Bipolar Disorder Treatment Medications Seroquel (Quetiapine) Essential Information By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. Learn about our editorial process Marcia Purse Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD on January 22, 2021 twitter linkedin Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Review Board Daniel B. Block, MD Updated on January 26, 2021 Print Wikimedia Commons Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate) is classed as an atypical antipsychotic medication. It is used to treat psychotic symptoms of such illnesses like schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, including hallucinations, delusions, catatonia, and paranoia. Seroquel XR is the only medication in its class approved by the FDA to treat both major depressive disorder as adjunctive therapy and acute depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder as monotherapy. Seroquel may be used adjunctively with Lithium or Depakote in the therapy of acute mania. Drug Warnings and Complications Treatment with Seroquel is associated with the risk of some serious complications. These include: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a potentially fatal illness whose symptoms include high fever, muscle rigidity, profuse sweating, and dark urine. Read more: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. Tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder that may not go away unless treated promptly. Symptoms include uncontrolled movements of the lips and tongue. High blood sugar and diabetes: Patients who have diabetes mellitus or have risk factors such as obesity and family history of diabetes should have fasting blood glucose tests before beginning treatment with Seroquel and at regular intervals during treatment. Rare but Significant Side Effects In 1% or fewer of patients taking Seroquel in clinical trials, the following were reported: Cataracts Seizures Underactive thyroid Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides Also, patients may experience sleepiness and impaired motor control (difficulty walking, etc.) especially at the beginning of treatment with Seroquel. The usual warning about not driving or operating heavy machinery is important with this medication. Black Box Warning Regarding Elderly Patients Seroquel carries the standard black box warning required for all antipsychotics regarding the increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding It is recommended that Seroquel treatment is discontinued during pregnancy. Women taking Seroquel should not breastfeed their infants. Other Cautions and Warnings Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking Seroquel. Avoid overheating and dehydration Seroquel is not approved for pediatric use Patients with liver disease should start at the lowest dose (25 mg) and increase the dosage slowly Most Common Side Effects Weight Gain Sleepiness Headache Dizziness Drop in blood pressure upon standing Dry mouth Constipation Dizziness Weakness Upset stomach Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Dealing with racing thoughts? Always feeling tired? Our guide offers strategies to help you or your loved one live better with bipolar disorder. Sign up for our newsletter and get it free. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Schneider LS, Dagerman KS, Insel P. Risk of death with atypical antipsychotic drug treatment for dementia: Meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. JAMA. 2005;294(15):1934-1943. doi:10.1001/jama.294.15.1934