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Seroquel is an atypical antipsychotic that is approved for several different treatment options. It is also known as Quetiapine fumarate. It was first introduced by Astrazeneca Pharmaceuticals

This medication is used in the treatment for  mental health, sleep, depression, and others. It’s patient expired in 2011.

Several generic versions: [Quepin, Syquel, and Ketipinor]

Method of Action

–  This medication affects Dopamine, Serotonin, and Adrenergic Antagonsist receptors.

–  It is a strong Antihistamine.

Dosing:

1.)  Low doses –  Acts as a histamine receptor blocker and is designed to help with sleep [Insomnia]

2.)  Higher doses –  Dopamine receptors are blocked

3.)  Extended release – Takes longer period to be removed from system and dosing occurs in a longer time frame

4.)  Extended release should only be used for adults – not given under age of 18.

Uses:

1.)  Schizophrenia

–  Initial Indictation/Approval was given by FDA in 1997
–  May 2007 – Seroquel XR approved for acute treatment of schizophrenia
–  Used in Adults
–  Used in Children at least 13 years old

2.) Bipolar Disorder

–  2004 –  Approved for treatment of Mania-Associated Bipolar Disorder
–  October 2008 – Seroquel XR approved for Bipolar Disorder and Bipolar Mania
–  Used for depressive episodes, mania episodes
–  Used as Monotherapy
–  Often used as Adjunct Therapy to Lithium, Valproate, or Lamotrigine
–  Can be for Maintenance Treatment of Bipolar I Disorder in Adjunct with Lithium or Divalproex
–  Used in Adults and Children (of at least 10 years of age)

3.)  Agitation

–  Used for Agitation largely among patients with Alzheimer’s disease
–  Can worsen functioning in Elderly with Dementia – therefore should not be used.

4.)  Depression

–  Used Adjunct for Depression – done so along with other medications.

Off label Uses

–  Anger management
–  Anxiety
–  Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
–  Dementia
–  Mood disorder
–  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
–  Tourette Syndrome
–  Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
–  Borderline Personality Disorder
–  Others

Side Effects

–  Sleepiness  (somnolence)
–  Sluggishness
–  Fatigue
–  Upset Stomach
–  Dizziness
–  Blurred Vision
–  Increased Appetite
–  Weight Gain
–  Tardive Dyskinesia

Overdose

–  Often overdose symptoms are sedation, low blood pressure, and elevated heart rater.
–  Some cases of cardiac arrhythmia, coma, and death have occurred due to overdose.

Recreational Use/Abuse Potential

–  Abusive use is largely seen
–  Appears to be caused by the sedative and calming down effects of the medication.
–  Abuse occurs by oral route, IV routes, Intranasally/Snorting after being crushed, and other routes.
–  Can be abused in combination with other medications or Drugs.
–  When in Combination with Cocaine – often called Q-Ball
–  A 2004 letter provided to The American Journal of Psychiatry from Los Angeles County Jail where more than 30% of inmates faked mental health illness in order to receive the medication.
–  Link –  Click Here
–  When Abused can also be called:  Quell, Snoozeberries, or Susie-Q
–  A 2007 letter to editor of The American Journal of Psychiatry asked for additional studies to evaluate the addiction-potential of Quetiapine.
–  Link –  Click Here
–  Authors of this letter work in the Ohio Correctional System.