Marketed and sold by AstraZeneca, Seroquel is the trade name of the drug quetiapine. It is an atypical antipsychotic and is most commonly prescribed to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and, in conjunction with antidepressants, major depressive disorder. A generic form is available.
Available as a once-daily pill, Seroquel acts by altering the actions of chemicals within the brain. A serotonin, dopamine, and adrenergic antagonist, Seroquel dissociates rapidly with the D2 receptor, meaning that it may allow more normal surges of dopamine to occur than other antipsychotics, reducing the risk of side-effects like pseudo-parkinsonism.
Side effects most commonly reported are somnolence, muscle rigidity, dizziness or nausea, tremors, and blurred vision. Some of these, especially sleepiness, can be significant. Overdosage is rarely lethal, but deaths have occurred.
Interactions to watch for include blood pressure or Parkinson's medications, steroids, some antibiotics, certain seizure medications, and antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and risperidone (Risperdal). Seroquel is strongly contraindicated in individuals with dementia; use of Seroquel by individuals with dementia-related conditions may cause pneumonia, heart failure, or sudden death.
As with all medications, be sure to discuss your prescriptions with your doctor, and understand all dosage information and instructions before taking Seroquel.
