Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmD
Last updated on 6/17/2024

Drug Information | Side Effects | Use & Dosage | Request a Prescription

The use of quetiapine can lead to various side effects in some individuals.

Common mild side effects of quetiapine use include:

• Dizziness
  
• Drowsiness
  
• Tiredness
  
• Headache
  
• Increased appetite
  
• Weight gain
  
• Difficulty with speech
  
• Upset stomach
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  
• Constipation
  
• Stuffy or runny nose
  
• Dry mouth
  
• Sexual problems
  
  

More severe side effects include:

• Uncontrollable movements in the face, arms, or legs
  
• Faintness
  
• Numbness or weakness
  
• Blurred vision
  
• Seizures
  
• Breast tenderness or swelling
  
• Missed menstrual periods
  
• Sweating
  
• Fast or irregular heartbeats
  
• Low blood pressure upon standing
  
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
  
• High blood sugar
  
• Blood disorders
  
• Increases in cholesterol
  
• Signs of an infection (fever, mouth sores, sore throat, chills)
  
• Signs of an allergic reaction (rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing)
  
  

If you experience any severe or concerning side effects while taking quetiapine, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Inform your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, allergies, or other medications you are taking before starting treatment with quetiapine. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements, as they may interact with quetiapine.

Tell your provider if you are taking these medications or supplements:

• Antidepressants
  
• Antifungals
  
• Antihistamines
  
• Barbiturates
  
• Anticonvulsants
  
• Antipsychotics
  
• Antiarrhythmics
  
• Dopamine agonists
  
• Macrolide antibiotics
  
• Fluoroquinolones
  
• Opioids
  
• Medications for anxiety
  
• Antihypertensives
  
• Medications for irritable bowel disease
  
• Medications for mental illness
  
• Medications for motion sickness
  
• Medications for Parkinson's disease
  
• Medications for ulcers
  
• Medications for urinary problems
  
• Antiretrovirals
  
• Sedatives
  
• Oral steroids
  
• Sleeping pills
  
• Tranquilizers
  
  

You should also mention medical conditions such as:

• Heart attacks
  
• Stroke
  
• High or low blood pressure
  
• Long QT syndrome
  
• Low levels of potassium or magnesium
  
• Low white blood cell counts
  
• Urination problems
  
• An enlarged prostate
  
• Seizures
  
• Glaucoma or cataracts
  
• Breast cancer
  
• Heart disease
  
• Liver disease
  
• Kidney disease
  
• Diabetes
  
• High cholesterol
  
  

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks and benefits of using quetiapine with your healthcare provider.

Take quetiapine exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment.

Your provider may direct you to avoid alcohol while taking quetiapine, as it can increase the risk of side effects.

Quetiapine can cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

Complete the full course of treatment, even if you feel better, to ensure the medication's effectiveness in managing your symptoms.

In case of a quetiapine overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe drowsiness, dizziness, fainting, or rapid heartbeat. If you suspect an overdose, contact the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222 or call emergency services.