Indications  

Seroquel XR is a prescribed medication for the treatment of specific mental/mood conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, manic episodes, and depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder. 

Seroquel XR may also be used as an adjunctive treatment for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who did not respond adequately to antidepressant monotherapy. 

As an atypical antipsychotic drug, Seroquel XR functions by rebalancing specific natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.  

This mechanism of action leads to reduced hallucinations and enhanced concentration, promotes more precise and more positive thinking, reduces nervousness, and encourages greater engagement in daily activities. It may also improve mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels. Moreover, it can help prevent severe mood swings or decrease their frequency. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before taking Seroquel XR and with each prescription refill, carefully review its medication guide and patient information leaflet. If you have any questions, seek your doctor or pharmacist’s guidance. 

The dosage of this medication is determined based on the patient’s medical condition, response to treatment, and concurrent use of other medicines. 

Your doctor will likely initiate your treatment with a low dose and progressively raise it within the first week. 

Typically, Seroquel XR is taken once a day in the evening, either without food or with a light meal, as directed by the doctor.  

Tablets must be swallowed whole, without crushing or chewing, to avoid releasing the entire drug at once, which may increase the risk of side effects. 

For optimal results, take Seroquel SR exactly as directed at the same time daily. Refrain from increasing the dose or exceeding the prescribed duration of intake, as this will not expedite recovery and could heighten the likelihood of side effects. 

Continue taking this medication consistently, even if you are feeling better. Refrain from discontinuing it without consulting your doctor, as abruptly stopping the medication can exacerbate certain conditions.  

Abrupt cessation of Seroquel XR may lead to symptoms like insomnia, nausea, headaches, diarrhea, and irritability. If warranted, a gradual dose reduction might be necessary to mitigate side effects. 

If you discontinue this medication for a week or more, consult your doctor before resuming its use. Your doctor will likely recommend commencing with a low dosage and gradually increasing it, similar to when you initially began taking it. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the potential adverse effects of Seroquel XR. Inform your physician immediately if any of them persist or deteriorate. 

Common Side Effects 

• Impaired speech 
• Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue 
• A sensation of faintness 
• Reduced energy levels 
• Rapid heart rate 
• Heightened appetite, weight gain 
• Upset stomach, vomiting, constipation 
• Abdominal discomfort, nausea 
• Aberrant liver function tests, sore throat 
• Congested nose, dry mouth 
• Mobility challenges 

Serious Side Effects 

• Involuntary facial muscle movements (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue, and eye movements) 
• Breast swelling, tenderness, nipple discharge, missed menstrual periods 
• Difficulty swallowing, severe constipation 
• Painful or challenging urination 
• Altered blood pressure, irregular heart rate 
• Feeling light-headed, sudden weakness, severe headache 
• Blurred vision, eye pain, redness, halo vision 
• Seizures, abnormal temperature sensations 
• Signs of infection: 
  • Fever 
  • Chills 
  • Sore throat 
  • Body aches 
  • Fatigue 
  • Appetite loss 
  • Bleeding 
  • Bruising 
• Severe nervous system reaction: 
  • Rigid muscles 
  • High fever 
  • Sweating 
  • Confusion 
  • Rapid heartbeat 
  • Tremors 
  • Faintness 
• Reduced thyroid activity: 
  • Fatigue 
  • Low mood 
  • Dry skin 
  • Hair thinning 
  • Decreased sweating 
  • Weight gain 
  • Facial puffiness 
  • Cold sensitivity 
• Elevated blood sugar: 
  • Increased thirst 
  • Frequent urination 
  • Dry mouth 
  • Fruity breath odor 
• Low white blood cell counts: 
  • Fever 
  • Mouth and skin sores 
  • Sore throat 
  • Cough 
• Sudden alterations in mood or behavior can manifest a: 
  • New or worse, depression or anxiety 
  • Panic attacks 
  • Trouble sleeping 
  • Feeling impulsive 
  • Irritable 
  • Agitated 
  • Hostile 
  • Aggressive 
  • Restless 
  • More active or talkative 
  • Have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself 

Call your doctor right away if any of the above-listed serious side effects are experienced. 

Prolonged or excessive usage of Seroquel XR can lead to an irreversible movement disorder, with a higher risk for development in women and older individuals. 

Allergic Reactions 

Although rare, a severe allergic reaction to Seroquel XR may occur. Seek immediate medical assistance in case of any signs of an allergic reaction, such as: 

• Hives 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat 

Not all side effects of Seroquel XR are included in this list. Tell your doctor if any unlisted effects arise. 

Cautions 

Before starting treatment with Seroquel XR, inform your doctor if you have any known allergies, particularly to quetiapine or other medicines. 

Seek further guidance from your pharmacist regarding Seroquel XR, as it might contain inactive ingredients that may trigger allergic reactions or other complications. 

To ensure Seroquel XR is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, especially if you have a history of: 

• Eye cataracts 
• Liver disease 
• Low white blood cell count (including medication-induced history) 
• Seizure disorder 
• Swallowing difficulties 
• Thyroid issues 
• Stomach/intestinal blockage (e.g., severe constipation, bowel obstruction) 
• Inactive stomach/intestines (e.g., ileus) 
• Personal or familial diabetes history 
• Personal or familial substance use disorder history (e.g., drug/alcohol overuse, addiction) 
• Heart disease 
• High blood pressure 
• Elevated cholesterol/triglyceride levels 
• Sleep apnea 
• Urination difficulties (e.g., due to enlarged prostate) 

Inform all your healthcare providers of any current or recently started or stopped medications, including prescription/nonprescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, to mitigate the risk of drug interaction with Seroquel XR. 

The efficacy of Seroquel XR may be influenced by the presence of other medications that impact the elimination of quetiapine from the body. Such medications include: 

• Azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole and ketoconazole) 
• Seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin) 

Review the labels of all your medications (including allergy or cough-and-cold products), as they might include drowsiness-inducing ingredients. Consult your pharmacist for guidance on the safe use of such products. 

Furthermore, notify your doctor or pharmacist of concurrent use of drowsiness-inducing products like: 

• Opioid pain or cough medications (e.g., codeine, hydrocodone) 
• Alcohol 
• Marijuana (cannabis) 
• Sleep or anxiety drugs (e.g., alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem) 
• Muscle relaxants (e.g., carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine) 
• Antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, diphenhydramine) 

Seroquel XR can potentially affect specific laboratory tests (e.g., urine tests), potentially leading to inaccurate results. Ensure that both laboratory staff and your medical practitioners are aware of your use of this medication. 

Seroquel XR can cause drowsiness. Refrain from driving or operating machinery and take necessary precautions to prevent falls until you are familiar with the effects of this medication. 

Take caution when transitioning from lying down to standing up while taking Seroquel XR, as it may lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. This is particularly common during the early stages of quetiapine use or dose adjustment. To mitigate these symptoms, make sure to gradually get out of bed by resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing upright. 

Seroquel XR might hinder the body’s ability to regulate temperature in high heat. While taking this medication, limit intense physical activity, remain indoors when feasible, opt for lightweight clothing in warm conditions, avoid sun exposure, and maintain adequate hydration. 

The administration of Seroquel XR to children and teenagers can lead to heightened blood pressure. Doctors may need to assess their blood pressure before initiating treatment and regularly monitor it while taking this medication. 

Elderly individuals may exhibit heightened sensitivity to Seroquel XR’s side effects, particularly drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and QT prolongation. These effects can elevate the risk of falls. 

Seroquel XR should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary.  

In rare cases, babies born to mothers who have taken Seroquel XR in the last trimester may exhibit symptoms such as muscle stiffness, drowsiness, difficulty feeding and breathing, or excessive crying. If you observe any of these symptoms in your newborn, particularly within the first month, promptly inform the doctor. 

Quetiapine can be transmitted through breast milk and may cause unfavorable effects on a nursing baby. Promptly inform your doctor if your infant experiences symptoms like muscle stiffness, shakiness, excessive drowsiness, or feeding difficulties. Before breastfeeding, consult with your healthcare provider.