Information About Quetiapine, Sold As Seroquel

Type of Medication: Atypical Antipsychotic

Quetiapine is an Atypical Antipsychotic, or Neuroleptic (sometimes incorrectly called a 'major tranquiliser').

Benefits of Quetiapine (Seroquel) for Schizophrenia and Bipolar

Quetiapine is usually prescribed to help treat conditions such as psychosis and schizophrenia; it has also been used in the treatment of acute manic episodes in Bipolar Disorder (described in the section on mood disorders).

Side Effects of Quetiapine (Seroquel)

Please note that the following side effects include only some of the most common and somewhat less common but do not include rarer side effects; the list is not exhaustive. Many people taking Quetiapine (Seroquel) experience none of these side effects. Please consult a physician about any unusual symptoms.

Common

Some of the more common side effects of Quetiapine (Seroquel) include:

• hypotension (low blood pressure)
• drowsiness and interference with cognitive and motor performance

Less Common

Some of the less common side effects of Quetiapine (Seroquel) include:

• agitation
• anticholinergic side effects (such as dry mouth or blurred vision)
• stomach upset
• weight gain

Quetiapine (Seroquel) and Alcohol

Alcohol should be avoided: Quetiapine (Seroquel) may cause drowsiness, and drinking alcohol in conjunction with the medication may exacerbate this effect.

Stopping Quetiapine (Seroquel): Discontinuation Effects or Withdrawal Symptoms

It is best to consult a physician before discontinuing an anti-psychotic or neuroleptic medication; one effect of stopping Quetiapine (Seroquel) too quickly may be the reappearance of symptoms.

 

Should You Buy Quetiapine (Seroquel) Online?

Particularly in the United States, many individuals choose to purchase medications online, either for reasons of cost savings, privacy, or both. Both brand-name Seroquel and so-called 'generic Seroquel' (i.e., Quetiapine without the Seroquel brand name) can sometimes be purchased at deep discounts (and sometimes without a prescription) in this way. Before undertaking any purchase of medications online, however -- and certainly if you are contemplating doing so without a prior prescription -- please consider the integrity of the supplier and the national and/or local laws which may apply where you live.

» Please see our page on Buying Discount Drugs Online for recommendations as well as caveats… (Specific sites we mention include DrugsPark, MedBasket, and FrugalMed.)

Information Sources and Disclaimer

The information provided here has been summarized in good faith purely for educational purposes. It is not intended in any way to replace the advice of a qualified medical professional. Please do not take any action on the basis of information contained here without consulting a physician. Unless otherwise specified, information is intended to apply only to adult use of the medication. Drug interaction precautions have not been included; please consult another source for this information.

All registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Information sources:

• United States FDA-approved Product Insert for Seroquel (PDF)
• Your Medicines -- Any Questions?
• British National Formulary