Quetiapine XR

As part of a group of drugs known as "atypical antipsychotic" medications, quetiapine XR is approved to treat schizophrenia. This prescription medication works by lessening or blocking certain chemicals in the brain that can become elevated in people with schizophrenia. Quetiapine XR is not suitable for everyone, and you should talk to your healthcare provider (prior to taking the medication) about your medical history and any other medications you are taking.

 

What Is Quetiapine XR?

Quetiapine XR (Seroquel XR®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat schizophrenia. It is a long-acting, extended-release medication that is taken just once a day.
 

Who Makes Quetiapine XR?

Quetiapine XR is manufactured by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.
 
(Click What Is Quetiapine XR Used For? for more information on what quetiapine XR is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does Quetiapine XR Work?

Quetiapine XR is not a cure for schizophrenia. It only helps to control symptoms (see Symptoms of Schizophrenia).
 
Quetiapine XR belongs to a group of medications called second-generation (or atypical) antipsychotic medications. It is not entirely known how quetiapine XR works for treating schizophrenia. However, it is known that quetiapine XR blocks or lessens the effects of several chemicals in the brain. These brain chemicals (such as dopamine and serotonin) may be elevated in people with schizophrenia.
 

Quetiapine XR Effects

In one clinical study of quetiapine XR for the treatment of schizophrenia, people taking quetiapine XR experienced greater improvements in their schizophrenia symptoms, compared to people not taking quetiapine XR.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;