Seroquel | quetiapine 

Medication Class: Atypical antipsychotic
Manufacturer: Astrazeneca
Approval date: September 1997

What is Seroquel and how does it work

Seroquel is an atypical antipsychotic that theoretically works by reducing the effect of neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin) in the brain by blocking their receptors. It also blocks the effect of histamine.

What does Seroquel treat

• Schizophrenia (adults and adolescents)
• Acute treatment of bipolar disorder (adults, children and adolescents)
• Depression associated with bipolar disorder (bipolar depression)
• Maintenance (long-term) treatment of bipolar disorder

How effective is Seroquel

• Seroquel 150 mg, 300 mg, 600 mg, or 750 mg daily were better than placebo in reducing symptoms of schizophrenia in adults after 6 weeks of treatment. The maximum effect was seen at 300 mg daily.
• Seroquel doses between 400 and 800 mg daily were more effective than placebo in treating manic episodes of bipolar disorder after 3 and 12 weeks of treatment.
• Seroquel 300 mg daily was more effective than placebo in reducing symptoms of depression associated with bipolar disorder after 8 weeks of treatment. Improvement was seen as early as the first week of treatment.
• Seroquel was more effective than placebo in reducing time to occurrence of bipolar symptoms in long term studies of patients stabilized on lithium or divalproex. Approximately 50% of patients receiving Seroquel discontinued treatment by day 280.

What are interesting facts about Seroquel

• It is used for adults and adolescents
• It is used for short and long-term treatment of bipolar disorder
• Has been used for over 14 years to treat psychiatric disorders

How is Seroquel dosed (dosage) and administered

Seroquel tablets are administered orally with or without food.

Schizophrenia (Adult): 150-750 mg daily administered in 2 or 3 divided doses

Schizophrenia (adolescents): 400-800 mg daily administered in 2 or 3 divided doses.

Bipolar mania (adults): 400-800 mg daily in 2 divided doses.

Bipolar Mania (children and adolescents): 400-600 mg daily n 2 or 3 divided doses.

Bipolar depression: 300 mg daily at bedtime.

Bipolar disorder long-term treatment: 400-800 mg daily in 2 divided doses.

What are the side effects of Seroquel

Common: drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, stuffy nose, weight gain, increased liver enzymes, stomach upset, fatigue, increased appetite, nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, low blood pressure when arising from a sitting or lying position, irritability, withdrawal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, insomnia), increased cholesterol, increased triglycerides.

Serious: increased blood glucose, diabetes, low blood pressure, fainting, neuroleptic, malignant syndrome, extrapyramidal symptoms, tardive dyskinesia (abnormal movement), low level of red and white blood cells, long and lasting painful erection, suicide, worsening depression, hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, seizure, severe low blood pressure, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), abnormal heart beats or rhythm.

Seroquel drug interactions

• Protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir)
• ketoconazole, Diflucan (fluconazole), Sporanox (itraconzaole)
• thioridazine
• rifampin
• phenytoin
• divalproex
• carbamezepine
• levodopa

What is the cost of Seroquel

Cost about $2 to $47 per tablet.

How to obtain prescription assistance for Seroquel

For prescription assistance for Seroquel visit Astrazeneca patient assistance program.

References: Seroquel FDA Prescribing Information and Medication Guide

Related Article: Seroquel XR medication monograph

This medication summary is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider.