What Is Seroquel Used For & Why

Purpose

Seroquel is a medication prescribed primarily for the treatment of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is diagnosed using several criteria, but the presence of delusions, hallucinations, catatonic behavior and disorganized speech that lasts longer than 6 months may indicate schizophrenia. Bipolar disorder is identifiable by the presence of both manic and depressive episodes. Feelings of sadness that last for more than 2 weeks, worthlessness, an inability to concentrate, a loss of pleasure in most activities, significant changes in appetite or sleep patterns and thoughts of suicide may indicate a depressive episode. A manic episode is a period of elevated or irritable moods lasting longer than 1 week, inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, excessive involvement in pleasure-seeking or high-risk behaviors such as gambling or sexual promiscuity, and distractibility.

Diagnosis

Seroquel is prescribed by a physician, usually a psychiatrist. You should never self-diagnose or take Seroquel that has been prescribed for someone else. It is important to communicate with your physician about any symptoms you are having or concerns you have about the medication. Your physician will determine, based on your self-report, whether Seroquel would work to treat your symptoms. Your physician may prescribe Seroquel initially or may try another medication first. Seroquel may have side effects. Each person responds differently to taking Seroquel, so you will need to be monitored closely by your physician.

Effects

According to Seroquel's website, Seroquel is a mood stabilizer and is in the "atypical anti-psychotic" class of medications. It is designed to treat the symptoms associated with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It is approved by the FDA to treat symptoms associated with both a manic episode and a depressive episode. Although the exact way that Seroquel works is unknown, it is similar to many medications prescribed for mental health disorders in that it interacts with the chemicals in the brain. Seroquel helps regulate the extreme mood swings often associated with bipolar disorder. As with any medication, side effects can occur. Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth and upset stomach are common with more serious side effects occurring less frequently. Be sure to report any side effects to your physician.

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