Seroquel (Quetiapine) 200 mg is a prescription antipsychotic medication used to treat a range of mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and sometimes major depression as an add-on treatment. It belongs to a class of drugs known as atypical (or second-generation) antipsychotics.

Quick Overview

• Brand name: Seroquel

• Generic name: Quetiapine

• Strength: 200 mg

• Drug class: Atypical antipsychotic

• Form: Tablet (also available in extended-release: Seroquel XR)

• Prescription required

Used For

1. Schizophrenia (in adults and adolescents ≥13 years)

2. Bipolar Disorder

   • Manic episodes

   • Depressive episodes

   • Maintenance treatment with mood stabilizers

3. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

   • As an add-on to antidepressants in adults

How It Works

Quetiapine works by modulating the activity of several neurotransmitters in the brain, especially:

• Dopamine (linked to psychosis and mood)

• Serotonin (linked to mood, anxiety, and sleep)

By blocking certain dopamine and serotonin receptors, it helps reduce hallucinations, delusions, mood swings, depression, and insomnia.

How to Take It

• 200 mg is a mid-range dose; typical daily dose may range from:

  • 150–800 mg/day, depending on the condition and severity

• Usually taken once or twice daily, with or without food

• Start low, go slow—dosing is often increased gradually to reduce side effects

• Do not stop abruptly—can cause withdrawal symptoms

Common Side Effects

• Drowsiness or sedation

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Dry mouth

• Constipation

• Weight gain

• Increased appetite

• Fatigue

• Mild changes in cholesterol, blood sugar, or blood pressure

Serious Risks

• Metabolic syndrome: Weight gain, diabetes, high cholesterol

• Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS): Restlessness, tremor (less common than older antipsychotics)

• Tardive dyskinesia (rare, but can be permanent)

• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): A rare, life-threatening condition

• Suicidal thoughts in young people

• Low white blood cell count

• Orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when standing)

• QT prolongation (can affect heart rhythm in rare cases)

 Avoid or Use Cautiously If:

• You have heart problems, liver issues, or diabetes

• You take medications that also prolong the QT interval

• You’re elderly and have dementia-related psychosis (increased risk of death)

 Summary

Seroquel 200 mg (Quetiapine) is a versatile antipsychotic used for treating psychosis, bipolar disorder, and depression. It’s sedating, which can help with sleep, but it also has a risk of metabolic side effects and requires careful monitoring—especially at higher doses or with long-term use.