Seroquel (quetiapine) is a brand-name oral tablet. It’s prescribed for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in adults and certain children. As with other drugs, Seroquel can cause side effects. These include dry mouth and sleepiness.

Seroquel belongs to a drug class called atypical antipsychotics. The drug is available in a generic version.

Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects of Seroquel. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

Seroquel comes as an oral tablet. Its generic form, quetiapine, is also available as an extended-release oral tablet called Seroquel XR. (Extended release means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.)

This article focuses on Seroquel. However, you may be wondering how the side effects of Seroquel compare with those of Seroquel XR. In general, the side effects of both drugs are expected to be the same. (For lists of possible side effects, see “Mild side effects of Seroquel” and “Serious side effects of Seroquel” below.)

However, certain side effects were more commonly reported in clinical trials of Seroquel XR. A few examples include nasal congestion, slowed or slurred speech, and increased appetite.

Other side effects were more commonly reported in clinical trials of Seroquel. Examples include abdominal pain, weakness, and orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure when sitting up or standing).

For more information about the side effects of Seroquel versus Seroquel XR, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Seroquel can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Seroquel in clinical trials:

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Mild side effects can occur with Seroquel use. This list does not include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Seroquel’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Seroquel include:

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Seroquel and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after taking Seroquel. However, it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Seroquel may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Seroquel’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Seroquel, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

* Seroquel has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after taking Seroquel. However, it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Seroquel is approved to treat schizophrenia in children ages 13 years and older. It’s also approved to treat mania related to bipolar disorder in children ages 10 years and older.

Many of Seroquel’s side effects in children are expected to be the same as for adults. However, certain side effects may be more common in children than adults. A few examples include increased heart rate, nausea, and vomiting.

In addition, large increases in blood pressure were reported in children taking Seroquel in clinical trials. This side effect wasn’t reported in adults.

For more information about Seroquel’s side effects in children, talk with your child’s doctor or pharmacist.

Seroquel may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Can Seroquel be used for sleep? If so, does taking the drug for this use cause certain side effects?

It’s possible. Seroquel isn’t approved for use as a sleep medication. However, it may cause sleepiness as a side effect. For this reason, some doctors may prescribe Seroquel off-label for sleep. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a condition it’s not approved to treat.

If you have questions about how Seroquel may affect your sleep, talk with your doctor. They can advise you on whether this drug is the right treatment option. They can also tell you about possible side effects of Seroquel when you take it for sleep.

Will Seroquel 25 mg cause fewer side effects than the drug’s other strengths?

It may. Seroquel comes in the following strengths: 25 milligrams (mg), 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg. As with most drugs, taking a low dose of Seroquel may cause fewer side effects than a higher dose.

In clinical trials, certain side effects were more likely to occur at higher doses of Seroquel. These included weight gain, indigestion, dry mouth, and an underactive thyroid.

If you have questions about your risk of side effects based on your Seroquel dosage, talk with your doctor.

Is Seroquel safe for older adults?

Seroquel may be safe for most older adults (ages 65 years and older). However, if you’re an older adult, your doctor may monitor you more closely for side effects during treatment.

Older adults may have a higher risk of certain side effects with Seroquel. This is because older adults are more likely to have certain health factors that can interact with the drug. For this reason, doctors may prescribe a lower dosage of Seroquel for older adults than younger adults.

In addition, doctors typically won’t prescribe Seroquel to treat dementia-related psychosis in older adults. In fact, the drug has a boxed warning about an increased risk of death in older adults with this condition. A boxed warning is the mostserious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

For more information about the safety of Seroquel for older adults, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does Seroquel cause anger?

Rarely, but it’s possible. Irritability was a rare side effect in Seroquel’s clinical trials. With irritability, you may feel angry, agitated, or annoyed.

Keep in mind that anger can also occur with mood changes related to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Seroquel has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This is aserious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

If you have concerns about anger while taking Seroquel, talk with your doctor. They may ask about other symptoms you’re experiencing and can help determine if Seroquel may be the cause.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Seroquel may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Seroquel.

Increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis

Seroquel has a boxed warning about an increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It lets doctors and patients know about a drug’s effects that may be dangerous.

People taking Seroquel in clinical trials didn’t report this side effect. However, antipsychotic drugs, such as Seroquel, can increase this risk.

In older adults with dementia-related psychosis, antipsychotic drugs can also increase the risk of having a stroke. Sometimes, this can be life threatening. Stroke symptoms can include confusion, headache, and weakness on one side of your body.

What you can do

Due to this risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Seroquel for older adults with dementia-related psychosis. If you have this condition, your doctor can recommend the right treatment options for you.

If you have stroke symptoms while taking Seroquel, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.

Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Seroquel has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It lets doctors and patients know about a drug’s effects that may be dangerous.

This risk affects children and adults ages 24 years and younger. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors weren’t reported in clinical trials of Seroquel. However, medications prescribed to treat depression may increase this risk. (Seroquel is approved to treat depression related to bipolar disorder in adults. However, the drug isn’’t approved for this use in children.)

Symptoms of suicidal thoughts and behaviors may include:

  • mood changes, such as feeling more angry, agitated, or anxious than usual
  • unusual violence or aggression
  • thoughts of self-harm or taking your life

What you can do

Tell your doctor right away if you experience mood changes while taking Seroquel. They’ll advise on whether it’s safe to continue taking the drug.

If you have thoughts of dying or harming yourself, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

Dry mouth

It’s possible to develop dry mouth from taking Seroquel. This was one of the most common side effects reported by people taking Seroquel in clinical trials.

With dry mouth, you may not have enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. Other symptoms may include bad breath, cracked lips, and difficulty swallowing.

What you can do

If you experience bothersome or severe dry mouth symptoms during treatment, talk with your doctor. They can suggest ways to ease your symptoms, such as chewing sugar-free gum or sipping water. To learn about other home remedies for dry mouth, see this article.

Sleepiness

Sleepiness was a common side effect that people taking Seroquel in clinical trials reported. With sleepiness, you may have trouble staying awake or alert. This can lead to difficulties with judgment, thinking, and coordination.

What you can do

Due to the above risks, it may be safest to avoid driving until you know how Seroquel may affect you. You may need to take several doses before you know how the drug will affect you.

If you experience severe or bothersome sleepiness during treatment, let your doctor know. They can suggest ways to manage this side effect while taking Seroquel.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Seroquel can cause an allergic reaction in some people. However, it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itching
  • flushing
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Seroquel. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

  • Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
  • Listen to the person without judgment.
  • Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
  • Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects if it’s safe to do so.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Find more links and local resources.

Keep reading to learn more about precautions for Seroquel.

Boxed warnings

This drug has a boxed warning for an increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. It also has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effect specifics” section above.

Other precautions

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Seroquel. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These are considered drug-condition or drug-factor interactions. The conditions and factors to consider include:

Blood pressure or heart problems. Before taking Seroquel, tell your doctor if you have any conditions affecting your heart or blood pressure. This includes heart failure and irregular heart rhythm. These factors may increase your risk of certain side effects with Seroquel, including long QT syndrome and orthostatic hypotension. (Orthostatic hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure when sitting or standing up.

If you have a condition affecting your blood pressure or heart, talk with your doctor. They can tell you whether Seroquel is a safe treatment option.

Cholesterol problems. Seroquel may cause changes in triglyceride and cholesterol levels. If you already have a cholesterol problem, talk with your doctor. Taking Seroquel could make your condition worse. They may check your cholesterol levels more often than usual while you are taking the drug.

Diabetes. Seroquel may cause high blood sugar. If you have diabetes, taking this drug could make it difficult to manage your condition. Your doctor can tell you whether Seroquel is safe for you to take. They may recommend that you monitor your blood sugar more frequently during Seroquel treatment.

Underactive thyroid. Before taking Seroquel, tell your doctor if you have an underactive thyroid. Seroquel may cause an underactive thyroid, which could worsen your existing condition. Your doctor can recommend whether it’s safe for you to take this drug. They may also check your thyroid hormone levels more often than usual during treatment with Seroquel.

Eye problems. Taking Seroquel may cause eye problems, such as blurred vision and cataracts. If you already have an eye problem, talk with your doctor. Taking Seroquel may worsen this condition. Your doctor can tell you whether Seroquel is safe for you to take. They may also suggest having regular check-ups with an eye doctor while you’re taking Seroquel.

Urination or constipation problems. If you have constipation or problems with urination, talk with your doctor before you start takingSeroquel. Taking this drug may worsen symptoms of these conditions. Before taking Seroquel, tell your doctor if you have any urinary or bowel problems. They can recommend whether Seroquel is a safe treatment option for you.

Liver problems. Before taking Seroquel, tell your doctor if you have a liver problem, such as liver failure. Having liver problems can cause Seroquel to build up in your system. In turn, high levels of Seroquel in your body could increase the risk of side effects from the drug. To reduce this risk, doctors may prescribe a lower dosage of Seroquel if you have a liver problem.

Seizures. Before taking Seroquel, tell your doctor if you have seizures or had them in the past. Seroquel can cause seizures as a side effect. If you’ve ever had a seizure, taking Seroquel may increase your risk of this side effect. Your doctor can recommend whether it’s safe for you to take Seroquel.

Low levels of white blood cells. Seroquel may cause low levels of certain white blood cells, including leukocytes, neutrophils, and granulocytes. If you have a low white blood cell count before starting treatment, you may have a higher risk of this side effect. Your doctor will check your white blood cell levels with a blood test before you start taking Seroquel. They’ll use these results to tell you whether it’s safe to start treatment with Seroquel.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Seroquel or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Seroquel. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.

Alcohol with Seroquel

There are no known interactions between Seroquel and alcohol.

However, alcohol and Seroquel may share certain side effects, such as sleepiness. Drinking alcohol while taking this drug could worsen this side effect. For this reason, your doctor may suggest limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption during treatment.

If you have questions about drinking alcohol while taking Seroquel, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Seroquel

Below is important information about taking Seroquel during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Pregnancy

It’s not known for certain whether Seroquel is safe to take during pregnancy. In clinical trials, Seroquel hasn’t been shown to cause fetal harm if taken during pregnancy.

However, it’s important to note that Seroquel is an antipsychotic drug. This type of drug may cause side effects in an infant born to a person who took the drug during pregnancy. Examples of these side effects can include:

If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor before taking Seroquel. They’ll advise you on the risks and benefits of taking the drug during pregnancy.

If you do take Seroquel while pregnant, consider enrolling in a pregnancy registry. These registries help collect important information about the safety of taking certain medications during pregnancy.

To learn more about the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics, visit the registry website or call 866-961-2388. You can also talk with your doctor.

Breastfeeding

It isn’t known whether Seroquel is safe to take while breastfeeding. The drug can pass into breast milk, which could cause side effects in a child who’s breastfed.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor before taking Seroquel. They can discuss the risks and benefits of taking the drug while breastfeeding.

Seroquel may cause mild and serious side effects. If you have side effects that are bothersome or long lasting, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you’d like to learn more about Seroquel, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.