Seroquel (quetiapine) is an antipsychotic medication used in a variety of mental disorders. At very low doese it is sometimes used as a sleeping aid. It is typically prescribed in patients 13 years of age and up, though it should be used with caution in elderly patients.

Seroquel comes in tablets which are usually taken two or three times per day. It is also available in extended release tablets which are taken just once per day. In some parts of the world Seroquel is known by the brand name Tenprolide.

Seroquel Uses & Administration

Seroquel is used in a range of mental and mood disorders, both alone and with other medications. It is most commonly used to alleviate symptoms of:

• Depression, Major Depressive Disorder
• Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder
• Paranoid Disorder
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Tourette's Syndrome
• Insomnia

Dosage and duration of treatment can vary considerably depending on a number of personal variables, most significant among them being age, other medical conditions that may be present, and other medications being taken. Treatment typically starts at lower doses and is quickly increased to maintenance doses. In otherwise healthy adults treatment is usually as follows:

• On day 1, take 25 mg twice per day for a total of 50 mg.
• On day 2, take 50 mg twice per day for a total of 100 mg.
• On day 3, take 100 mg twice per day for a total of 200 mg.
• On day 4, take 200 mg twice per day for a total of 400 mg.
• 400 mg per day is sufficient for most patients. If it is not sufficient, dosage may be further increased in increments of 100 mg per day up to a total of 800 mg per day.
• Do not exceed 800 mg per day.
• As a sleeping aid the standard dose is 25-50 mg shortly before bed.
• Tablets may be taken with or without food. Taking on a full stomach may reduce nausea.
• Tablets should not be split, crushed, chewed, dissolved, or otherwise damaged; this can cause the medication to be absorbed too quickly and may produce serious side effects. Patients unable to swallow whole tablets should discuss solutions with a doctor or pharmacist.
• Treatment with Seroquel should not stop abruptly; if ending treatment or switching to a different medication, dosage should be gradually tapered off to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Some patients notice a difference just days after starting treatment, but it takes a few weeks for full benefits to be seen. Treatment may continue for as long as it provides benefit. Regular doctor checkups are advisable for the duration of treatment to monitor for developing side effects.

Precautions Before Use

Seroquel is a potent medication and, particularly when taken at higher doses, does carry risk of side effects---some of which can be serious. Patients with certain preexisting conditions are at greater risk of adverse reactions; it should be used with caution if there is any history of:

• Liver or kidney impairment
• Any heart problems
• High or low blood pressure
• Seizures
• Diabetes/high blood sugar
• Cataracts

Seroquel should be used with extreme caution in the elderly, and should not be used in elderly patients with dementia or Alzheimer's.

Like all antipsychotic medications, a small percentage of younger patients taking Seroquel may find an increase in suicidal or other destructive thoughts. This side effect is most prominent in patients under 25 years of age and, if it is experienced at all, usually happens in the first few weeks of treatment. Patients under 25 who have a history of depression or suicidal thoughts should be monitored closely during the first few weeks of taking this medication.