What it means
An atypical antipsychotic that blocks dopamine and serotonin receptors. It treats schizophreniaskit-suh-FREE-nee-uhA long-term mental illness that changes a person's thinking, feelings and behavior, often with a loss of contact with reality.schizo- splitphren/o mind-ia conditionFull entry , mania and depression in bipolar disorderby-POH-ler dis-OR-derA mental health condition with periods of very high mood and energy (mania) and, often, periods of depression.bi- twopol/o pole-ar having to do withFull entry , and is added to antidepressants for major depression. It is quite sedating, so it is often taken at bedtime. Other side effects are dizziness on standing, weight gain and raised blood sugar and lipids.
For the nurse
Teach the client to rise slowly, avoid alcohol and not drive until they know its effect. Check weight, glucose and lipids. Its boxed warnings cover higher death rates in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and suicidal thoughts in young people.
At a glance
| Drug class | antipsychotic (second generation, atypical) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Seroquel, Seroquel XR |
| Spanish | quetiapina |
| Also written | Seroquel |
Easy to confuse with
olanzapine
A second-generation antipsychotic drug used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
trazodone
An antidepressant drug, often given in low doses at bedtime to help with sleep.
Related terms
bipolar disorder
A mental health condition with periods of very high mood and energy (mania) and, often, periods of depression.
schizophrenia
A long-term mental illness that changes a person's thinking, feelings and behavior, often with a loss of contact with reality.
psychosis
A mental state in which a person loses contact with reality.
olanzapine
A second-generation antipsychotic drug used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.