What is Seroquel (quetiapine) used for?

• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Major depressive disorder (depression)

Note: Seroquel (quetiapine) may be used for other purposes not listed in this guide. Please talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other uses of this medication.   

How does Seroquel (quetiapine) work?

Seroquel (quetiapine) rebalances the level of serotonin and dopamine in your brain to help reduce psychotic thoughts while improving your behaviors and mood. 

What is the suggested dosing for Seroquel (quetiapine)?

Dosing of Seroquel for all of the following indications will be adjusted as needed by your healthcare provider based on your clinical response and tolerance. Typically, the dose is increased slowly over several weeks.

Schizophrenia:

• Immediate-release:
  • Adults: the initial dose is 25 mg two times daily; the maximum daily dose does not exceed 750 mg daily.
  • Children 13 to 17 years of age: the initial dose is 25 mg twice daily; the maximum daily dose does not exceed 800 mg daily.
• Extended-release:
  • Adults: the initial dose is 300 mg once daily in the evening; the maximum daily dose does not exceed 800 mg daily.
  • Children 13 to 17 years of age: the initial dose is 50 mg once daily in the evening; the maximum daily dose does not exceed 800 mg daily.
• Mania with bipolar disorder:
  • Immediate-release:
    • Adults: the initial dose is 50 mg two times daily; the maximum daily dose does not exceed 800 mg daily.
    • Children 13 to 17 years of age: the initial dose is 25 mg twice daily; the maximum daily dose does not exceed 600 mg daily.
  • Extended-release:
    • Adults: the initial dose is 300 mg once daily in the evening; the maximum daily dose does not exceed 800 mg daily.
    • Children 13 to 17 years of age: the initial dose is 50 mg once daily in the evening; the maximum daily dose does not exceed 600 mg daily.
• Depression with bipolar disorder:
  • Immediate-release:
    • Adults: the initial dose is 50 mg once daily at bedtime; the maximum daily dose does not exceed 300 mg daily.
  • Extended-release:
    • Adults: the initial dose is 50 mg once daily in the evening; the maximum daily dose does not exceed 300 mg daily.
• Major depressive disorder (depression):
  • Extended-release:
    • Adults: the initial dose is 50 mg once daily in the evening; the maximum daily dose does not exceed 300 mg daily.