Quetiapine XR (Seroquel® Extended-Release) Overview, Uses, and Safety

What Quetiapine XR (Seroquel® XR) Is and How It Works

Quetiapine XR is the extended-release form of quetiapine fumarate, an atypical antipsychotic taken once daily. It helps manage schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder (mania and depression), and major depressive disorder as adjunct therapy. The XR tablet releases medicine gradually for steady 24-hour coverage. Many patients know the brand as Seroquel XR, and some compare seroquel xr price and quetiapine er cost when choosing between brand and generic.

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Mechanism: quetiapine blocks serotonin 5‑HT2 and dopamine D2 receptors, with additional activity at histamine H1 and adrenergic receptors. This balance helps reduce psychotic symptoms, stabilize mood, and support depressive symptom relief. XR tablets are swallowed whole and designed for evening dosing. Labeling allows dosing without food or with a light meal.

Dosage and Usage

• Form and route: extended-release oral tablets taken once daily in the evening. Swallow whole; do not cut, crush, or chew.
• Schizophrenia (adults): prescribers may start 300 mg on Day 1, then 600 mg on Day 2; typical maintenance 400–800 mg once daily. Titrate to response and tolerability.
• Bipolar mania (monotherapy or with lithium/divalproex): common initiation 300 mg Day 1, 600 mg Day 2; range 400–800 mg once daily thereafter.
• Bipolar depression: common titration 50 mg Day 1, 100 mg Day 2, 200 mg Day 3, 300 mg Day 4; usual dose 300 mg nightly.
• MDD adjunct therapy: many start at 50 mg Days 1–2, then 150 mg Days 3–4; maintenance often 150–300 mg nightly.
• Older adults or those prone to hypotension/sedation may use slower titration and lower targets.
• Hepatic impairment or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may require dose reduction; strong CYP3A4 inducers may necessitate higher doses.
• Missed dose: if close to the usual time, take it; otherwise skip and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not double up.
• Alcohol and other sedatives increase drowsiness and dizziness; caution is advised.
• Off-label sleep use is common in practice, but quetiapine is not approved for primary insomnia; risks and benefits should be weighed by the prescriber.

• Store at 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) in a dry place.
• Keep tablets in the original container with the label.
• Protect from moisture and humidity; close the cap tightly.
• Do not split XR tablets.
• When you travel, carry the labeled container in your hand luggage.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Benefits and Savings

Quetiapine XR offers once-daily convenience and smoother plasma levels than immediate-release tablets. It supports symptom control in schizophrenia, reduces manic symptoms, and helps bipolar depression. As an adjunct in major depressive disorder, it can improve response where an antidepressant alone is not enough. Many patients notice improved sleep continuity due to nighttime dosing, though daytime sedation can occur.

Ordering the generic can lower the seroquel xr cost substantially. Patients in the US often see 60–80% savings vs typical US prices when purchasing through a Canadian pharmacy. You can choose multi-month supplies to reduce the per-month cost, and set reorder reminders so you do not run out. If comparing quetiapine xr 100 mg, quetiapine xr 200 mg, quetiapine xr 300 mg, or quetiapine xr 400 mg, pricing varies by strength and pack size.

For current promotions, see our quetiapine er coupon information.

People searching for seroquel xr online often compare seroquel xr price to the generic equivalent. Transparent pricing helps you plan therapy and budgets with your prescriber.

Side Effects and Safety

• Very common: drowsiness/somnolence, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, increased appetite, fatigue.
• Common: orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, nausea, dyspepsia, weight gain, headache.
• Metabolic changes: elevated blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol; weight gain may be significant.
• Neurologic: tremor, akathisia, extrapyramidal symptoms (generally lower risk than many antipsychotics).
• Vision: blurred vision; cataract risk has been reported in long-term use.
• Hematologic: leukopenia/neutropenia in susceptible patients.

Serious but uncommon risks include neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, severe hypotension/syncope, seizures, severe hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis, QT prolongation/arrhythmias, priapism, and severe allergic reactions. Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. There is an increased mortality risk in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis; quetiapine is not approved for this population.

Onset Time

Sedation can appear after the first dose, especially at night. For mania, some benefit may be seen within several days, with larger improvements over 1–2 weeks as the dose is optimized. Schizophrenia symptoms often begin to improve within 1–2 weeks, with continued gains over several weeks. In depression adjunct therapy, mood benefits may start in 1–2 weeks, and may continue to build through Weeks 4–6. Metabolic changes, including weight gain, can emerge within weeks, so monitoring is important.

Compare With Alternatives

Quetiapine immediate-release (IR) uses twice-daily dosing and has a quicker peak. Some patients prefer the once-daily XR design for steadier levels and morning functioning. If switching, prescribers use cautious titration; see guidance on seroquel xr to ir conversion in clinical references.

Olanzapine is another second-generation antipsychotic with strong efficacy for psychosis and mania. It often causes more weight gain than quetiapine. You can review Zyprexa® for details and pricing.

Typical antipsychotics such as Trifluoperazine can be effective but may raise the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia compared with many atypicals. Patients and prescribers weigh risks, benefits, and prior treatment response.

For those who benefit from quetiapine but prefer IR titration flexibility, consider the generic Quetiapine Fumarate immediate-release option and discuss dosing patterns with the prescriber.

Combination Therapy

• With lithium or divalproex for acute mania and for maintenance in bipolar I disorder.
• As adjunct to SSRIs or SNRIs for major depressive disorder when response is inadequate.
• With lamotrigine in bipolar depression based on clinician judgment.
• Caution with benzodiazepines, opioids, or other CNS depressants due to additive sedation.
• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin) may require quetiapine dose reduction; strong inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin) may require higher doses.
• When switching from another antipsychotic, gradual cross-taper can reduce relapse and adverse effects.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Quetiapine XR is used in adults with schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, and as adjunct for major depressive disorder. It is not approved for dementia-related psychosis. Caution is needed in patients with diabetes or prediabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, hepatic impairment, a history of seizures, lens changes, or prior neutropenia. Pregnancy and breastfeeding require individualized risk–benefit assessment.

Daytime sedation and orthostatic dizziness are dose-related and more likely during initiation. Sedation leads some patients to talk about seroquel xr for sleep; this use is off-label, and benefits must be weighed against metabolic and cardiovascular risks. Discuss daytime drowsiness, driving, and fall risk with the prescriber during titration.

To manage costs, consider the generic XR instead of brand, compare seroquel xr cost and seroquel xr price across strengths, and use multi-month quantities to lower the monthly average. You may set quick reorder reminders at checkout so you stay on track. Bulk promotions can further reduce per-month expense over time.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information for Seroquel XR (quetiapine fumarate) extended-release

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Quetiapine Products

FDA Medication Guide and safety information for quetiapine

Order Quetiapine XR from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This content is educational and does not replace your healthcare professional’s advice. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the medication guide.