quetiapine (Seroquel)

Quetiapine is considered an atypical antipsychotic. It is used to treat schizophrenia, acute manic episodes that occur with bipolar disorder, and depression. Quetiapine may also be used off-label, or for a condition outside of its approved uses, to treat other conditions such as anxiety disorders.

Side effects of quetiapine can include (but are not limited to) sleepiness, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, abdominal pain, weight gain, problems with sleep, orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when standing up), weakness, sore throat, and lethargy. Speak with your provider or pharmacist to learn more about the other possible side effects of quetiapine.

No, quetiapine is not a federally controlled substance, since it is not habit-forming and doesn't cause addiction. Contact your provider or pharmacist if you have questions about quetiapine and how it works to treat your condition.

Yes, weight gain is possible with quetiapine, and was a common side effect in studies of people taking the medication. Weight gain with quetiapine treatment depends on various factors including other medications you may be taking or health conditions you may have. If you have concerns about weight gain with quetiapine treatment, talk with your provider. They can work with you to determine ways for you to manage a healthy weight while you're on quetiapine.

How long quetiapine stays in your system depends on how well your liver and kidneys are functioning. Quetiapine's half-life is 6 hours, which means it takes this long for half the drug to leave your body. Typically, it may take a little more than a day for quetiapine to leave your system completely, but if you have problems with your liver or kidneys, it could take longer. If you have questions about how long quetiapine is likely to stay in your body, speak to your pharmacist or provider.

Quetiapine starts working soon after you take a dose, taking around 1 to 2 hours to be fully absorbed in your body. However, it may take a few weeks to months of taking the medication regularly before you notice a distinct improvement in your condition, depending on how your body responds to treatment and other factors like your dose and other medications you may be taking. Your provider may start you on a low dose of quetiapine and slowly increase it based on how you do with treatment. If you have questions about how long quetiapine may take to work for you, talk with your provider.

Yes, quetiapine is sometimes used off-label to treat types of anxiety. An “off-label” use is when a medication is prescribed for a use other than its approved uses. However, keep in mind that, in some people, quetiapine may also cause anxiety. To learn more about quetiapine use for anxiety, talk with your provider.

You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.

Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.

Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.