What Is Quetiapine XR Used For?

Quetiapine XR is used for treating the symptoms of schizophrenia in adults. Although quetiapine XR is not a cure for schizophrenia, it can help to control symptoms of the condition. Occasionally, a healthcare provider may prescribe quetiapine XR "off-label" to treat other conditions, such as bipolar disorder, behavior problems in elderly people with dementia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

 

An Overview of Quetiapine XR Uses

 Quetiapine XR (Seroquel XR®) is a prescription medicine known as an "atypical antipsychotic" that has been licensed to treat schizophrenia. It is a long-acting medication that is taken just once a day.
 
Schizophrenia is a group of mental disorders that involve abnormal thinking. Schizophrenia is one of the most disabling and confusing mental illnesses. Although the causes of schizophrenia are not fully understood, it is currently thought that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in developing the illness. Depending on the type of schizophrenia (see Types of Schizophrenia), symptoms may include the following:
 
  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions
  • A diminished ability to initiate and sustain planned activity
  • Speaking infrequently, even when forced to interact
  • Poor executive functioning (the ability to absorb and interpret information and make decisions based on that information)
  • An inability to stay focused
  • Thought disorders
  • Disorders of movement
  • Flat affect (immobile facial expression, monotonous voice)
  • Lack of pleasure in everyday life
  • Problems with working memory (the ability to keep recently learned information in mind and use it right away).
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Although psychotherapy may be helpful for schizophrenia (see Psychosocial Therapy for Schizophrenics), medication is often essential for schizophrenia treatment. Quetiapine XR can help improve the symptoms of schizophrenia. However, quetiapine XR is not a cure for the condition.
 
(What Is Quetiapine XR Used For? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;