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Can you overdose on Seroquel?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on July 8, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Yes, it is possible to overdose on Seroquel (quetiapine). How much Seroquel you need to take to overdose is different from person to person. Do not take more Seroquel than what has been prescribed to you. Taking too much Seroquel can lead to life-threatening side effects, such as slowed breathing, seizures, coma, abnormal heart rhythm, and death.

What is the maximum dosage of Seroquel?

The maximum dose of Seroquel a person can take may depend on the reason for taking the medication, age, other medications, and other health conditions (e.g., liver disease). It also depends on the formulation of Seroquel. The maximum dosages listed below are a general guideline provided by the manufacturer, and the dosage that is safe for you may be different.

Seroquel

  • Schizophrenia in adults: 750 mg/day
  • Schizophrenia in adolescents ages 13-17: 800 mg/day
  • Bipolar I mania in adults: 800 mg/day
  • Bipolar I mania in children ages 10-17: 600 mg/day
  • Bipolar depression in adults: 300 mg/day

Seroquel XR

  • Schizophrenia in adults: 800 mg/day
  • Schizophrenia in adolescents ages 13-17: 800 mg/day
  • Bipolar I mania or mixed episodes in adults: 800 mg/day
  • Bipolar I mania in children ages 10-17: 600 mg/day
  • Bipolar depression in adults: 300 mg/day
  • Bipolar I disorder maintenance in adults (add-on): 800 mg/day
  • Major depressive disorder in adults (add-on): 300 mg/day

Do not change your Seroquel dose without speaking to your healthcare provider. Doing so can lead to dangerous side effects.

Related questions

What are Seroquel overdose symptoms?

Taking too much Seroquel can lead to an overdose. Not everyone who takes too much Seroquel experiences symptoms of an overdose, and the amount required to overdose varies from person to person.

Symptoms of a Seroquel overdose may include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Seizures
  • Delirium
  • Respiratory depression (slow or shallow breathing)
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Low blood pressure
  • Coma
  • Death

What is Seroquel overdose treatment?

If you think you may have taken too much Seroquel, call a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) or get medical help right away. There is not currently an antidote available to take to reverse a Seroquel overdose. Treatment involves supportive care and monitoring at a healthcare facility.

Because Seroquel causes breathing problems, some patients may need intubation and ventilation. Cardiovascular monitoring through continuous electrocardiography is also recommended to watch for arrhythmias. Patients may also receive fluids to treat low blood pressure.

This is not all the information you need to know about Seroquel and does not take the place of your healthcare provider's advice. Discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

National Library of Medicine. Quetiapine. In: PubChem. Accessed 07/07/2024 at https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/5002

Ngo, A., et. al. (2008). Acute Quetiapine Overdose in Adults: A 5-Year Retrospective Case Series. In: Annals of Emergency Medicine. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.2008.03.016

Seroquel [package insert]. (Updated Jan 2022). AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. Accessed 07/07/2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=0584dda8-bc3c-48fe-1a90-79608f78e8a0

Seroquel XR [package insert]. (Updated Jan 2022). AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. Accessed 07/07/2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=473a3ac4-67f4-4782-baa9-7f9bdd8761f4

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