Seroquel (quetiapine) is an anti-psychotic medication used primarily in the treatment of bipolar and schizophrenic disorders. Occasionally, however, Seroquel is also prescribed for "off-label" applications, those for which the drug is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The active mechanism in Seroquel is yet unknown, but it is thought to work by hindering neurotransmitter receptivity in certain cells of the brain.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder (manic depression) is a condition mainly characterized by sudden and extreme shifts of mood that settle at opposing ends of the emotional spectrum. Symptoms of manic depression are thought to be brought on, in part, by excessive amounts of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Seroquel blocks receptors of serotonin and dopamine in the cell walls, allowing brain chemistry to achieve a more functional arrangement.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder in which those afflicted suffer from delusions, hallucinations, lack of emotion, apathy and little or no social function. While there is no known curative treatment for schizophrenia, Seroquel has been shown to significantly lessen the frequency of psychotic episodes in those diagnosed.
Insomnia
One of the "off-label" applications for which Seroquel is prescribed is the treatment of certain sleep disorders. Seroquel has a sedative effect that can be useful in helping those who suffer from the inability to get adequate sleep. However, users are likely to feel quite groggy upon awakening, sometimes for several hours afterward. It's recommended that use of the drug be discontinued once the person's sleep cycle has returned to normal.
Anxiety
The calming effect of Seroquel can lessen anxiety levels in those suffering nervous conditions. Users also report the abatement of some negative emotions, such as anger and despair, that often accompany panic attacks.
