Seroquel is a brand-name oral tablet that doctors prescribe for schizophrenia and certain types of bipolar disorder. It contains the active ingredient quetiapine. Seroquel may not be safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Keep reading for specific information about reproductive health and Seroquel. For a comprehensive look at Seroquel, see this article.
Your doctor will likely recommend that you do not take Seroquel while you’re pregnant. There’s not enough information known about the risks of taking Seroquel during pregnancy.
Some research shows that certain side effects can occur in babies exposed to antipsychotic drugs, such as Seroquel, as fetuses during the third trimester of pregnancy. (The third trimester refers to weeks 29 to 40 of pregnancy.) The side effects, referred to as extrapyramidal symptoms, are movement-related problems caused by certain drugs.
Babies exposed to antipsychotics as fetuses may also experience withdrawal symptoms after birth. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. Examples of these symptoms include excessive sleepiness, tremor, and trouble breathing or feeding.
If you become pregnant while taking Seroquel, tell your doctor. They can provide more information about the risks of Seroquel use during pregnancy.
If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor. They can recommend the right treatment for you.
Pregnancy registry
If you become pregnant during Seroquel treatment, your doctor may suggest that you enroll in the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications. This registry collects information to help people learn more about how these drugs affect pregnancy. You can call 866-961-2388 or visit the website to find out more details.
It’s not known whether Seroquel is safe to take while breastfeeding. The drug passes into breast milk in small amounts. However, it’s not known whether this might affect a child who’s breastfed.
Your doctor can tell you more about the safety of taking Seroquel if you’re breastfeeding. They may also suggest other ways to feed your child while you’re taking this medication.
It’s not known whether Seroquel is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re taking Seroquel. Seroquel is not known to interact with any birth control.
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.