How Does Seroquel Work?

Applications

Seroquel (quetiapine) is an antipsychotic medication, commonly prescribed to treat the symptoms associated with manic depression (bipolar disorder) and schizophrenia. Manic depression is a mental disorder marked by severe and spontaneous shifts in mood, from elated highs to crushing lows. Schizophrenia is a cognitive illness, characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disordered thinking, disorganized speech and loss of interest in life.

Neurotransmitters & Bipolar Disorder

Neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, are chemicals that carry messages throughout the brain. They can also affect temperament, cognition and sleep when present in certain proportions. Some psychotic disorders are thought to occur as a result of neurotransmitter levels being out of balance. The precise mechanism by which Seroquel works in the brain is still largely unknown. A common theory, however, is that quetiapine relieves psychotic episodes by blocking serotonin and dopamine receptors, thereby restoring biochemistry to functional levels. It is believed that by this method, Seroquel relieves the depressive cycles symptomatic of bipolar disorder.

Schizophrenia

One out of every 100 people suffer from some form of schizophrenia at least one time in life, and Seroquel has been shown to reduce or stop hallucinagenic episodes in schizophrenic patients. On May 17, 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Seroquel for use in the treatment of schizophrenia. In a six-week double blind study, Seroquel had positive effects on patients versus a placebo. As with manic depression, Seroquel is though to regulate biochemical imbalances in the brain, common in schizophrenic patients.

Considerations

Seroquel may increase the chances of becoming diabetic in at-risk patients. Additionally, elderly patients in the onset of Alzheimer's or dementia have been known to most frequently suffer from what in called "Seroquel anger," characterized by explosive and irrational fits of rage. Seroquel is often prescribed for "off-label" uses, those for which the FDA has not yet approved the drug. The side effects for using quetiapine in these applications are not yet known. As with all medications, any unusual experiences should be reported immediately to your primary physician.