Quetiapine

Mental health

Also known as Seroquel

Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic. It adjusts dopamine and serotonin — brain chemicals involved in mood, thinking, and perception — to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and it's sometimes added to an antidepressant for depression. Two honest things to expect: it's quite sedating, especially at first, and over time it can raise your weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol, so your doctor will want regular checks. It is not a casual sleep aid, even though it makes you sleepy.

How to take it

When

Often taken in the evening or at bedtime because of drowsiness — follow your prescriber's schedule exactly.

Food

Regular tablets: with or without food. Extended-release: without food or with a light meal, per the label.

Avoid

Alcohol and other sedatives — the combined drowsiness is risky. Don't drive until you know how it affects you. Get up slowly to avoid dizzy spells.

Boxed warning

Not for older adults with dementia-related confusion or psychosis — it raises the risk of death in that group. In younger people, watch for new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts and call the doctor right away.

Missed a dose?

Take it as soon as you remember, unless your next dose is coming up soon — then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once.

Common side effects

Drowsiness — often strong at first, usually easing over time
Dizziness when standing up, so rise slowly
Dry mouth
Weight gain and increased appetite
Constipation

Call a doctor if

High fever with stiff muscles, confusion, and heavy sweating — this can be neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a rare emergency; call for help immediately
Repetitive movements you can't control, like lip smacking or tongue movements — possible tardive dyskinesia; call your doctor right away, as catching it early matters
Signs of very high blood sugar: extreme thirst, peeing constantly, weakness, fruity-smelling breath — get medical help now
Fainting or a racing, irregular heartbeat — get help now
Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat — this is an emergency, call for help immediately

Educational only. This summary is drawn from public FDA labeling and MedlinePlus and simplified for readability. Your prescription label and your pharmacist always come first — doses and instructions vary from person to person.