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Seroquel XR

Generic name: quetiapinekwe-TYE-a-peen ]
Brand names: Seroquel, Seroquel XR
Drug class: Atypical antipsychotics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 17, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Seroquel XR?

Seroquel XR is used to treat schizophrenia in adults and children who are at least 13 years old.

Seroquel XR is used alone or in combination with divalproex or lithium to treat manic episodes in adults with bipolar disorder.

Seroquel XR is also used to treat depressive episodes in adults with bipolar disorder.

Seroquel XR is also used alone to treat manic episodes in children at least 10 years old with bipolar disorder.

Seroquel XR extended release is used in combination with antidepressant medications to treat major depressive disorder in adults.

Seroquel XR may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Seroquel XR side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

High doses or long-term use of quetiapine can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use Seroquel XR, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are a woman or an older adult.

Tell your doctor right away if you have new or sudden changes in mood or behavior, including new or worse depression or anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, more active or talkative, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Seroquel XR may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of Seroquel XR may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

People with depression or mental illness may have thoughts about suicide. Some young people may have increased suicidal thoughts when first starting Seroquel XR. Tell your doctor right away if you have any sudden changes in mood or behavior, or thoughts about suicide.

Seroquel XR may increase the risk of death in older adults with mental health problems related to dementia.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Seroquel XR if you are allergic to it.

People with depression or mental illness may have thoughts about suicide. Some young people may have increased suicidal thoughts when first starting a medicine to treat depression. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your family or caregivers should also watch for sudden changes in your behavior.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

Seroquel XR may increase the risk of death in older adults with mental health problems related to dementia.

Taking antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause serious problems in the newborn. Tell your doctor right away if you get pregnant. Do not stop the medicine without your doctor's advice.

It may be harder for you to get pregnant while you are using Seroquel XR.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of quetiapine on the baby.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

How should I take Seroquel XR?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take Seroquel XR with or without food, but take it the same way each time.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Your blood may need to be checked on a regular basis, and you may need other medical tests.

Your blood pressure may need to be checked often.

Do not stop using Seroquel XR suddenly, your condition may get worse, or you could have unpleasant symptoms (such as trouble sleeping, nausea and vomiting). Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.

This medicine may cause false results on a drug-screening urine test. Tell the laboratory staff that you use Seroquel XR.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Seroquel XR?

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Seroquel XR will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather, or by not drinking enough fluids. Drink plenty of liquids while you are receiving Seroquel XR.

What other drugs will affect Seroquel XR?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Seroquel XR can cause a serious heart problem. Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines for infections, asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect Seroquel XR. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Popular FAQ

Seroquel (quetiapine) has been used at low doses to help with sleep, but studies are lacking and serious side effects can occur. Many doctors do not recommend Seroquel as a sleep aid in the general population, or may only prescribe it for people with certain mental health mood or psychosis disorders. Continue reading

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.