Key takeaways

  • Mild side effects of Seroquel include sleepiness and dry mouth.
  • Serious side effects of the drug include low blood pressure and tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder. But these tend to be rare.
  • Seroquel has boxed warnings for risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior and increased risk of death in certain older adults. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Seroquel is prescribed to adults and certain children to help treat the following mental health conditions:

Seroquel comes as a tablet that you swallow. It contains the active ingredient quetiapine. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) It may be taken short term or long term, depending on your condition.

For more information about this drug, including details about its uses, see this Seroquel overview.

Like other drugs, Seroquel can cause mild to serious side effects (also known as adverse effects). Keep reading to learn more.

Seroquel comes as an immediate-release tablet. It also comes as an extended-release tablet called Seroquel XR. (Extended release means the drug is slowly released into your body over a period of time.)

The side effects of these drugs are expected to be similar in children and adults. But in studies of the drug in adults, an increase in certain liver enzyme levels was more common in people taking Seroquel than in people taking Seroquel XR.

Note: This article focuses on Seroquel. For additional information about Seroquel XR, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during their Seroquel treatment. But not everyone who takes this drug will have adverse effects.

Examples of Seroquel’s commonly reported side effects include:

  • sleepiness
  • dry mouth
  • dizziness
  • constipation
  • weight gain

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Seroquel may cause mild side effects. Some are more common than others.

Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Seroquel include:

Note that while an allergic reaction to Seroquel is possible, this side effect wasn’t reported in studies. To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section.

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary, and some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You should not stop taking Seroquel unless your doctor recommends it.

Seroquel may cause mild side effects other than those listed here. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

Seroquel may cause serious side effects. Some of them are more common than others.

Serious side effects that have been reported with this drug include:

To learn more about some of these side effects, see the “Side effects explained” section.

Note that while an allergic reaction to Seroquel is possible, this side effect wasn’t reported in studies.

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.

Note: After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medication safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Seroquel and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-332-1088.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Most of Seroquel’s side effects are expected to be the same in children as those in adults. But in studies, the following side effects were reported more often in children ages 10 to 17 years old than in people ages 18 years and older:

  • dizziness
  • severe drowsiness
  • fatigue
  • increased appetite

Seroquel also caused increased blood pressure in children. This side effect wasn’t reported in adults.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Seroquel’s side effects.

Will I experience withdrawal symptoms if I stop taking Seroquel?

It’s possible. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can happen from suddenly stopping a drug. Symptoms that have occurred from stopping Seroquel abruptly include:

If you want to stop taking Seroquel, talk with your doctor. They’ll taper your dose to help prevent withdrawal symptoms. This means you’ll take smaller doses over time so your body can adjust to not having the medication.

Can Seroquel be used for sleep? If so, does taking it for sleep cause different side effects?

Seroquel is not usually prescribed to help treat insomnia. It’s usually taken for certain types of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Sometimes, a drug that’s been approved by the FDA for certain conditions is prescribed for a different use that hasn’t been FDA approved. This is known as off-label use. At this time, it is not recommended that doctors prescribe Seroquel to help treat insomnia.

If you have questions about medications for sleep, talk with your doctor.

If I take a low dose of Seroquel, such as 25 mg, will I experience fewer side effects?

It’s possible. Like any drug, certain doses of Seroquel may cause side effects in some people and not in others.

In Seroquel’s studies, some side effects were more likely to happen with higher doses of the drug. These included upset stomach, abdominal pain, and weight gain.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about potential side effects of Seroquel based on your prescribed dose.

Does Seroquel cause any long-term side effects?

Yes, long-term side effects are possible with Seroquel. These side effects may start while you’re taking Seroquel and continue for a long time. They may even continue to affect you after Seroquel treatment is stopped.

Possible long-term side effects of Seroquel include:

  • changes in weight, cholesterol, and blood sugar
  • tardive dyskinesia
  • injuries from falling, which may take time to heal
  • cataracts

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about any side effects you experience with Seroquel.

Learn more about some of the side effects Seroquel can cause.

Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Seroquel has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children and adolescents. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

According to studies, antidepressant drugs may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in people ages 24 years and younger.

Seroquel is not an antidepressant drug. But this risk applies to Seroquel because of its use for depression that happens with bipolar I disorder or bipolar II disorder.

Due to this risk, doctors will watch closely for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in people who are prescribed Seroquel, regardless of age. Keep in mind that Seroquel is not approved for treating bipolar depression in children. And the drug is not approved for any uses in children younger than 10 years old.

What might help

Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of the following:

Increased risk of death in certain older adults

Seroquel has a boxed warning about the increased risk of death in adults ages 65 years and above with dementia-related psychosis.

Antipsychotic drugs such as Seroquel can increase the risk of death in older adults with this condition. In studies, the most common causes of death in older adults were related to heart problems and infection.

What might help

Due to this serious risk, doctors usually will not prescribe Seroquel to older adults with dementia-related psychosis. If you or a loved one has dementia, talk with your doctor about which medications are not safe to take.

Tardive dyskinesia

Antipsychotic drugs such as Seroquel may cause tardive dyskinesia. This side effect may go away if Seroquel treatment is stopped, or it may continue. This condition causes uncontrollable movements, including:

  • smacking lips
  • blinking frequently
  • puffing out your cheeks
  • making noises
  • moving your mouth, tongue, or jaw

What might help

Tell your doctor right away if you notice any uncontrollable movements, such as those listed here. They may recommend that you stop Seroquel treatment. If so, they’ll suggest a different treatment for your condition.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Seroquel can cause an allergic reaction in some people, but this side effect wasn’t reported in studies.

Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (temporary warmth, discoloration, or deepening of skin color)
  • swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms. Examples include:

  • an antihistamine you swallow, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
  • a product you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to Seroquel, they’ll decide whether you should continue taking it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Seroquel, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

During your Seroquel treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking a new drug or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

  • what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
  • how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
  • what your symptoms were
  • how your symptoms affected your daily activities
  • what other medications you were taking
  • any other information you feel is important

Taking notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Seroquel affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Seroquel has several warnings, including boxed warnings, discussed here.

Boxed warnings

Seroquel has boxed warnings for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior and for the increased risk of death in certain older adults. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the FDA.

Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors: Seroquel may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children and in adults ages 18 to 24 years old. It’s important to note that Seroquel is not approved for use in children younger than 10 years old.

Risk of death in certain older adults: Seroquel may increase the risk of death in older adults (ages 65 years and older) who have psychosis related to dementia.

To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section.

Other warnings

Seroquel may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. These are known as drug-condition interactions. Other factors may also affect whether this drug is a good treatment option for you. Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Seroquel. Factors to consider include those described here.

  • increased risk of stroke, especially in adults ages 65 years and older
  • history or risk of diabetes
  • high cholesterol
  • hypothyroidism
  • blood pressure problems
  • heart rhythm problems
  • low level of white blood cells
  • certain eye problems, such as cataracts or glaucoma
  • history of seizures
  • constipation or urinary problems
  • liver problems
  • history of breast cancer
  • alcohol consumption
  • high levels of prolactin
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding
  • allergic reaction to Seroquel or any of its ingredients

Disclaimer: Healthline 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.