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Quetiapine

Brand names: Seroquel, Seroquel XR

Quetiapine is an antipsychotic used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and, with an antidepressant, depression.

Brand namesSeroquel, Seroquel XR
Type of medicineAntipsychotic
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It works on dopamine and serotonin. It's sedating, but it's not recommended just for sleep.

What it's used for

  • Schizophrenia
  • Bipolar disorder (mania and depression)
  • Add-on treatment for depression (XR)

How to take it

  • Take it as prescribed; extended-release is usually taken in the evening without food or with a light meal.
  • Swallow extended-release tablets whole.
  • Stand up slowly. Don't stop suddenly.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Weight gain
  • Constipation
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.
Call 911High fever, stiff muscles, confusion, and sweating (rare reaction called NMS)
Call 911Fainting or a fast, irregular heartbeat
Call your provider todayUncontrolled movements of the face, tongue, or body
Call your provider todayExtreme thirst, peeing a lot, or very high blood sugar
Call your provider todayFever or sore throat (possible low white blood cells)

Warnings

  • Boxed warnings: higher risk of death in older adults with dementia, and suicidal thoughts in young people.
  • It can raise blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight; your provider will check these.
  • Don't drive until you know how it affects you.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Alcohol and sedating medicines add to drowsiness.
  • Ketoconazole, some HIV medicines, and grapefruit raise its level; phenytoin and carbamazepine lower it.
  • Other medicines that affect heart rhythm add to that risk.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider about benefits and risks. Don't stop on your own.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.