Quetiapine XR (Seroquel XR®) Extended-Release Tablets for Mood Disorders

What Quetiapine XR Is and How It Works

Quetiapine XR is the extended-release form of quetiapine, also known by the brand Seroquel® XR. It is an atypical antipsychotic used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and as adjunctive therapy for major depressive disorder. Quetiapine XR is taken once daily and releases medicine steadily over 24 hours. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Our pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing, and we offer brand and generic options at Canadian prices with friendly support. We also work with vetted international partner pharmacies to supply authentic brands and a wide selection at fair prices.

Quetiapine XR affects dopamine and serotonin receptors. This helps balance mood, reduce agitation, and ease psychotic symptoms. Many patients find once-daily XR tablets simpler than multiple daily doses. The extended-release core must be swallowed whole.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescriber’s plan. Typical adult dosing varies by condition and response. Tablets are often taken in the evening. Take with a light meal or without food. Do not split, crush, or chew XR tablets.

• Schizophrenia: common titration to 400–800 mg once daily. Some start lower and increase over several days.
• Bipolar mania: usual range 400–800 mg once daily, as monotherapy or with lithium/divalproex.
• Bipolar depression: many patients reach 300 mg once daily in the evening.
• Adjunct in major depressive disorder: 150–300 mg once daily is typical.
• Elderly or hepatic impairment: lower starting doses and slower titration are often used.
• Available strengths often include quetiapine ER 50 mg, quetiapine XR 100 mg, 150 mg, quetiapine XR 200 mg, quetiapine XR 300 mg, and quetiapine XR 400 mg. Many patients take seroquel 300 mg xr or titrate based on response.
• Missed dose: take when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. Do not double doses.

• Storage and travel: store at 15–30°C in a dry place. Keep tablets in the original container. Carry your medication and a copy of your prescription in your hand luggage when you travel. Keep away from children and pets.

Ask your prescriber about grapefruit products, which may raise quetiapine levels. Alcohol and other sedatives can increase drowsiness. When stopping, a gradual taper is often used to reduce withdrawal effects.

Benefits and Savings

Quetiapine XR offers once-daily dosing that supports adherence. It helps reduce hallucinations, delusions, manic symptoms, and mood swings. It can improve sleep quality in some patients, though dedicated insomnia use is off-label. For depression, XR is used as augmentation when first-line treatments are not enough. Many patients appreciate steadier blood levels with XR compared to immediate-release tablets.

You can expect meaningful savings at Canadian prices. Typical customers save 60–80% compared with many US pharmacy prices. YouDrugstore makes ordering simple online or by phone, and our customer-service chat is available during posted office hours for account and order help. Licensed pharmacists are available to address medication questions.

Side Effects and Safety

Side effects can happen with any antipsychotic. Many are dose-related and improve over time. Call your prescriber if symptoms are severe or persistent.

• Common: drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, fatigue, increased appetite, weight gain, nausea, lightheadedness when standing, and headache.
• Metabolic: increases in blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Weight gain can occur.
• Neurological: restlessness (akathisia), tremor, or other movement symptoms are possible but often less frequent than with some alternatives.
• Cardiovascular: orthostatic hypotension, increased heart rate, and rare QT prolongation.
• Serious: suicidal thoughts (especially under 25), severe neutropenia, seizures, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and tardive dyskinesia. Seek urgent care for fever, stiff muscles, confusion, or uncontrolled movements.
• Use is not approved for dementia-related psychosis. Stroke risk is higher in elderly patients with dementia.

Regular monitoring may include weight, blood pressure, glucose, and lipids. Eye exams may be recommended in long-term therapy. Report signs of infection, severe rash, or significant mood changes.

Onset Time

Some calming and better sleep can appear in a few days. Improvements in mania can emerge within 1–2 weeks for many patients. Psychotic and depressive symptoms may take several weeks to improve. Full benefit often appears over 4–6 weeks, with ongoing adjustments based on response and tolerability.

Compare With Alternatives

Quetiapine XR vs immediate-release quetiapine: XR is once daily and may reduce daytime sedation for some. Immediate-release offers flexible dosing but usually requires two or three daily doses. If your prescriber is considering a seroquel xr to ir conversion, they will guide the timing and total daily dose.

Quetiapine XR vs olanzapine: both treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Olanzapine can be more associated with weight and metabolic changes, while quetiapine often has more sedation. Your prescriber will consider prior response and side effect profile.

Quetiapine XR vs aripiprazole or risperidone: aripiprazole is more activating for some patients and may have less sedation. Risperidone can cause more prolactin-related effects. Tolerability varies by person.

For alternatives, some patients use Zyprexa® or immediate-release Quetiapine Fumarate, depending on goals and prior response. Ask your prescriber which option fits your treatment plan.

Combination Therapy

Quetiapine XR is used alone or with mood stabilizers. In bipolar mania, it is often combined with lithium or divalproex for better control. In major depressive disorder, it is added to an antidepressant when symptoms persist. Monitor for additive sedation with other CNS depressants, including alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or sedating antihistamines.

Drug interactions are important. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as ketoconazole, clarithromycin, or certain HIV protease inhibitors) can increase levels. Dose changes or avoidance may be needed. CYP3A4 inducers (such as carbamazepine or phenytoin) can lower levels and reduce efficacy. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Review all prescription drugs, OTC medicines, and supplements with your healthcare provider.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Quetiapine XR can be suitable for adults with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or treatment-resistant depression when selected by a prescriber. Lower starting doses are often used in older adults and in liver impairment. Caution is advised with diabetes, high cholesterol, low blood pressure, sleep apnea, seizure disorders, and a history of falls. It is not approved for dementia-related psychosis. Discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding plans with your provider.

Cost-saving tips are simple. Choosing generic quetiapine XR can lower the seroquel xr price substantially. Ordering a multi-month supply often reduces your per-month cost. You can turn on reorder reminders so you do not run out. You may see 60–80% savings compared with common US prices, and our team can help you compare seroquel xr cost and quetiapine er cost so you can budget your therapy.

For current promotions and bulk options, see our quetiapine er coupon page.

Learn more about conditions like Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia in our resources. You can also read practical guides such as Fluoxetine For Anxiety How It Boosts Mood And Reduces Worry and Abilify Side Effects What To Watch For And How To Manage to support informed discussions with your clinician.

Best practices include taking the tablet at the same time each day. Many patients find the best time to take seroquel xr is in the evening due to sedation. Your clinician will set the seroquel xr dosage, including any seroquel xr dosage for depression or seroquel xr dosage for bipolar, based on your history and goals. Some patients also ask about seroquel xr anxiety or seroquel xr for sleep. Discuss risks and benefits, since daytime sedation and metabolic effects can occur.

Authoritative Sources

Review trusted information from these sources:

• Seroquel XR Prescribing Information (FDA)
• Health Canada Product Monograph: Seroquel XR
• Manufacturer Information for Seroquel XR

YouDrugstore offers caring support, Canadian pricing, and prescriptions reviewed by licensed pharmacists. Order Quetiapine XR online with confidence. We ship to the US with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping and discreet packaging.

This page is educational and does not replace your prescriber’s advice. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and your medication guide. Seek medical help for severe side effects, allergic reactions, or worrisome mood changes.