Seroquel
In brief
- In our pharmacy you can buy Seroquel without a prescription, with delivery in 9–21 days throughout the United Kingdom and discreet, anonymous packaging.
- Seroquel is used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (mania and depression) and as an adjunct for major depressive disorder; it is an atypical (second‑generation) antipsychotic that works mainly by antagonising dopamine D2 and serotonin 5‑HT2A receptors (with additional activity at histamine H1 and alpha‑1 receptors contributing to sedation and orthostatic effects).
- Usual dosages vary by condition: schizophrenia — start 25 mg twice daily, target 300–450 mg/day (divided into 2 doses), max 750 mg; acute bipolar mania — start 50 mg twice daily, increase to around 400 mg by day 4, max 800 mg; bipolar depression — start 50 mg once daily, titrate to 300 mg at bedtime, max 300 mg; adjunct in major depressive disorder — 50 mg XL at bedtime, up to 150–300 mg XL at bedtime.
- Form of administration: oral tablets only — immediate‑release tablets (25–300 mg) or prolonged‑release (XL) tablets (50–400 mg); do not crush or chew XL tablets and keep in original packaging.
- Onset time: sedative effects are often seen within 30–60 minutes; symptomatic improvement in psychosis or mood may begin within days but therapeutic benefit usually takes several weeks.
- Duration of action: immediate‑release doses typically have effect over roughly 8–12 hours per dose (requiring multiple daily doses for full-day coverage), while the XL formulation is designed for once‑daily dosing to provide approximately 24‑hour coverage.
- Alcohol warning: do not consume alcohol while taking Seroquel — alcohol increases drowsiness, sedation and risk of orthostatic hypotension and respiratory depression.
- The most common side effect is drowsiness/sedation.
- Would you like to try Seroquel without a prescription?
Basic Seroquel information
- INN (international nonproprietary name): Quetiapine
- Brand names available in the United Kingdom: Seroquel (immediate-release tablets), Seroquel XL (prolonged-release tablets); generic quetiapine
- ATC code: N05AH04 (atypical/second-generation antipsychotic)
- Forms and dosages: immediate-release tablets 25 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg; prolonged-release (XL) tablets 50 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg
- Manufacturers in the United Kingdom: AstraZeneca (originator) and generic manufacturers
- Registration status in the United Kingdom: authorised by the MHRA; prescription-only medicine (POM)
- OTC / Rx classification: Prescription-only medicine (POM)
Indications and who typically uses Seroquel
Licensed indications
Quetiapine is licensed in the UK for schizophrenia, for bipolar disorder (manic and depressive episodes, and prevention of recurrence) and, as the prolonged-release tablet, as an add-on treatment for major depressive disorder in adults.
Typical use in UK practice
Common scenarios include acute psychosis, community-managed bipolar maintenance and augmentation of antidepressants in treatment-resistant depression.
| Indication | Typical dose range |
|---|---|
| Schizophrenia (adults) | 300–450mg/day (divided) |
| Bipolar mania | Up to 400mg by day 4; maintenance varies |
| Bipolar depression | Up to 300mg at bedtime |
| Adjunct in major depressive disorder | XR 150–300mg at bedtime |
Formulations
Immediate‑release (IR) tablets (25 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg) are commonly used for titration or divided dosing during the day. Prolonged‑release Seroquel XL tablets come in 50 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg and 400 mg strengths and are often preferred for once‑daily bedtime dosing.
AstraZeneca is the originator of Seroquel and Seroquel XL; generic quetiapine is supplied by several manufacturers, so the manufacturer name may differ while the active ingredient remains the same.
How Seroquel works
Quetiapine is an atypical (second‑generation) antipsychotic (ATC N05AH04) that modulates dopamine and serotonin receptors to reduce psychotic symptoms and stabilise mood.
For patients this typically means fewer hallucinations, improved mood stability and sometimes better sleep.
Onset and treatment expectations
Sedation and anxiolytic effects can appear within hours and are noticeable early on.
Antipsychotic and mood benefits generally take days to weeks to become apparent, so early sedation does not equal full therapeutic effect.
Dosage regimens and titration
Typical UK titration
Schizophrenia (adults) often starts at 25mg twice daily, titrating to 300–450mg/day in 2 divided doses with a maximum of 750mg/day.
Bipolar mania typically starts 50mg twice daily and can be increased to 400mg by Day 4, with a maximum of 800mg/day.
Bipolar depression usually starts at 50mg once daily and titrates to 300mg at bedtime (maximum 300mg).
Adjunctive treatment in major depressive disorder uses XR 50mg at bedtime, up to 150–300mg XR (maximum 300mg).
Practical tips for titration
- Use IR for rapid titration and switch to XR for once‑daily maintenance when clinically appropriate.
- Weight, blood pressure, lipids and glucose are checked before dose escalation and repeated periodically.
- Timing: XL at bedtime, IR split across the day as prescribed; sedation is likely when starting.
| Indication | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schizophrenia (adults) | 25mg BD | 300–450mg/day | 750mg |
| Bipolar mania | 50mg BD | 400mg by day 4 | 800mg |
| Bipolar depression | 50mg OD | 300mg at bedtime | 300mg |
| Adjunct in MDD | 50mg XL bedtime | 150–300mg XL | 300mg |
Administration and everyday handling
Taking the tablets
Take XL tablets whole at bedtime; do not crush or chew them.
Immediate‑release tablets can be dosed twice daily as prescribed.
Quetiapine can cause drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
Storage recommendation: keep at 15–30°C, protect from moisture and light and keep in the original packaging.
Missed dose and overdose
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose; do not double up.
An overdose can be harmful: it can cause drowsiness, tachycardia, hypotension and coma, so seek medical help promptly (NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency).
Side effects and monitoring (practical management)
Common and clinically important adverse effects
Common adverse effects include sedation, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation and orthostatic hypotension.
Metabolic effects such as weight gain, raised cholesterol and triglycerides and increased appetite are clinically important.
Mild extrapyramidal symptoms and small elevations in liver enzymes can occur and should be noted.
Monitoring
- Baseline and periodic checks: weight/BMI, fasting lipids, glucose/HbA1c, blood pressure and pulse, LFTs and ECG where indicated.
- Lifestyle advice on diet and exercise helps; abnormal results should be discussed with the GP.
Keeping a side‑effect diary and arranging shared‑care notes with the GP improves adherence and early detection of metabolic issues.
Contraindications, cautions and interactions
Absolute and relative contraindications
Absolute contraindication is a known hypersensitivity to quetiapine or any excipient.
Avoid use for dementia‑related psychosis because of an increased mortality risk.
Exercise caution in cardiovascular disease, arrhythmias, cerebrovascular disease, liver impairment, diabetes or metabolic risk, seizure history, prior leucopenia/neutropenia and history of cataracts.
Key drug interactions
Quetiapine is predominantly metabolised via CYP3A4, so strong inhibitors (for example some azole antifungals) and inducers (for example carbamazepine) can markedly alter levels.
Additive sedation occurs with benzodiazepines and opioids and potential QT‑prolonging effects when combined with other agents.
| Risk | Drugs/classes | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Increased quetiapine levels | CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole) | Discuss with prescriber; consider dose reduction |
| Reduced quetiapine levels | CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. carbamazepine) | Monitor clinical response; liaise with prescriber |
| Increased sedation | Benzodiazepines, opioids | Advise caution, avoid driving until effects known |
Legal status and availability in the UK
Seroquel (quetiapine) is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK.
In our online pharmacy, Seroquel is available without a prescription, with discreet delivery to the United Kingdom in 5‑14 days.
Special populations: pregnancy, elderly, adolescents
Elderly and dementia‑related advice
Start low and titrate slowly in the elderly because of greater sensitivity to sedation, orthostatic hypotension and metabolic effects.
Quetiapine should not be used for dementia‑related psychosis due to increased mortality risk.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, adolescents
Use in pregnancy only if benefits outweigh risks and counsel on possible neonatal withdrawal or extrapyramidal signs after delivery.
Breastfeeding requires shared decision‑making and monitoring of the infant.
Quetiapine is not recommended for people under 18 years.
Quick reference
Quick FAQ
- Missed dose: Take as soon as remembered unless it is near the next dose; do not double up.
- Storage: Store at 15–30°C, protect from moisture and light.
- XL tablets: do not crush or chew; swallow whole.
- Overdose actions: Seek emergency care for significant drowsiness, fainting or unconsciousness.
- Where to seek help: Contact GP, NHS 111 or emergency services for urgent concerns.
Delivery across the United Kingdom
| City | Region | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| London | Greater London | 5‑7 days |
| Birmingham | West Midlands | 5‑7 days |
| Manchester | Greater Manchester | 5‑7 days |
| Glasgow | Scotland | 5‑7 days |
| Leeds | West Yorkshire | 5‑7 days |
| Edinburgh | Scotland | 5‑7 days |
| Bristol | South West England | 5‑9 days |
| Cardiff | Wales | 5‑9 days |
| Belfast | Northern Ireland | 5‑9 days |
| Newcastle | North East England | 5‑9 days |
| Sheffield | South Yorkshire | 5‑9 days |
| Nottingham | Nottinghamshire | 5‑9 days |
