Seroquel (quetiapine) is a brand-name drug prescribed for schizophrenia and certain types of bipolar disorder in adults and some children. Seroquel comes as an oral tablet you typically take twice per day.

Seroquel belongs to a drug class called atypical antipsychotics. Seroquel is available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Seroquel, including its strength and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Seroquel, including details about its uses, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Seroquel provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Seroquel, always follow the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Seroquel and Seroquel XR contain the same active drug: quetiapine fumarate. However, Seroquel XR is an extended-release form of the drug. With extended release, the active drug releases slowly into the body over time. It also lasts longer in the body than the active drug in Seroquel, which is released right away.

Seroquel and Seroquel XR come as oral tablets and in multiple strengths. The main difference between the dosage of Seroquel versus Seroquel XR is how often you take them. Typically, you take Seroquel twice per day and Seroquel XR once per day.

For more information about dosage differences between Seroquel and Seroquel XR, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to this article comparing the two medications.

The typically recommended dosages for Seroquel are below.

Seroquel form

Seroquel comes as an oral tablet.

Seroquel strengths

Seroquel comes in the following strengths:

  • 25 milligrams (mg)
  • 50 mg
  • 100 mg
  • 200 mg
  • 300 mg
  • 400 mg

Typical dosages

Typically, your doctor will prescribe a low dosage to start. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that doctors commonly prescribe or recommend for adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for schizophrenia

For adults, the recommended starting dosage for schizophrenia is 25 mg twice per day. The maximum dosage for this use is 750 mg per day.

Dosage for depressive episodes of bipolar disorder

For adults, the recommended starting dosage for depressive episodes of bipolar disorder is 50 mg once per day. (Bipolar depression is another name for these episodes.)

Your doctor will have you take your dose at bedtime. The maximum dosage for this use is 300 mg per day.

Dosage for manic episodes of bipolar I disorder

For adults, the recommended starting dosage for manic episodes of bipolar I disorder is 50 mg twice per day. (Manic episodes are periods of mania, defined as highly energetic or excited behavior.)

The maximum dosage for this use is 800 mg per day.

Children’s dosage

Below are the typically recommended dosages for Seroquel’s approved uses in children. However, your child’s doctor will determine the dosage that’s right for your child.

Dosage for schizophrenia

Seroquel is prescribed for schizophrenia in children ages 13–17 years old. The recommended starting dosage for childhood schizophrenia is 25 mg twice per day. The maximum dosage for this use is 800 mg per day.

Dosage for manic episodes of bipolar I disorder

Seroquel is prescribed for manic episodes of bipolar I disorder in children ages 10–17 years. The recommended starting dosage is 25 mg twice per day. The maximum dosage for this use is 600 mg per day.

Long-term treatment

Seroquel is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Seroquel is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

If you have questions about your treatment plan, talk with your doctor for more information.

Below are some common questions about Seroquel and dosage.

Can Seroquel be used for sleep or anxiety? If so, what is the dosage?

It’s possible for Seroquel to be used for sleeping difficulties and anxiety. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved Seroquel for either of these conditions. However, sometimes Seroquel is prescribed off label* for sleeping difficulties and anxiety. Seroquel is approved by the FDA to treat schizophrenia and certain types of bipolar disorder.

Talk with your doctor if you’d like information about Seroquel for sleep or anxiety. If they recommend the drug, they’ll determine the dosage that’s right for you.

* Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than its approved use.

Do older adults have to take a lower dose of Seroquel?

Yes, doctors usually recommend a lower Seroquel dose to start for older adults (ages 65 years and older). When you’re older, it can take longer for medications to clear from your body. This can cause drug levels to rise, which can increase your risk of side effects. Starting with a lower dosage of Seroquel may help reduce your risk of side effects from the drug. To find out about Seroquel’s side effects, see this article.

The typical starting dosage of Seroquel for adults ages 65 years and older is 50 milligrams (mg) per day. However, always take the dosage prescribed by your doctor. They’ll determine the best dosage to meet your needs.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’d like more information on Seroquel dosages for older adults. To learn about other possible dosage adjustments, see the “Factors that can affect your dosage” section just below.

The Seroquel dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re taking Seroquel to treat
  • your age
  • your medical history
  • how well your liver works
  • other medications you may take
  • whether you experience side effects from Seroquel

Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Seroquel dosage.

Dosage adjustments

If you’re 65 years or older, your doctor will likely prescribe a lower starting dosage than usual. Your doctor may also increase your dosage more slowly. To learn more, see “Do older adults have to take a lower dose of Seroquel?” in the “Frequently asked questions” section above.

Your doctor will also lower your starting dosage if you have liver damage. This is because Seroquel is removed from your body by your liver. If your liver isn’t working as usual, the drug may build up. This can increase your risk of side effects from Seroquel. A lower dosage may help reduce the risk of side effects with the drug. To learn about Seroquel’s side effects, see this article.

Certain drugs can interact with Seroquel if they’re taken at the same time. Depending on the drug, your doctor may increase or decrease your Seroquel dosage. For details about interactions with Seroquel, see this article.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Seroquel without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Seroquel that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Seroquel comes as an oral tablet that you swallow with or without food. You should take Seroquel as your doctor prescribes, which is typically twice per day.

It may be helpful to take your Seroquel doses around the same times each day. For example, your doctor may recommend taking one dose in the morning and the other in the evening. Following a schedule helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Seroquel can work effectively.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Seroquel in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

Seroquel works best when taken exactly as your doctor prescribes. If you miss a dose of Seroquel, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to the time of your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose at the usual time.

It’s important that you do not take two doses of Seroquel at the same time. Doing so could increase your risk of serious side effects. For information about Seroquel’s side effects, see this article.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

If you take more Seroquel than your doctor prescribes, you may develop harmful effects. To learn about side effects of Seroquel, see this article.

It’s important that you do not take more Seroquel than your doctor advises.

Symptoms of an overdose

Seroquel overdose symptoms can include:

If you take more than the recommended amount of Seroquel

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Seroquel. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking Seroquel. This was commonly reported in the drug’s clinical trials. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. (With dependence, your body needs the drug to function as usual.)

Symptoms of Seroquel withdrawal include:

If you and your doctor decide to stop Seroquel, your doctor will likely recommend a dose taper. With a dose taper, your doctor decreases your dose slowly over time. This strategy helps reduce your risk of withdrawal symptoms with Seroquel. Your doctor will determine the best taper schedule for you. As with any drug, never change your dosage of Seroquel without your doctor’s guidance.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Seroquel for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Seroquel without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Seroquel that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Seroquel. These additional articles might be helpful:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.