What is Seroquel, and what is it used for?
Seroquel is an atypical antipsychotic, which is commonly used to treat certain bipolar disorder and schizophrenia symptoms. It may also be prescribed off-label to treat insomnia and other mental health concerns, such as depression and anxiety.
Seroquel is available in different forms, including Seroquel extended-release tablets (Seroquel XR) and a generic medication known as quetiapine. The medication typically starts working within 2-3 weeks of your first dose. It may take 2-3 months to experience the full effects of Seroquel.
Bipolar disorder
Note that we are unable to treat patients in acute manic episodes. Our primary care physicians are able to refill some of these medications for patients who are stable with their current regimen and are unable to get ahold of their psychiatrist. However, it is recommended for patients with bipolar to continue to follow up with their psychiatrists.* Some other options our doctors may prescribe include:
Seroquel for sleep
A powerful sleep aid, Seroquel can put you to sleep quickly. Some other options our doctors may suggest for insomnia include:
Desyrel (Trazodone) Remeron (Mirtazapine) Vistaril (Hydroxyzine) Doxepin (Silenor) Amitriptyline Phenergan (Promethazine)Pamelor (nortriptyline)
Our doctors may also recommend over-the-counter sleep aids, such as melatonin.
*Please note that PlushCare does not have psychiatrists at this time. However, our physicians can help patients with mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, and refill medications following a qualifying evaluation.
Seroquel side effects
Seroquel acts on certain serotonin receptors in the brain that stimulate appetite. Due to this, commonly reported side effects include increased hunger and weight gain. However, our doctors can work with you to mitigate these effects with a healthy diet and exercise plan. Other known side effects include:
Dizziness, drowsiness, or tiredness
Lack of energy
Stomach pain and nausea
Low blood pressure
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
High blood pressure or fast heart rate
Abnormal heart rhythms
Allergic reaction
Blurred vision or eye pain
Worsening depression
High blood sugar
Seroquel is also associated with an increased risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which may involve muscle stiffness, altered mental status, and autonomic instability. Atypical antipsychotics may also cause tardive dyskinesia (TD), which causes potentially irreversible, involuntary dyskinetic movements.
How to take Seroquel
Our doctors will provide you with instructions on how to take Seroquel. Specific instructions may include:
Take with or without food
Don't stop taking quetiapine suddenly, as your condition may get worse or you may experience withdrawal symptoms
If you miss a dose, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose
The amount of time that Seroquel stays in your system depends on the dose. For a typical starting dose of 25 to 50 mg, it will take about 36 hours after your last dose to leave your system.
It is important to tell your doctor about any and all medications you take, including supplements and over-the-counter drugs, as Seroquel has several drug interactions. Drugs not to take with Seroquel include:
Bronchodilator asthma medications
Cold or allergy medicine, such as Benadryl
Medications to treat an overactive bladder
Other medications that may cause abnormal heart rhythms
Parkinson's disease medications
Medicine used to treat stomach problems, motion sickness, or IBS
Always consult your doctor for personalized medical advice. Talk to your doctor before taking quetiapine if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Seroquel medication FAQs
Is Seroquel similar to Xanax?
While Seroquel and Xanax are used to treat mental health concerns, they belong to different drug classes. Seroquel belongs to a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics, while Xanax is a benzodiazepine, which is a controlled substance. While we do not prescribe controlled substances, Seroquel is a non-controlled medication to effectively treat symptoms of anxiety and insomnia.
How much does Seroquel cost?
Depending on your pharmacy, Seroquel can cost around $419 for one hundred 25 mg tablets without insurance. Fortunately, generic alternatives like quetiapine tablets are often more affordable. As a PlushCare member, you can use our in-app Rx Price Finder and prescription discount card to locate the lowest prices at nearby pharmacies and save up to 80% on prescriptions.
How long does it take to lose weight after stopping Seroquel?
As it takes about 36 hours after taking your last dose of 50mg to leave your system, the time it takes to lose weight after stopping can vary. For a higher dose, it will take longer to leave your system. If you consistently follow a healthy diet and exercise plan after stopping Seroquel, you may see weight loss results within the first month following your last dose. Our doctors can work with you on a weight management plan to guide you through your journey.
How to get prescribed Seroquel

Step 1
Book an appointment to discuss Seroquel medication.
Book a same-day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2
Talk to your clinician regarding your mood or mental health symptoms.
Talk to a doctor about your bipolar or insomnia symptoms on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3
Pick up your Seroquel prescription.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy. Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion.
Seroquel prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Seroquel prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
Copay
For all visits
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
$129
Repeats only $99
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Seroquel medication resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Bipolar Disorder Medication | SEROQUEL XR® (quetiapine). Accessed on July 28, 2023 at https://www.seroquelxr.com/.
Cleveland Clinic. Quetiapine (Seroquel). Accessed on July 28, 2023 at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19288-quetiapine-tablets.
Food and Drug Administration. Seroquel tablet prescription label. Accessed on July 28, 2023 at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2006/020639s026lbl.pdf
MedlinePlus. Quetiapine. Accessed on July 28, 2023 at https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a698019.html.