What is Seroquel: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Seroquel

• Take your medicine as directed. Do not change the dosage unless instructed to do so. 

• Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. 

• Please read the Medication Guide that comes with this medicine before starting Seroquel.

• How to take Seroquel:

  • Seroquel can be taken with or without food.

  • Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water.

• How to take Seroquel XR:

  • Take Seroquel XR at bedtime because it causes sleepiness.

  • Take Seroquel XR on an empty stomach or with a light meal (about 300 calories).

  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, divide, or chew it.

• Store Seroquel or Seroquel XR tablets at room temperature.

What to do if you miss a dose of Seroquel

• Take a missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. 

• Do not take two doses at the same time unless instructed by the doctor to do so.

Seroquel contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to quetiapine or any of the tablet's inactive ingredients.

Seroquel warnings

• Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine. Quetiapine can alter the results of some common urine tests.

• Your doctor will regularly do lab tests and exams to monitor the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have, especially:

  • Diabetes or high blood pressure in you or your family

  • High cholesterol, triglycerides, or LDL cholesterol

  • Heart problems

  • High or low blood pressure

  • Liver problems

  • Seizures

  • Thyroid hormone abnormalities or high prolactin levels

  • Cataracts

  • Low white blood cell counts

  • Enlarged prostate

  • Any other medical condition

• This medicine may cause the following problems:

  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a potentially severe nerve and muscle side effect)

  • High blood sugar

  • High cholesterol or triglyceride levels

  • High blood pressure (in children and teens)

  • Heart rhythm abnormalities

  • Underactive thyroid

  • Cataracts or other eye problems

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Increased risk of seizures

  • Involuntary facial and other movements (tardive dyskinesia)

  • Withdrawal

• This medicine may cause depression or suicidal thoughts, particularly in children and young adults. Contact the doctor if you notice any behavior changes, depression, intense feelings, or thoughts of hurting yourself or others.

• This medicine may make it more difficult for your body to cool down, increasing the risk of heat stroke. Avoid hot weather and do not exercise heavily. Drink plenty of water. 

• This medicine may make you prone to infections. To prevent infections, wash your hands frequently and avoid people who are sick.

• This medicine may make you dizzy, sleepy, or uncoordinated. It can also make you faint or dizzy when you stand up. These side effects could lead to falls, fractures, or other injuries. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand up slowly to avoid getting dizzy.

• Taking Seroquel increases the risk of stroke and death in people older than 65 with dementia-related psychosis. 

• Do not stop taking this medicine until you’ve talked to a healthcare professional. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose to guard against withdrawal.

• Keep quetiapine tablets securely out of the reach of children.

Seroquel interactions

• To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you use before taking Seroquel, particularly:

  • Drugs that cause drowsiness or sedation, such as antihistamines, opioids, muscle relaxants, or benzodiazepines

  • Drugs that treat psychiatric disorders or mood disorders

  • Heart rhythm medications

  • Blood pressure medications

  • Antibiotics

  • Antifungal medications

  • HIV/AIDS medications

  • Anticonvulsants

  • Anticholinergic drugs

  • Cancer drugs

  • Drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors

  • Cisapride, metoclopramide, dopamine, levodopa, mifepristone, methadone, nefazodone, rifampin, tacrolimus, St John's wort 

• Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

• Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice when using quetiapine.

• Seroquel can cause sleepiness and impairment. Do not drink alcohol or use cannabis products when taking Seroquel.

Find more detailed information about quetiapine interactions to avoid here.