Who should not use quetiapine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take quetiapine.

Quetiapine

Seroquel

Seroquel XR

Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific quetiapine products they stock.

Do not take quetiapine unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed. Do not change your dose without your healthcare provider telling you to do so.

Do not share quetiapine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep quetiapine out of the reach of children.

People who are younger than 18 or older than 65 can be at greater risk for some side effects from quetiapine. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in one of these age groups.

If possible, take quetiapine extended-release tablets in the evening. Do not chew, crush, or split the extended-release tablets. They should be swallowed whole. 

Quetiapine may affect the results of a urine drug screen. If you have a urine drug screen while you are taking quetiapine, be sure to let them know that you are taking quetiapine. 

Do not suddenly stop taking quetiapine. Talk with your healthcare provider about ways to safely stop taking quetiapine. See the Side Effects section for more details.

Because quetiapine can cause your body temperature to increase, try to avoid becoming too hot or dehydrated. Try to drink plenty of water, limit your exposure to the heat and sun, limit your exercise, and wear light and breathable clothing.

It may be difficult to get pregnant while taking quetiapine. This is likely due to an increase in prolactin levels. See the Side Effects section for more details. These effects go away after you stop taking quetiapine. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if quetiapine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Diabetes or high blood sugar levels (personal or family history of)

High cholesterol or triglyceride levels

High prolactin levels

High or low blood pressure

Low white blood cell levels

Cataracts

Seizures

Thyroid problems

Heart problems, including heart disease, heart failure, a family history of QT prolongation

Liver problems

Difficulty peeing

Prostate problems

Constipation

Glaucoma

Low potassium or magnesium blood levels

History of misusing drugs 

Other Medicines and Supplements. Quetiapine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking quetiapine, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Psychosis Related to Dementia. There is a higher risk of death, stroke, or mini-stroke, also called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), in older adults who take quetiapine or another antipsychotic and have memory loss or psychosis related to dementia. Quetiapine is not approved to treat dementia-related psychosis.

Pregnancy. Quetiapine taken later in pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of certain problems in your newborn. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant while taking quetiapine. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take quetiapine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking quetiapine, you can register with the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics by calling 866-961-2388 or at womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry. This registry collects safety information about the use of psychiatric medicines during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. Quetiapine passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take quetiapine while breastfeeding.