quetiapine (Seroquel)

Meet with a licensed provider online to explore if an antipsychotic medication like quetiapine (Seroquel) may be right for you.

Treatment for:
bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, acute manic episodes

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What is an antipsychotic?

Antipsychotics are a class of medication that is primarily used to treat symptoms of psychosis, like hearing and seeing things that other people do not, feeling paranoid, or having delusions.

How does an antipsychotic work?

Antipsychotics work by blocking dopamine in the brain, which helps reduce the frequency and severity of psychotic symptoms.

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How prescribing works

  • 1

    Find a provider who meets your needs

    Browse our providers online or call our scheduling team for matching assistance — find a provider who accepts your insurance and meets your needs, whether that’s a clinical specialty or a shared life experience. Choose a date and time that works for you and how you’d prefer to pay (using insurance or self-pay).

  • 2

    Meet 1:1 to begin treatment

    Meet online with your provider to begin treatment. At your first session, share any symptoms or struggles you’re experiencing along with your goals. Together, you and your provider will discuss if medication may be a good next step. Your provider may write you a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.

  • 3

    Attend sessions and start feeling better

    Once your treatment plan is created, your provider will regularly check in and encourage feedback to ensure any medication you may be prescribed is effective for you.

FAQs

What is quetiapine (Seroquel) used for?

Quetiapine is considered an atypical antipsychotic. It is used to treat schizophrenia, acute manic episodes that occur with bipolar disorder, and depression. Quetiapine may also be used off-label, or for a condition outside of its approved uses, to treat other conditions such as anxiety disorders.

What are the side effects for quetiapine (Seroquel)?

Side effects of quetiapine can include (but are not limited to) sleepiness, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, abdominal pain, weight gain, problems with sleep, orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when standing up), weakness, sore throat, and lethargy. Speak with your provider or pharmacist to learn more about the other possible side effects of quetiapine.

Is quetiapine (Seroquel) a controlled substance?

No, quetiapine is not a federally controlled substance, since it is not habit-forming and doesn't cause addiction. Contact your provider or pharmacist if you have questions about quetiapine and how it works to treat your condition.

Does quetiapine (Seroquel) cause weight gain or loss?

Yes, weight gain is possible with quetiapine, and was a common side effect in studies of people taking the medication. Weight gain with quetiapine treatment depends on various factors including other medications you may be taking or health conditions you may have. If you have concerns about weight gain with quetiapine treatment, talk with your provider. They can work with you to determine ways for you to manage a healthy weight while you're on quetiapine.

How long does quetiapine (Seroquel) stay in your system?

How long quetiapine stays in your system depends on how well your liver and kidneys are functioning. Quetiapine's half-life is 6 hours, which means it takes this long for half the drug to leave your body. Typically, it may take a little more than a day for quetiapine to leave your system completely, but if you have problems with your liver or kidneys, it could take longer. If you have questions about how long quetiapine is likely to stay in your body, speak to your pharmacist or provider.

How long does quetiapine (Seroquel) take to work?

Quetiapine starts working soon after you take a dose, taking around 1 to 2 hours to be fully absorbed in your body. However, it may take a few weeks to months of taking the medication regularly before you notice a distinct improvement in your condition, depending on how your body responds to treatment and other factors like your dose and other medications you may be taking. Your provider may start you on a low dose of quetiapine and slowly increase it based on how you do with treatment. If you have questions about how long quetiapine may take to work for you, talk with your provider.

Does quetiapine (Seroquel) help with anxiety?

Yes, quetiapine is sometimes used off-label to treat types of anxiety. An “off-label” use is when a medication is prescribed for a use other than its approved uses. However, keep in mind that, in some people, quetiapine may also cause anxiety. To learn more about quetiapine use for anxiety, talk with your provider.

Can I get a prescription online?

You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.

Can I use my health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?

Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.

How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?

Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.

This information has been reviewed for accuracy and approved by our licensed psychiatric team. Published October 3, 2024

We offer psychiatry in these select states

Our psychiatry services are done completely online, so you can schedule with any psychiatric provider in your state.

Dr. Scott Gordon

Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.

Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer

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