Seroquel XR Uses

Seroquel XR is a long-acting prescription medication used for treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Although the drug can help control the symptoms of these conditions, it is not a cure. Some off-label Seroquel XR uses can include the treatment of behavior problems in elderly people with dementia, and treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Seroquel XR is not approved to treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in children.

 

An Overview of Seroquel XR Uses

Seroquel XR® (quetiapine XR) is a prescription medicine known as an "atypical antipsychotic" that has been licensed to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is a long-acting medication that is taken just once a day.
 

Seroquel XR and Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a group of mental disorders that involve abnormal thinking. Schizophrenia is one of the most disabling and confusing mental illnesses. Although the causes of schizophrenia are not fully understood, it is currently thought that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in developing the illness. Depending on the type of schizophrenia (see Types of Schizophrenia), symptoms may include the following:
 
  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions
  • A diminished ability to initiate and sustain planned activity
  • Speaking infrequently, even when forced to interact
  • Poor executive functioning (the ability to absorb and interpret information and make decisions based on that information)
  • An inability to stay focused
  • Thought disorders
  • Disorders of movement
  • Flat affect (immobile facial expression, monotonous voice)
  • Lack of pleasure in everyday life
  • Problems with working memory (the ability to keep recently learned information in mind and use it right away).
     
Although psychotherapy may be helpful for schizophrenia (see Psychosocial Therapy for Schizophrenics), medication is often essential for schizophrenia treatment. Seroquel XR can help improve the symptoms of schizophrenia. However, Seroquel XR is not a cure for the condition.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;