this drug are insomnia, nausea, and irritability.
Seroquel's main mechanism of action is to prevent certain serotonin reuptake and inhibit the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin plays a crucial role in regulating mood, behavior, and sleep. Serotonin is a chemical messenger in the brain that is expressed at various stages of life, and it is associated with many symptoms of mental illness.
Seroquel has been shown to cause some side effects, including agitation, anxiety, and irritability. People with bipolar disorder are more likely to have these symptoms compared to those without psychiatric conditions. People with depression or anxiety disorder are more likely to have these symptoms compared to people without these conditions.
The drug is known to affect the way your body processes serotonin, which is the chemical messenger that helps with the production of serotonin. When you take Seroquel, it is believed to affect the way the body processes serotonin and is believed to reduce mood and anxiety.
Seroquel, also known as quetiapine, was approved by the FDA in 1997 as a first-line treatment for treating depression. Seroquel is a type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which has been shown to be effective in the treatment of depression. Seroquel works by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain, which helps regulate mood and anxiety.
The most commonly reported side effects of Seroquel include dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and constipation. People who are using Seroquel should discuss any side effects with their healthcare provider before taking Seroquel. In rare cases, it can also cause a severe allergic reaction, which can lead to a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis.
Seroquel is a well-known medication that has been associated with several serious side effects. One of the more concerning side effects of Seroquel is its ability to cause severe drowsiness. This side effect is more commonly reported when people with depression have reported drowsiness.
Seroquel can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. People with depression may be more susceptible to these side effects. People taking Seroquel should also discuss any side effects with their healthcare provider before taking Seroquel.
Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmDLast updated on March 26, 2025
Drug Information| | |
Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug primarily used to treat schizophrenia, a psychiatric condition that involves the symptoms of schizophrenia. It is commonly prescribed for the treatment of bipolar disorder and the maintenance of bipolar disorder. Seroquel is also used to treat insomnia and to treat depression.
Quetiapine is classified as a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, which treats a variety of bacterial infections. It is also used to treat certain infections, such as certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, and cervicitis.
Quetiapine is not recommended for use in patients with severe renal failure or those having a kidney or liver transplant. It is also not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic failure or those with severe renal failure.
Quetiapine is typically taken orally as a tablet, with or without food, as directed by a healthcare provider.
The duration of treatment with quetiapine varies; some patients may be maintained on quetiapine for up to 4 weeks while the disorder progresses, depending on how the patient responds to the medication.
The most common side effects of quetiapine include drowsiness, weight gain, feeling or being unable to swallow, dry mouth, fatigue, constipation, dry mouth, stomach pain, stomach cramps, drowsiness, stomach pain, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, weight gain, abnormal ejaculation, sexual problems, and difficulty achieving an erection.
thieves and damages the lives of anyone. If you suffer from certain medical conditions, including asthma, allergies, you should seek medical help immediately.
Quetiapine may decrease your blood pressure, which may decrease your ability to have or gain weight. Also, quetiapine may decrease the white blood cell (eosinophils) count, which may increase the incidence of serious allergic reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face and throat.
Quetiapine is available in the form of extended-release tablets, which are available in the form of orofacialase myself or as an extra-strength treatment pack. Extended-release tablets may be prescribed for patients with a history of tendonitis or inflammation of the tendons.
Discuss any alternative therapies with your healthcare provider to explore treatment options for your condition.
Quetiapine is not recommended for use in pregnant or breast-feeding women.
Quetiapine should not be used in children or adolescents under the age of 18 years.
Quetiapine is not recommended for use in urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis.
Quetiapine is not approved for use in women. However, your doctor may prescribe an alternative medication if you have a history of allergy to quetiapine or any other medications.
Quetiapine is not approved for use in children.
Quetiapine is not approved for use in pregnant or breast-feeding women.
The safety and effectiveness of quetiapine in children under the age of 18 years has not been studied.
Quetiapine, commonly sold under the brand name Seroquel, is a type of prescription medication called an antipsychotic drug. These medications often treat conditions that can cause psychosis or losing touch with reality, but they also help with different kinds of depression and anxiety—especially when first-line treatments aren’t enough.
There are two types of antipsychotic drugs. “Typical” antipsychotics refer to the first generation of these drugs, which were developed in the 1950s. “Atypical” antipsychotics, which were introduced in the 1990s, are considered second-generation drugs. They are just as effective as typical antipsychotics but are much less likely to cause complications such as movement and motor control problems.
Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic. It changes how certain chemicals (dopamine and serotonin) work in the brain.
Dopamine is a “chemical messenger” (neurotransmitter) that delivers instructions to nerve cells in the brain. It helps control mood, pleasure, motivation, memory, attention, and other functions. Serotonin is also a chemical messenger. It’s sometimes called the feel-good chemical because it helps regulate your mood and sense of well-being.
In people with depression or psychosis, dopamine and serotonin signals don’t work properly. Quetiapine works by blocking these abnormal signals.
How it worksIt also helps improve tremors, hallucinations, and delusions in people with schizophrenia. (Dopamine and serotonin are important hormones for mood.)
In people with psychosis, quetiapine can block serotonin signals. But it can also increase dopamine and serotonin signals. This may cause psychosis in people with bipolar disorder or psychosis in schizophrenia. In people with schizophrenia, quetiapine can block serotonin signals.
If you have a history of psychiatric conditions such as bipolar disorder or psychosis, Quetiapine may be prescribed for other uses. For example, it may be used to treat depression.
However, Quetiapine isn’t considered safe in people with diabetes. It can interact with other medications and cause side effects. Because it can interact with other medications, your doctor may prescribe a different medication for someone else. Quetiapine is only approved to be used with a doctor’s prescription.
Before starting Quetiapine, discuss your medical history with your doctor. Your doctor will determine the best course of treatment for you. Quetiapine may cause side effects. Some of these side effects include:
If you experience any of these side effects, talk to your doctor immediately. If you have an antipsychotic that affects serotonin release, discuss with your doctor how your treatment may affect your treatment.
Quetiapine can cause something called serotonin syndrome. This is a serious condition that can affect your brain. You’re born with a gene that can create serotonin. Other common side effects of Quetiapine may include:
Serotonin syndrome can happen because a baby’s immune system changes. Some people in this condition have low serotonin levels. If left untreated, serotonin syndrome can cause dangerous brain problems. Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose of Quetiapine and gradually increase your dose.
If you’re interested in learning more about Quetiapine, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can advise you about the best course of treatment for you.
Show or avoid QuetiapineQuetiapine may cause side effects in some people.
A recent study of patients receiving quetiapine (Seroquel) for major depressive disorder has shown the use of quetiapine in patients on long-term therapy (LTC). The study,Drug Safety(2014), reported the use of quetiapine in patients with MDD in an attempt to reduce the dose of LTC and to increase its effectiveness in preventing worsening of the condition.
In the study, quetiapine was used at the dose of 0.05 mg/day for 12 weeks in patients who had not responded to other therapy. The study also showed that quetiapine was effective in preventing worsening of the condition. This study concluded that the use of quetiapine is safe and effective in reducing the dose of LTC.
Quetiapine was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2004 for the treatment of MDD in adults. In December 2005, quetiapine was approved by the FDA for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar mania in adults and children. Quetiapine was also approved for the treatment of insomnia in patients with schizophrenia in the past year.
In June 2010, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a prescription medication known as quetiapine hydrochloride for the treatment of depression in adults. The medication was approved for the treatment of depression in adults in May of 2011. In February 2013, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a prescription medication known as quetiapine hydrochloride for the treatment of depressive episodes in adults. In March 2013, the FDA approved a prescription medication known as quetiapine hydrochloride for the treatment of anxiety and/or depression in adults. In April 2013, the FDA approved a prescription medication known as quetiapine hydrochloride for the treatment of insomnia in adults. In June 2013, the FDA approved a prescription medication known as quetiapine hydrochloride for the treatment of anxiety and/or depression in adults.
The study showed that quetiapine is not only effective in the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults and children, but it is also associated with a reduced risk of major depressive disorder in the general population. Additionally, quetiapine is associated with a reduced risk of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) when used as monotherapy or in combination with other medications, which was not seen in the other trials of quetiapine. The findings from the study support the use of quetiapine in patients on long-term LTC.
A study conducted in the US in February 2013 showed that quetiapine in combination with a metformin for the treatment of depression in adults was associated with a reduced risk of major depressive disorder in the general population. Quetiapine is a drug that belongs to the quetiapine class of antidepressants and is used as a treatment for depression in adults and children. In the study, quetiapine was used as monotherapy in patients who were treated with quetiapine alone. In a study of patients who had not responded to other therapy, quetiapine was used as monotherapy in a dose of 1 mg/day and it was associated with a reduced risk of major depressive disorder.
The use of quetiapine in the treatment of patients with depression in adults has shown that it is not only effective in the treatment of MDD in adults, but it is also associated with a reduced risk of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) when used as monotherapy or in combination with other medications, which was not seen in the other trials of quetiapine.
References1. U. S. Food and Drug Administration, October 2004, FDA. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/Drugs_Publications.htm. Accessed September 20, 2015; and2. A. D. Lee, A. C. Lee, and D. J. Lee, “A study of the use of quetiapine in patients with major depressive disorder.”2014, 14(6): 607-616.
Food and Drug Administration, May 2012, FDA. Available at: http://www.fda.
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