How to Take Seroquel: Side Effects, Dosage
How to take Seroquel: dosing guidelines, common side effects, and precautions to discuss with your doctor.
Not medical advice. Speak with a healthcare professional before using any medication.
Reviewed by:
Updated Feb, 15
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Information sourced from FDA-approved prescribing information and peer-reviewed medical references.
How to Take Seroquel
How to Take Seroquel (quetiapine)
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, Seroquel is usually taken once or twice daily depending on whether you are prescribed the Immediate-Release (IR) or Extended-Release (XR) form. Always follow your prescriber's exact directions.
- Seroquel IR: Per FDA-approved prescribing information, commonly taken twice daily. Many adults start at 25 mg twice daily, with gradual increases guided by the prescriber.
- Seroquel XR: Per FDA-approved prescribing information, taken once daily, usually in the evening. Starting dose and titration schedule are determined by your prescriber based on the condition being treated.
How to take it:
- Per FDA-approved prescribing information, take at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels.
- Per FDA-approved prescribing information, XR tablets must be swallowed whole — do not cut, crush, or chew.
- Per FDA-approved prescribing information, IR tablets may be taken with or without food; XR is recommended with a light meal or snack to aid absorption.
- Per FDA-approved prescribing information, avoid alcohol, which can increase sedation.
- If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is close to the next one — then skip it. Do not double up.
- Per FDA-approved prescribing information, if you are stopping therapy, it should be tapered slowly under medical guidance.
Warnings Before Taking Seroquel
BLACK BOX WARNING (Per FDA-approved prescribing information): Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Quetiapine is not approved for dementia-related psychosis. Antidepressants including quetiapine when used as adjunct therapy increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in patients aged 24 years and younger. Monitor for metabolic changes including hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and weight gain. Tardive dyskinesia, a potentially irreversible involuntary movement disorder, may develop.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, tell your doctor about heart issues, fainting, or low blood pressure.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, discuss any history of diabetes or high blood sugar.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, share all medications, especially those causing sedation or affecting heart rhythm.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, avoid alcohol and let your clinician know about sleep apnea or breathing problems.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, tell your doctor if pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Seroquel Side Effects
Common
Mild
Drowsiness
IMPORTANT: Per FDA-approved prescribing information, Seroquel (quetiapine) carries Black Box Warnings for increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis, increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in patients 24 years and younger, metabolic effects (hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, weight gain), and tardive dyskinesia. Contact your prescriber immediately if you experience worsening mood, unusual movements, or signs of metabolic changes.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, somnolence (drowsiness) is among the most commonly reported adverse effects of quetiapine, particularly at treatment initiation.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
4–8 hours
Common
Moderate
Dizziness
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, orthostatic hypotension and dizziness are recognized adverse effects of quetiapine. Rising slowly from sitting or lying positions may help.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
1–3 hours
Common
Mild
Dry Mouth
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, dry mouth is a recognized adverse effect of quetiapine. Staying hydrated and using sugar-free lozenges may provide relief.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
2–6 hours
Common
Moderate
Constipation
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, constipation is a recognized adverse effect of quetiapine. Consult your clinician about management strategies.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
6–24 hours
Common
Moderate
Increased Appetite
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, increased appetite and weight gain are recognized adverse effects of quetiapine. Metabolic changes including weight gain should be monitored by your clinician.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
4–12 hours
Common
Mild
Headache
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, headache is a recognized adverse effect of quetiapine, especially early in treatment.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
1–4 hours
Contact Us for a Personalized Care Plan
Have questions about compounding? Contact Voshell's Pharmacy — we prepare patient-specific medications pursuant to valid prescriptions from your licensed prescriber.
What If You Forgot to Take Seroquel
What If You Forgot to Take Seroquel?
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, if you miss a dose of Seroquel, take it as soon as you remember — but only if it is not close to your next scheduled dose. If it is almost time for the next one, skip the missed dose and return to your usual schedule.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, do not double up, as this can increase sedation and adverse effects.
If you miss doses often, contact your clinician for support or strategies to maintain a steady routine.
What If You Took Too Much Seroquel
If You Accidentally Took Too Much Seroquel
Contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. For children or if the person is unconscious or has an irregular heartbeat, call 911 or seek emergency medical care at once. Quetiapine overdose can cause severe sedation, hypotension, and cardiac arrhythmias.
- Do not take any additional doses until you have spoken with Poison Control or a clinician.
- If you feel unusually drowsy, lightheaded, faint, or notice an irregular heartbeat, call 911 or seek emergency care immediately — do not wait.
- Until evaluated, avoid driving, alcohol, or other sedating medicines.
- Keep this and all medications out of reach of children.
How Much Does Seroquel Cost
How Much Does Seroquel Cost With Insurance?
With most U.S. insurance plans, out-of-pocket costs for Seroquel (quetiapine) vary by plan, formulary tier, and whether generic quetiapine is prescribed. Contact your insurance plan or pharmacy for your exact copay amount based on your specific coverage.
Pricing information is subject to change. Contact your pharmacy or insurance plan for current pricing.
How Much Does Seroquel Cost without Insurance
Seroquel Cost Without Insurance
The price varies widely depending on the pharmacy, dose, and whether you choose brand-name or generic. Seroquel contains quetiapine as its active ingredient; a generic version is available. Contact your local pharmacy for current pricing on both generic quetiapine and brand-name Seroquel. Pharmacy discount programs may help reduce costs.
Pricing information is subject to change. Contact your pharmacy for current pricing.
Resources:
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/020639s069lbl.pdf
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a698019.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/quetiapine-oral-route/description/drg-20066912
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/quetiapine/
https://www.drugs.com/seroquel.html
