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Quetiapine

Supportive Care

Brand names:

Seroquel®, Seroquel XR®

Other names:

Quetiapine Fumarate

Often used for:

Depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, intensive care unit (ICU) associated delirium

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What is quetiapine?

Quetiapine is a medicine used to treat the symptoms of some mental health problems and mood disorders, such as depression. It can also be used to treat delirium, a change in mental state that can happen when patients are in the ICU. Quetiapine works by changing the activity of certain natural chemicals in the brain.

This medicine may be given in the clinic, hospital, or at home.

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May be given as a tablet by mouth

 
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Possible side effects

  • High blood pressure
  • High blood sugar
  • High cholesterol
  • Changes to appetite and weight gain
  • Feeling tired or weak
  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • Vomiting
  • Feeling nervous and excitable
  • Involuntary muscle and facial movements
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Agitation
  • Dizziness
  • Feeling tired or weak
  • Urinary accidents
  • Upper abdominal (belly) pain
  • Allergic reaction – Call your care team right away if your child has symptoms of an allergic reaction. These may include:
    • Rash, hives, or itching
    • Flu-like symptoms such as chills, aches, headache, or fever 
    • Dizziness
    • Shortness of breath, coughing, or tightness in the throat  
    • Swelling of the face or neck

Not all patients who take quetiapine will have these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Report any symptoms or side effects to your health care provider or pharmacist.

Find more information on side effects.

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Tips for patients and families

Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your health care provider or pharmacist. 

  • Watch for changes in your child’s mood or mental health, such as worsening depression, anxiety, agitation, irritability, panic attacks, and trouble sleeping. 
  • Seek medical help right away if your child has any suicidal thoughts or actions or signs of self-harm. 
  • Stopping this medicine too fast can result in unwanted side effects. Your care team will monitor and plan if the medicine must be stopped.  
  • This medicine may make your child dizzy or drowsy. Do not allow your child to do anything that could be dangerous until you see how this medicine affects them.
  • This medicine can cause weight gain, high blood cholesterol, and high blood sugar. Have your child’s weight and labs checked as directed by your health care team.
  • This medicine may reduce your child’s ability to regulate body temperature. Talk to your health care provider about precautions needed in hot weather or during physical activity. 
  • To help with constipation have your child drink plenty of fluids, exercise, and eat foods high in fiber.
  • Quetiapine can affect your child’s ability to get pregnant or father a child. Talk to your care provider about the risk of fertility problems and options for protecting fertility.
  • It is important that patients tell the care team if they are sexually active, pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Quetiapine at home:

  • Do not give more often or in greater amounts than recommended.
  • Immediate-release tablets: Take tablets on an empty stomach.
  • Extended-release tablets: Take tablets on an empty stomach. Give this medicine in the evening unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you otherwise.
  • Tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not crush, chew, or break before swallowing.
  • Give a missed dose as soon as possible. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.
  • Store at room temperature protected from light. Store in a dry place.
  • Do not use the medicine past the expiration date.
  • Follow instructions for safe handling and disposal.

Learn more about quetiapine

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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. 

This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.

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Reviewed: July 2024