Get Informed: Seroquel
Active Ingredient(s)
Quetiapine
What does it do?
This product is used in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is believed to work through its effect on dopamine and serotonin, although its exact mechanism of action is unknown.
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-Sep-04 9:22 PM
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-Sep-05 9:26 PM
Other Names
- Seroquel
- Quetiapine
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category
- C
Black Box Warning
This product has black box warnings related to increased mortality when used in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis, and relating to increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior when used in children and adolescents with depression.
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 26 Sep 1997
- Est US Patients*
- 2,290,000
- Generic Available
- No
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Seroquel or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.
Recent alerts for Seroquel
Seroquel Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
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What is Seroquel used for?
iGuard is currently tracking more than 17,200 patients that use Seroquel (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Bipolar Disorder | 54% |
mild
severe
|
| Insomnia | 44% |
mild
severe
|
| Anxiety | 43% |
mild
severe
|
| Depression | 33% |
mild
severe
|
| Psychosis | 13% |
mild
severe
|
| Migraine/Headache | 2% |
mild
severe
|
| Memory Problems/Dementia | 2% |
mild
severe
|
How well does Seroquel work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 17,200 users taking Seroquel (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM). This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 70%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Seroquel outweigh the bad things.
- 29%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Seroquel.
Common Side Effects of Seroquel
iGuard regularly polls our more than 17,200 users taking Seroquel (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
66% of patients experience side-effects on Seroquel
19% of patients experience significant side-effects on Seroquel
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Drowsiness
-
Weight Gain
-
Fatigue
-
Grogginess/Confusion
-
Constipation
-
Tics/Twitches
-
Nasal/Sinus Congestion
-
Vision Changes
-
Increased Appetite
-
Tremor
-
Headache
-
Dryness
-
Breast Tenderness
-
Insomnia
-
Sweating
-
Memory/Speech Problems
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Abdo Pain/Cramps, Breathlessness, High Cholesterol, Muscle Pain/Cramps, Nausea/Vomiting, Palpitations, Restlessness
Global Patient Feedback for Seroquel (Quetiapine) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I've been on seroquel for about 6 to 8 months...it is the best medicine I have taken to help me sleep. I use it for my bi-polar, but I have gained from 115 to 147 pounds! I'm trying to watch what I eat and exercise more now, but I don't like the weight gain at all..My doctor put me on ambien, 5mg, but it does not work like seroquel does. I'm on 200mg, once at night. Great drug, just don't like the side effect of weight gain. I'm 54 years old. Sandy R.
54 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-08-14 21:14:58
Question/Comment:
i take 400mg of seroquel at nite to sleep.it is the only sleep i have took that actually puts me to sleep.i don't know what i would do if not for mt seroquel.i haven't put on but about 5lbs in the year and half i have taken it.i've had no bad side effects but definetly don't drink alcohol with this med.
35 yr old female
35 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-07-23 12:11:56
Question/Comment:
Hello! If it wasn't for seroquel I would not sleep! I have been taking Seroquel for 1 1/2 years now, and I do not have any side affects except for drowsiness. No weight gain as some of the comments suggest. I exercise and eat the right foods so I don't gain excessive weight. I actually lost weight the first year because of exercising. It depend on the person's chemistry and as with any other medication, there are chances of side affects. You wont know how your body will react to the medication until you try it. I tried it and it works great for me. It's not good to discourage someone from taking Seroquel when it just might help them. What would affect someone one way may affect someone else differently as in my case! I wish everyone all the best!
38 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-07-18 17:20:50
Member Answer/Reply:
hi there, may i ask what mg you take and what its for,, i take 50mg slow release one in morn and one at night, ,, i take it for panic axiety agrophobia,, cause can get my self in a right state,, at the mo ive got two docs telling me diferrent things and im confused. one wants me to do as said aove adding 25mg each time,, one who ive not seen befor says just take 25mg at nite.????? im also in middle of straight swap from prozac to citalpame,, not done it yet,, im scared
31 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-07-19 11:09:39
Member Answer/Reply:
Hi there,I started taking 150mg now I 'm on 50mg at bed time for insomnia and anxiety. I have general anxiety and mild social anxiety. However I do still tend to keep that invisible barrier and keep to myself when I meet new people until I get to know them, alot of that has to do with my introverted nature. At least I don't have the anxiety. I can see why you are confused. I would be with 2 docs telling me different things. My suggestion is get a third opinion and explain what they told you and that you are confused about the whole thing. The docs should be giving you the amount that works for you. As for the SSRI(Prozac) you take, it is best to wean yourself off the Prozac before starting the new med since they are both SSRI meds. I had to wean myself off Paxil before trying Celebrex. Which are also SSRI's. I did not like the way they made me feel. Then I started Seroquel. I've been there, trying to find what works for me. I wish the best for you and remember not to be afraid, you just need to find the right meds that help you.
38 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-07-19 22:44:54
Member Answer/Reply:
Sorry I made a mistake! I wasn't Celebrex, it was Cymbalta which is an SSRI. Celebrex is a pain medication. I just wanted to clear that up for you.
38 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-07-19 22:52:05
Member Answer/Reply:
well im going to go with my gut feelings i think and run that past a doc, seroquel has help me so much even though its only for panic ect,, but the doc said yesterday that it shouldnt be used for that ,, well i do trust my first doc whos been with me all the way and going to stick with him,, but hes on hoilday, how dare him,, lol just to add that there is a site called nomorepanic, its great like this but with chat room , games ect,, look it up,, my name on there is bomberbeamish,,
31 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-07-20 03:23:58
Question/Comment:
I had trouble with Seroquel when I first began taking it but it was not with weight. I was seeing things, motions, walls coming at me etc., However, I continuedd on te treatment plan along with Depakote ER and anxiety meds and I am doing fine. Its been 6 years now I have had relapses now and then but never a major weight gain so I cant understand how people say they gain so much weight taking this product!
50 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-07-16 15:21:01
Question/Comment:
I was on a low dose of seroquel for the past few years and gained all the weight I lost back. I was just diagnosed with diabetes about a month ago. I told my doctor about the concerns mentioned on this site and he said at a low dosage it would be fine. Of course now that I am diagnosed as diabetic he will blame it on my weight, assume I ate a ton of junk and not take responsibility for ignoring my concerns.
46 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-07-16 01:19:34
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314
Patient Comments About
Seroquel