Doctors prescribe Seroquel, the brand name of the medication quetiapine fumarate, for the long-term treatment of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Stopping this medication without the approval of a doctor can be dangerous. Abruptly stopping the medication not only causes acute withdrawal symptoms in some individuals, but it also allows the symptoms of bipolar or schizophrenia to re-emerge. Therefore, it is important that those wishing to discontinue the use of Seroquel only do so under the guidance of a doctor.
Nausea and Vomiting
Although rare, nausea or vomiting may occur when suddenly stopping Seroquel, explains the Seroquel prescribing information sheet. The nausea and vomiting are usually mild and may begin to dissipate as the body adjusts to not having the medication in its system. However, if the nausea and vomiting are particularly severe or troublesome, call a doctor.
Insomnia
Difficulty sleeping is another side effect of stopping Seroquel too suddenly, although it is also rare, according to Seroquel's prescribing information sheet. Some people may have difficulty falling asleep, while others may have trouble staying asleep or suffer from early awakenings. Although this side effect may occur because the body is adjusting to the absence of Seroquel, it also is a symptom of bipolar disorder. If bipolar disorder is the cause of the insomnia, the sleep problems may not go away until a doctor treats the disorder with another treatment or medication.
Returning Mental Illness Symptoms
Since Seroquel suppresses the symptoms of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, it is likely that these symptoms may return upon stopping the medication. The most common symptoms of bipolar disorder include feelings of mania or depression, while the most common symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations or delusions. Since a person afflicted with these mental conditions (particularly schizophrenia) may not be capable of recognizing when symptoms return, it is important that family, friends and a doctor carefully monitor for these symptoms as the person stops the medication. These symptoms may return as quickly as a few weeks after stopping Seroquel or may take as long as several months, according to the physician-reviewed health website eMedTV.com.
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