Skip to main content

QUEtiapine (Monograph)

Brand name: SEROquel
Drug class: Atypical Antipsychotics
VA class: CN709
Chemical name: (E)-2-Butenedioate-2-[2-(4-dibenzo[b,f] [1,4]thiazepin-11-yl-1-piperazinyl)ethoxy]-ethanol (2:1) (salt)
Molecular formula: (C21H25N3O2S)2•C4H4O4
CAS number: 111974-72-2

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 20, 2024. Written by ASHP.

Warning

    Increased Mortality in Geriatric Patients
  • Substantially higher mortality rate (4.5%) in geriatric patients with dementia-related psychosis [off-label] receiving atypical antipsychotic agents (e.g., quetiapine, aripiprazole, olanzapine, risperidone) compared with those receiving placebo (2.6%).a 97 98

  • Most fatalities resulted from cardiac-related events (e.g., heart failure, sudden death) or infections (mostly pneumonia).a 97 98

  • Atypical antipsychotics are not approved for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis.a 97 98 (See Increased Mortality in Geriatric Patients with Dementia-related Psychosis under Cautions.)

    Suicidality
  • Antidepressants increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) compared with placebo in children, adolescents, and young adults (18–24 years of age) with major depressive disorder and other psychiatric disorders; balance this risk with clinical need.99 100 103 (See Pediatric Use under Cautions.)

  • In pooled data analyses, risk of suicidality was not increased in adults >24 years of age and apparently was reduced in adults ≥65 years of age with antidepressant therapy compared with placebo.99 100 103

  • Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with an increased risk of suicide.99 100 103

  • Appropriately monitor and closely observe all patients who are started on quetiapine therapy for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior; involve family members and/or caregivers in this process.99 100 101 103 (See Worsening of Depression and Suicidality Risk under Cautions.)

Introduction

Atypical or second-generation antipsychotic agent.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 21 22 23 26 27 28

Uses for QUEtiapine

Schizophrenia

Symptomatic management of schizophrenia.1 2 3 4 5 6 18 22 23 26

Bipolar Disorder

Management (alone or in combination with lithium or divalproex sodium) of acute manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder.1 a

QUEtiapine Dosage and Administration

General

Administration

Oral Administration

Administer orally, generally 2–3 times daily without regard to meals.1 25

When switching from other antipsychotic agents to quetiapine, abrupt discontinuance of previous agent may be acceptable for some patients with schizophrenia, but gradual discontinuance may be appropriate for others.1 In all cases, minimize period of overlapping antipsychotic administration.1

In patients being switched from long-acting (depot) parenteral antipsychotic therapy to oral quetiapine therapy, administer first oral dose in place of next scheduled depot injection of the long-acting preparation.1

Periodically reevaluate need for continuing any existing drug therapy for symptomatic relief of adverse extrapyramidal effects.1

Dosage

Available as quetiapine fumarate; dosage is expressed in terms of quetiapine.1

Reinitiating therapy: In patients previously treated with quetiapine, dosage titration is not necessary if reinitiated after a drug-free period <1 week;1 if reinitiated after a drug-free period >1 week, generally titrate dosage as with initial therapy.1

Adults

Schizophrenia
Oral

Initially, 25 mg twice daily.1 23

Increase dosage in increments of 25–50 mg 2 or 3 times daily on the second or third day, as tolerated, to a target dosage of 300–400 mg daily in 2 or 3 divided doses by the fourth day.1 23

Make subsequent dosage adjustments at intervals of not less than 2 days, usually in increments or decrements of 25–50 mg twice daily.1 20

Dosages ranging from 150–750 mg daily were effective in clinical trials.1 4 5 6 7 8 11 18 22 Dosages >300 mg daily usually do not result in greater efficacy, but dosages of 400–500 mg daily have been required in some patients.1

Optimum duration of therapy currently not known, but efficacy of maintenance therapy with antipsychotics is well established.1 22 Continue therapy in responsive patients as long as clinically necessary and tolerated but at lowest possible effective dosage; reassess need for continued therapy and optimal dosage periodically (e.g., at least annually).1 22

If discontinuance is considered, precautions include slow, gradual dose reduction over many months, more frequent clinician visits, and use of early intervention strategies.22

Bipolar Disorder
Acute Mania
Oral

Initially, 100 mg daily in 2 divided doses.1 Increase dosage (in increments of ≤100 mg daily in 2 divided doses) to 400 mg daily on the fourth day of therapy.1 Make subsequent adjustments in increments of ≤200 mg daily to reach a dosage of up to 800 mg daily by the sixth day of therapy.1

Majority of patients respond to 400–800 mg daily.1

Optimum duration not established; efficacy has been demonstrated in two 12-week monotherapy trials and one 3-week adjunct therapy trial.a If used for extended periods, periodically reevaluate long-term risks and benefits for the individual patient.1 a

Prescribing Limits

Adults

Schizophrenia
Oral

Safety of dosages >800 mg daily not established.1

Bipolar Disorder
Acute Mania
Oral

Safety of dosages >800 mg daily not established.1

Special Populations

Hepatic Impairment

Initially, 25 mg daily; increase dosage by 25–50 mg daily according to clinical response and tolerability until an effective dosage is reached.1

Renal Impairment

No dosage adjustment necessary.1

Patients at Risk of Orthostatic Hypotension

Consider a slower rate of dosage titration and a lower target dosage in geriatric patients and in patients who are debilitated or have a predisposition to hypotensive reactions.1 Adjust dosage with caution.1

Initially, 25 mg twice daily to minimize risk of orthostatic hypotension and associated syncope.1 If hypotension occurs during dosage titration, return to previous dosage in titration schedule.1

Cautions for QUEtiapine

Contraindications

Warnings/Precautions

Warnings

Increased Mortality in Geriatric Patients with Dementia-related Psychosis

Possible increased risk of death with use of atypical antipsychotics in geriatric patients with dementia-related psychosis.a 97 98

Atypical antipsychotics are not approved for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis.a 97 98 (See Boxed Warning and see Geriatric Use under Cautions.)

Worsening of Depression and Suicidality Risk

Possible worsening of depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality) or unusual changes in behavior in both adult and pediatric patients with major depressive disorder, whether or not they are taking antidepressants; may persist until clinically important remission occurs.99 100 101 102 103 (See Boxed Warning and also see Pediatric Use under Cautions.) However, suicide is a known risk of depression and certain other psychiatric disorders, and these disorders themselves are the strongest predictors of suicide.99 100 101 103

Appropriately monitor and closely observe patients receiving quetiapine for any reason, particularly during initiation of therapy (i.e., the first few months) and during periods of dosage adjustments.99 100 101 103

Anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, akathisia, hypomania, and/or mania may be precursors to emerging suicidality.100 101 103 Consider changing or discontinuing therapy in patients whose depression is persistently worse or in those with emerging suicidality or symptoms that might be precursors to worsening depression or suicidality, particularly if severe, abrupt in onset, or were not part of the patient’s presenting symptoms.100 103

Prescribe in smallest quantity consistent with good patient management to reduce risk of overdosage.100 103

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a potentially fatal syndrome requiring immediate discontinuance of the drug and intensive symptomatic treatment, reported rarely.1

Tardive Dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia, a syndrome of potentially irreversible, involuntary dyskinetic movements, reported infrequently.1 Consider discontinuance of quetiapine.1

Hyperglycemia and Diabetes Mellitus

Severe hyperglycemia, sometimes associated with ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar coma, or death, reported in patients receiving atypical antipsychotic agents, including quetiapine.1 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 47 60 61 62 63 67 87 Closely monitor patients with preexisting diabetes mellitus for worsening of glucose control and perform fasting glucose tests at baseline and periodically for patients with risk factors for diabetes (e.g., obesity, family history of diabetes).1 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 If manifestations of hyperglycemia occur in any patient, test for diabetes mellitus.1 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45

General Precautions

Orthostatic Hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension reported.1 Use with caution in patients with known cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease and/or conditions that would predispose patients to hypotension (e.g., dehydration, hypovolemia, concomitant antihypertensive therapy).1 (See Patients at Risk of Orthostatic Hypotension under Dosage and Administration.)

Ocular Effects

Possible lenticular changes; ophthalmologic examination of the lens by methods adequate to detect cataract formation (e.g., slit lamp exam) recommended at initiation of therapy, or shortly thereafter, and at 6-month intervals during chronic therapy.1

Nervous System Effects

Possible risk of seizures; use with caution in patients with a history of seizures or with conditions known to lower the seizure threshold (e.g., dementia of the Alzheimer’s type, geriatric patients).1

Disruption of ability to reduce core body temperature possible; use with caution in patients exposed to conditions that may contribute to an elevation in core body temperature (e.g., dehydration, extreme heat, strenuous exercise, concomitant use of anticholinergic agents).1

Somnolence reported.1 Potential impairment of judgment, thinking, or motor skills.1

Endocrine Effects

Hypothyroidism possible.1

Elevated prolactin concentrations reported with some atypical antipsychotic agents; not observed in clinical trials with quetiapine but reported in animals.1

Metabolic Effects

Weight gain possible.1

Increases in cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations possible; weakly related to weight gain.1

Hepatic Effects

Asymptomatic, transient, and reversible increases in serum transaminases (principally ALT) reported; usually occurred within first 3 weeks and resolved despite continued quetiapine therapy.1

Sexual Dysfunction

Priapism possible.1

GI Effects

Esophageal dysmotility and aspiration possible; use with caution in patients at risk for aspiration pneumonia (e.g., geriatric patients, those with advanced Alzheimer’s dementia).1

Possible Prescribing and Dispensing Precautions

Ensure accuracy of prescription; similarity in spelling of Seroquel (quetiapine) and Serzone (former trade name for nefazodone hydrochloride, an antidepressant agent) may result in errors associated with adverse CNS (e.g., mental status deterioration, hallucination, paranoia, muscle weakness, lethargy, dizziness) and GI (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) effects.29 30 31

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Category C.1

Risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms (e.g., agitation, hypertonia, hypotonia, tardive dyskinetic-like symptoms, tremor, somnolence, respiratory distress, feeding disorder) in neonates exposed to antipsychotic agents during the third trimester; monitor neonates exhibiting such symptoms.103 107 108 109 Symptoms were self-limiting in some neonates but varied in severity; some infants required intensive support and prolonged hospitalization.103 107 108 109

Lactation

Distributes into human milk in relatively small amounts.103 110 111 112 Women receiving quetiapine should not breast-feed.103

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy not established in children <18 years of age.1

FDA warns that a greater risk of suicidal thinking or behavior (suicidality) occurred during the first few months of antidepressant treatment compared with placebo in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or other psychiatric disorders based on pooled analyses of 24 short-term, placebo-controlled trials of 9 antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and other antidepressants).100 102 103 However, a later meta-analysis of 27 placebo-controlled trials of 9 antidepressants (SSRIs and others) in patients <19 years of age with major depressive disorder, OCD, or non-OCD anxiety disorders suggests that the benefits of antidepressant therapy in treating these conditions may outweigh the risks of suicidal behavior or ideation.102 No suicides occurred in these pediatric trials.100 102 103

Carefully consider these findings when assessing potential benefits and risks of quetiapine in a child or adolescent for any clinical use.100 101 102 103 (See Boxed Warning and also see Worsening of Depression and Suicidality Risk under Cautions.)

Geriatric Use

No substantial differences in safety relative to younger adults, but factors that decrease pharmacokinetic clearance, increase the pharmacodynamic response, or cause poorer tolerance or orthostasis may be present.1 (See Patients at Risk of Orthostatic Hypotension under Dosage and Administration.)

Possible increased risk of death in geriatric patients with dementia-related psychosis.a 97 98 Substantial (1.6- to 1.7-fold) increase in mortality rate reported in geriatric patients with dementia who received atypical antipsychotic agents (e.g., aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone) for treatment of behavioral disorders; most fatalities resulted from cardiac-related events (e.g., heart failure, sudden death) or infections (mostly pneumonia).a 97 98

Atypical antipsychotics are not approved for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis.a 97 98 (See Boxed Warning and see Increased Mortality in Geriatric Patients with Dementia-related Psychosis under Cautions.)

In pooled data analyses, a reduced risk of suicidality was observed in adults ≥65 years of age with antidepressant therapy compared with placebo.99 100 103 (See Boxed Warning and also see Worsening of Depression and Suicidality Risk under Cautions.)

Hepatic Impairment

Increased plasma concentrations expected in patients with hepatic impairment; dosage adjustment may be necessary.1

Renal Impairment

Clearance may be decreased in severe renal impairment, but dosage adjustment not necessary.1

Common Adverse Effects

Somnolence, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, increased ALT, weight gain, dyspepsia.a

Drug Interactions

Metabolized principally by CYP3A4.1 b Does not appear to inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, or CYP3A4 in vitro; pharmacokinetic interaction with substrates of these isoenzymes unlikely.1 b

Drugs Affecting Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes

Inhibitors or inducers of CYP3A4; potential pharmacokinetic interaction (altered quetiapine metabolism).1 b

Specific Drugs

Drug

Interaction

Comments

Alcohol

Potentiation of cognitive and motor effects of alcohol1

Avoid alcohol during therapy with quetiapine1

Antifungals, azole (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole)

Substantial decrease in quetiapine clearance with concomitant use of ketoconazole, resulting in increased peak plasma quetiapine concentrations1

Use concomitantly with caution; dosage adjustment of quetiapine may be necessary1

Barbiturates

Possible increased quetiapine clearance1

Increased quetiapine dosage may be required1

Carbamazepine

Possible increased quetiapine clearance1

Increased quetiapine dosage may be required1

Cimetidine

Decreased quetiapine mean clearance1

No dosage adjustment of quetiapine required1

CNS agents

Possible additive CNS effects1

Use with caution1

Divalproex sodium

Increased peak plasma quetiapine concentrations, with no effect on extent of absorption or mean quetiapine clearance; decreased peak plasma valproic acid concentrations and extent of absorption, but not significant1

Dopamine agonists

Antagonistic effects1

Erythromycin

Decreased quetiapine clearance1

Use concomitantly with caution1

Fluoxetine

No effect on quetiapine pharmacokinetics1

Glucocorticoids

Possible increased quetiapine clearance1

Increased quetiapine dosage may be required1

Haloperidol

No effect on quetiapine pharmacokinetics1

Hypotensive agents

Additive hypotensive effects1

Imipramine

No effect on quetiapine pharmacokinetics1

Levodopa

Antagonistic effects1

Lithium

No effect on lithium pharmacokinetics1

Lorazepam

Decreased lorazepam clearance1

Phenytoin

Substantially increased quetiapine clearance1

Increased quetiapine dosage may be required;1 23 caution advised if phenytoin is withdrawn and replaced with a non-inducer (e.g., valproate)1

Rifampin

Possible increased quetiapine clearance1

Increased quetiapine dosage may be required1

Risperidone

No effect on quetiapine pharmacokinetics1

Thioridazine

Substantially increased quetiapine clearance1

QUEtiapine Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Bioavailability

Rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations attained within 1.5 hours.1 b Bioavailability of tablet formulation is 100% relative to an oral solution (not commercially available in US).1 b

Food

Bioavailability is marginally affected by food.1 b

Distribution

Extent

Widely distributed throughout the body.1

Distributed into milk in relatively small amounts.103 110 111 112

Plasma Protein Binding

83%.1 b

Elimination

Metabolism

Extensively metabolized to inactive metabolites, principally via CYP3A4.1 b

Elimination Route

Excreted in urine (73%) and feces (20%), with <1% of the drug excreted unchanged.1 b

Half-life

Approximately 6 hours.1 b

Special Populations

In patients with hepatic impairment, clearance is 30% lower and AUC and peak plasma concentrations are 3 times higher than those of healthy individuals.1

In patients with severe renal impairment (Clcr 10–30 mL/minute), clearance may be reduced by 25% compared with healthy individuals; however, plasma concentrations in patients with renal impairment were within the range of those seen in healthy patients.1

In geriatric patients, clearance is decreased by about 40% compared with younger patients.1

Stability

Storage

Oral

Tablets

25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C).1

Actions

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.

QUEtiapine Fumarate

Routes

Dosage Forms

Strengths

Brand Names

Manufacturer

Oral

Tablets, film-coated

25 mg (of quetiapine)

SEROquel (with povidone)

AstraZeneca

50 mg (of quetiapine)

SEROquel (with povidone)

AstraZeneca

100 mg (of quetiapine)

SEROquel (with povidone)

AstraZeneca

200 mg (of quetiapine)

SEROquel (with povidone)

AstraZeneca

300 mg (of quetiapine)

SEROquel (with povidone)

AstraZeneca

400 mg (of quetiapine)

SEROquel (with povidone)

AstraZeneca

AHFS DI Essentials™. © Copyright 2024, Selected Revisions March 30, 2017. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.

† Off-label: Use is not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

References

1. AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals. Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate) tablets prescribing information. Wilmington, DE; 2004 Jul.

2. Small JG, Hirsch SR, Arvanitis LA et al and the Seroquel Study Group. Quetiapine in patients with schizophrenia: a high- and low-dose double-blind comparison with placebo. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1997; 54:549-557. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9193196?dopt=AbstractPlus

3. Borison RL, Arvanitis LA, Miller BG and the U.S. SEROQUEL Study Group. ICI 204,636, an atypical antipsychotic: efficacy and safety in a multicenter, placebo-controlled trial in patients with schizophrenia. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1996; 16:158-169. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8690831?dopt=AbstractPlus

4. Arvanitis LA, Miller BG and the Seroquel Trial 13 Study Group. Multiple fixed doses of “Seroquel” (quetiapine) in patients with acute exacerbation of schizophrenia: a comparison with haloperidol and placebo. Biol Psychiatry. 1997; 42:233-246. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9270900?dopt=AbstractPlus

5. Anon. Academic highlights: Seroquel: a putative atypical antipsychotic drug with serotonin- and dopamine-receptor antagonist properties: preclinical and early clinical trials in schizophrenia. J Clin Psychiatry. 1995; 56:438-445. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7665549?dopt=AbstractPlus

6. Casey DE. ’seroquel’ (quetiapine): preclinical and clinical findings of a new atypical antipsychotic. Exp Opin Invest Drugs. 1996; 5:939-957.

7. Robinson CP, Robinson KA, Castaner J. Quetiapine fumarate. Drugs Future. 1996; 21:483-489.

8. Fleischhacker WW, Hummer M. Drug treatment of schizophrenia in the 1990s: achievements and future possibilities in optimising outcomes. Drugs. 1997; 53:915-929. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9179524?dopt=AbstractPlus

9. Richelson E. Preclinical pharmacology of neuroleptics: focus on new generation compounds. J Clin Psychiatry. 1996; 57(Suppl 11):4-11. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8941166?dopt=AbstractPlus

10. Fabre LF, Arvanitis L, Pultz J et al. ICI 204,636, a novel, atypical antipsychotic: early indication of safety and efficacy in patients with chronic and subchronic schizophrenia. Clin Ther. 1995; 17:366-378. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7585841?dopt=AbstractPlus

11. Buckley PF. New dimensions in the pharmacologic treatment of schizophrenia and related psychoses. J Clin Pharmacol. 1997; 37:363-378. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9156369?dopt=AbstractPlus

12. Kuperberg GR. Advances in the treatment of schizophrenia. Br J Clin Pract. 1996; 50:315-323. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8983320?dopt=AbstractPlus

13. Citrome L. New antipsychotic medications: what advantages do they offer? Postgrad Med. 1997; 101:207-210,213,214. (IDIS 380687)

14. Lieberman JA. Atypical antipsychotic drugs as a first-line treatment of schizophrenia: a rationale and hypothesis. J Clin Psychiatry. 1996; 57(Suppl 11):68-71. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8941173?dopt=AbstractPlus

15. Hirsch SR, Link CGG, Goldstein JM et al. ICI 204,636: a new atypical antipsychotic drug. Br J Psychiatry. 1996; 168(Suppl 29):45-56.

16. Meltzer HY. Pre-clinical pharmacology of atypical antipsychotic drugs: a selective review. Br J Psychiatry. 1996; 168(Suppl 29):23-31.

17. Goldstein JM. Preclinical profile of Seroquel (quetiapine): an atypical antipsychotic with clozapine-like pharmacology. In: Holliday SG, Ancill RJ, MacEwan GW eds. Schizophrenia: Breaking Down the Barriers. New York: John Wiley & Sons Ltd; 1996:177-208.

18. Arvanitis LA. Clinical profile of Seroquel™ (quetiapine): an overview of recent clinical studies. In: Holliday SG, Ancill RJ, MacEwan GW eds. Schizophrenia: Breaking Down the Barriers. New York: John Wiley & Sons Ltd; 1996:209-236.

19. Lahti AC, Tamminga CA. Recent developments in the neuropharmacology of schizophrenia. Am J Health-Syst Pharm. 1995; 52(Suppl 1):S5-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7749964?dopt=AbstractPlus

20. Casey DE. Will the new antipsychotics bring hope of reducing the risk of developing extrapyramidal syndromes and tardive dyskinesia? Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 1997; 12(Suppl 1):S19-27.

21. Link C, Smith A, Miller B et al and the European Seroquel Study Group. A multicentre, double-blind, controlled comparison of Seroquel and chlorpromazine in the treatment of hospitalised patients with acute exacerbation of subchronic and chronic schizophrenia. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 1994; 4:385.

22. American Psychiatric Association. Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. Am J Psychiatry. 2004; 161(Suppl):1-56.

23. Anon. Quetiapine for schizophrenia. Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1997; 39:117-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9422044?dopt=AbstractPlus

24. American Psychiatric Association. DSM-IV: diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 4th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 1994:273-86.

25. Zeneca, Wilmington, DE: Personal communication.

26. Meats P. Quetiapine (’seroquel’); an effective and well-tolerated atypical antipsychotic. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract. 1997; 1:231-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24946189?dopt=AbstractPlus

27. Borison RL, Arvanitis LA, Miller BG. A comparison of five fixed doses of ’seroquel’ (ICI 204,636) with haloperidol and placebo in patients with schizophrenia. Schizophr Res. 1996; 18:132A.

28. Fleischhacker WW, Linkz CGG, Hurst BC. ICI 204636 (’seroquel’)—a putative new atypical antipsychotic: results from phase III trials. Schizophr Res. 1996; 18:132A.

29. Block G. Dear healthcare professional letter: dispensing errors alert. Wilmington, DE: AstraZeneca LP; 2002 May 20.

30. Kim H, Phillips J. Medication errors associated with Serzone and Seroquel. Drug Topics. 2002;1:38. From the Drug Topics website. http://www.drugtopics.com

31. Jody D. Dear healthcare provider letter: dispensing error alert involving Serzone (nefazodone) and Seroquel (quetiapine) tablets. Princeton, NJ: Bristol Myer Squibb; 2002 Dec 9. From the FDA website http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm169483.htm

32. Cheer SM, Wagstaff AJ. Quetiapine. A review of its use in the management of schizophrenia. CNS Drugs. 2004; 18:173-99. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14871161?dopt=AbstractPlus

33. American Psychiatric Association. Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with bipolar disorder (revision). Am J Psychiatry. 2002; 159(4 Suppl):1-50.

34. Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. Abilify (aripiprazole) tablets prescribing information. Rockville, MD; 2004 Sep.

35. Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Clozaril (clozapine) prescribing information. East Hanover, NJ; 2003 Dec.

36. Eli Lilly and Company. Zyprexa (olanzapine) tablets and Zyprexa Zydis (olanzapine) orally disintegrating tablets prescribing information. Indianapolis, IN; 2004 Sep 22.

37. Janssen Pharmaceutica. Risperdal (risperidone) tablets and oral solution prescribing information. Titusville, NJ; 2003 Oct.

38. Pfizer Inc. Geodon (ziprasidone) prescribing information. New York, NY; 2004 Aug.

39. Lewis-Hall F. Dear health care professional letter regarding class labeling for atypical antipsychotics and risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes. Princeton, NJ: Briston-Myers Squibb Company; 2004 Mar 25. From FDA website. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm153025.htm

40. Bess AL, Cunningham SR. Dear health care professional letter regarding class labeling for atypical antipsychotics and risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes. East Hanover, NJ: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; 2004 Apr 1. From the FDA website. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm154110.htm

41. Eli Lilly and Company. Lilly announces FDA notification of class labeling for atypical antipsychotics regarding hyperglycemia and diabetes. Indianapolis, IN; 2003 Sep 17. Press release.

42. Eisenberg P. Dear health care professional letter regarding safety data on Zyprexa (olanzapine) – hyperglycemia and diabetes. Indianapolis, IN: Eli Lilly and Company; 2004 Mar 1. From the FDA website. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm166542.htm

43. Macfadden W. Dear health care professional letter regarding class labeling for atypical antipsychotics and risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes. Wilmington, DE: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals; 2004 Apr 22. From the FDA website. http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/UCM166523.pdf

44. Mahmoud RA. Dear health care professional letter regarding class labeling for atypical antipsychotics and risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes. Titusville, NJ: Janssen Pharmaceutica, Inc; 2004. From the FDA website. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm166518.htm

45. Clary CM. Dear health care practitioner letter regarding class labeling for atypical antipsychotics and risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes. New York NY: Pfizer Global Pharmaceuticals; 2004 Aug. From the FDA website. http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/UCM166433.pdf

46. Cunningham F, Lambert B, Miller DR et al. Antipsychotic induced diabetes in veteran schizophrenic patients. In: Abstracts of the 1st International Conference on Therapeutic Risk Management and 19th International Conference on Pharmacoepidemiology, Philadelphia, PA, 2003 Aug 21-24. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2003; 12(suppl 1): S154-5.

47. American Diabetes Association; American Psychiatric Association; American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists; North American Association for the Study of Obesity. Consensus development conference on antipsychotic drugs and obesity and diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2004; 27:596-601. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14747245?dopt=AbstractPlus

48. Melkersson K, Dahl ML. Adverse metabolic effects associated with atypical antipsychotics. Drugs. 2004; 64:701-23. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15025545?dopt=AbstractPlus

49. Citrome LL, Jaffe AB. Relationship of atypical antipsychotics with development of diabetes mellitus. Ann Pharmacother. 2003; 37:1849-57. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14632602?dopt=AbstractPlus

50. Sumiyoshi T, Roy A, Anil AE et al. A comparison of incidence of diabetes mellitus between atypical antipsychotic drugs. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2004; 24:345-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15118492?dopt=AbstractPlus

51. Expert Group. ’Schizophrenia and Diabetes 2003’ expert consensus meeting, Dublin, 3–4 October 2003: consensus summary. Br J Psychiatry. 2004; 47(Suppl):S112-4.

52. Marder SR, Essock SM, Miller AL et al. Physical health monitoring of patients with schizophrenia. Am J Psychiatry. 2004; 161:1334-49. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15285957?dopt=AbstractPlus

53. Holt RI. Consensus development conference on antipsychotic drugs and obesity and diabetes: response to consensus statement. Diabetes Care. 2004; 27:2086-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15277449?dopt=AbstractPlus

54. Citrome L, Volavka J. Consensus development conference on antipsychotic drugs and obesity and diabetes: response to consensus statement. Diabetes Care. 2004; 27:2087-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15277450?dopt=AbstractPlus

55. Isaac MT, Isaac MB. Consensus development conference on antipsychotic drugs and obesity and diabetes: response to consensus statement. Diabetes Care. 2004; 27:2088. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15277451?dopt=AbstractPlus

56. Boehm G, Racoosin JA, Laughren TP et al. Consensus development conference on antipsychotic drugs and obesity and diabetes: response to consensus statement. Diabetes Care. 2004; 27:2088-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15277452?dopt=AbstractPlus

57. Barrett EJ. Consensus development conference on antipsychotic drugs and obesity and diabetes: response to Holt, Citrome and Volevka, Isaac and Isaac, and Boehm et al. Diabetes Care. 2004; 27:2089-90.

58. Fuller MA, Shermock KM, Secic M et al. Comparative study of the development of diabetes mellitus in patients taking risperidone and olanzapine. Pharmacotherapy. 2002; 23:1037-43.

59. Koller EA, Cross JT, Doraiswamy PM et al. Risperidone-associated diabetes mellitus: a pharmacovigilance study. Pharmacotherapy. 2003; 23:735-44. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12820816?dopt=AbstractPlus

60. Koller EA, Weber J, Doraiswamy PM et al. A survey of reports of quetiapine-associated hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus. J Clin Psychiatry. 2004; 65:857-63. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15291665?dopt=AbstractPlus

61. Ananth J, Johnson KM, Levander EM et al. Diabetic ketoacidosis, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and myocardial infarction in a patient taking risperidone and lithium carbonate. J Clin Psychiatry. 2004; 65:724. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15163265?dopt=AbstractPlus

62. Torrey EF, Swalwell CI. Fatal olanzapine-induced ketoacidosis. Am J Psychiatry. 2003; 160:2241. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14638601?dopt=AbstractPlus

63. Wehring HJ, Kelly DL, Love RC et al. Deaths from diabetic ketoacidosis after long-term clozapine treatment. Am J Psychiatry. 2003; 160:2241-2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14638600?dopt=AbstractPlus

64. Koro CE, Fedder DO, L’Italien GJ et al. Assessment of independent effect of olanzapine and risperidone on risk of diabetes among patients with schizophrenia: population based nested case-control study. BMJ. 2002; 325:243. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=117636&blobtype=pdf http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12153919?dopt=AbstractPlus

65. Citrome LL. Efficacy should drive atypical antipsychotic treatment. BMJ. 2003; 326:283. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=1125137&blobtype=pdf http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12561827?dopt=AbstractPlus

66. Anon. Which atypical antipsychotic for schizophrenia?. Drug Ther Bull. 2004; 42:57-60. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15310154?dopt=AbstractPlus

67. Anon. Atypical antipsychotics and hyperglycaemia. Aust Adv Drug React Bull. 2004; 23:11-2.

68. Sussman N. The implications of weight changes with antipsychotic treatment. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2003; 23 (Suppl 1):S21-6.

69. Gianfrancesco F, Grogg A, Mahmoud R et al. Differential effects of antipsychotic agents on the risk of development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients with mood disorders. Clin Ther. 2003; 25:1150-71. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12809963?dopt=AbstractPlus

70. Bushe C, Leonard B. Association between atypical antipsychotic agents and type 2 diabetes: review of prospective clinical data. Br J Psychiatry Suppl. 2004; 47:S87-93. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15056600?dopt=AbstractPlus

71. Cavazzoni P, Mukhopadhyay N, Carlson C et al. Retrospective analysis of risk factors in patients with treatment-emergent diabetes during clinical trials of antipsychotic medications. Br J Psychiatry Suppl. 2004; 47:s94-101. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15056601?dopt=AbstractPlus

72. Gianfrancesco FD, Grogg AL, Mahmoud RA et al. Differential effects of risperidone, olanzapine, clozapine, and conventional antipsychotics on type 2 diabetes: findings from a large health plan database. J Clin Psychiatry. 2002; 63:920-30. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12416602?dopt=AbstractPlus

73. Etminan M, Streiner DL, Rochon PA. Exploring the association between atypical neuroleptic agents and diabetes mellitus in older adults. Pharmacotherapy. 2003; 23:1411-15. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14620387?dopt=AbstractPlus

74. Leslie DL, Rosenheck RA. Incidence of newly diagnosed diabetes attributable to atypical antipsychotic medications. Am J Psychiatry. 2004; 161:1709-11. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15337666?dopt=AbstractPlus

75. Sernyak MJ, Leslie DL, Alarcon RD et al. Association of diabetes mellitus with use of atypical neuroleptics in the treatment of schizophrenia. Am J Psychiatry. 2002; 159:561-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11925293?dopt=AbstractPlus

76. Geller WK, MacFadden W. Diabetes and atypical neuroleptics. Am J Psychiatry. 2003; 160:388. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12562601?dopt=AbstractPlus

77. Gianfrancesco FD. Diabetes and atypical neuroleptics. Am J Psychiatry. 2003; 160:388-9; author reply 389. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12562599?dopt=AbstractPlus

78. Lamberti JS, Crilly JF, Maharaj K. Prevalence of diabetes mellitus among outpatients with severe mental disorders receiving atypical antipsychotic drugs. J Clin Psychiatry. 2004; 65:702-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15163259?dopt=AbstractPlus

79. Lee DW, Fowler RB. Olanzapine/risperidone and diabetes risk. J Clin Psychiatry. 2003; 64:847-8; author reply 848. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12934988?dopt=AbstractPlus

80. Reviewers’ comments (personal observations).

81. Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ: Personal communication.

82. AstraZeneca, Wayne, PA: Personal communication.

83. Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN: Personal communication.

84. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ: Personal communication.

85. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Titusville, NJ: Personal communication.

86. Citrome LL. The increase in risk of diabetes mellitus from exposure to second generation antipsychotic agents. Drugs Today (Barc). 2004; 40: 445-64. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15319799?dopt=AbstractPlus

87. Citrome L, Jaffe A, Levine J et al. Relationship between antipsychotic medication treatment and new cases of diabetes among psychiatric inpatients. Psychiatr Serv. 2004; 55:1006-13 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15345760?dopt=AbstractPlus

88. Sachs G, Chengappa KN, Suppes T et al. Quetiapine with lithium or divalproex for the treatment of bipolar mania: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Bipolar Disord. 2004;6:213-23.

89. Geddes J, Freemantle N, Harrison P et al. Atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia: systematic overview and meta-regression analysis. BMJ. 2000; 321: 1371-6. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=27538&blobtype=pdf http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11099280?dopt=AbstractPlus

90. Tandon R. Improvement without impairment: a review of clinical data for quetiapine in the treatment of schizophrenia. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2003; 23: S15-20. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12832945?dopt=AbstractPlus

91. Schulz SC, Thomson R, Brecher M. The efficacy of quetiapine vs haloperidol and placebo: a meta-analytic study of efficacy. Schizophr Res. 2003; 62:1-12. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12765737?dopt=AbstractPlus

92. Srisurapanont M, Maneeton B, Maneeton N. Quetiapine for schizophrenia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004; 2: CD00967.

93. Emsley RA, Raniwalla J, Bailey PJ et al. A comparison of the effects of quetiapine (‘Seroquel’) and haloperidol in schizophrenic patients with a history of and a demonstrated, partial response to conventional antipsychotic treatment. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2000; 15:121-31. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10870870?dopt=AbstractPlus

94. Leucht S, Wahlbeck K, Hamann J et al. New generation antipsychotics versus low-potency conventional antipsychotics: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet. 2003; 361: 1581-89. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12747876?dopt=AbstractPlus

95. Peuskens J, Link CGG. A comparison of quetiapine and chlorpromazine in the treatment of schizophrenia. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 1997; 96: 265-73. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=3169641&blobtype=pdf

96. Copolov DL, Link CGG, Kowalcyk B. A multicenter, double-blind, randomized comparison of quetiapine (ICI 204, 636, ‘Seroquel’) and haloperidol in schizophrenia. Psychol Med. 2000; 30:95-105. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10722180?dopt=AbstractPlus

97. Food and Drug Administration. Public health advisory: deaths with antipsychotics in elderly patients with behavioral disturbances. Rockville, MD; 2005 Apr 11. From the FDA website. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/DrugSafetyInformationforHeathcareProfessionals/PublicHealthAdvisories/UCM053171

98. Dear healthcare professional letter regarding adding important safety information regarding the use of atypical antipsychotics in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis to the prescribing information for Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate). Wilmington, DE: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP; 2005 Jul.

99. Food and Drug Administration. FDA news: FDA proposes new warnings about suicidal thinking, behavior in young adults who take antidepressant medications. Rockville, MD; 2007 May 2. From the FDA web site. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2007/ucm108905.htm

100. Food and Drug Administration. Antidepressant use in children, adolescents, and adults: class revisions to product labeling. Rockville, MD; 2007 May 2. From the FDA web site. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/InformationbyDrugClass/ucm096321.htm

101. Food and Drug Administration. Revisions to medication guide: antidepressant medicines, depression and other serious mental illnesses and suicidal thoughts or actions. Rockville, MD; 2007 May 2. From the FDA web site. http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/InformationbyDrugClass/ucm100211.pdf

102. Bridge JA, Iyengar S, Salary CB. Clinical response and risk for reported suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in pediatric antidepressant treatment: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. JAMA. 2007; 297:1683-96. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17440145?dopt=AbstractPlus

103. AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate) tablets prescribing information. Wilmington, DE; 2011 Jul.

107. Sexson WR, Barak Y. Withdrawal emergent syndrome in an infant associated with maternal haloperidol therapy. J Perinatol. 1989; 9:170-2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2738729?dopt=AbstractPlus

108. Coppola D, Russo LJ, Kwarta RF Jr. et al. Evaluating the postmarketing experience of risperidone use during pregnancy: pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Drug Saf. 2007; 30:247-64. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17343431?dopt=AbstractPlus

109. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA drug safety communication: Antipsychotic drug labels updated in use during pregnancy and risk of abnormal muscle movements and withdrawal symptoms in newborns. Rockville, MD; 2011 Feb 22. From the FDA website:. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm243903.htm

110. Lee A, Giesbrecht E, Dunn E et al. Excretion of quetiapine in breast milk. Am J Psychiatry. 2004; 161:1715-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15337669?dopt=AbstractPlus

111. Rampono J, Kristensen JH, Ilett KF et al. Quetiapine and breast feeding. Ann Pharmacother. 2007; 41:711-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17374621?dopt=AbstractPlus

112. Misri S, Corral M, Wardrop AA et al. Quetiapine augmentation in lactation: a series of case reports. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2006; 26:508-11. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16974194?dopt=AbstractPlus

a. AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals. Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate) tablets prescribing information. Wilmington, DE; 2005 Dec.

b. DeVane CL, Nemeroff CB. Clinical pharmacokinetics of quetiapine. An atypical antipsychotic. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2001; 40:509-22. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11510628?dopt=AbstractPlus

Frequently asked questions