Quetiapine
SeroquelPubChem CID 5002 · 3D model
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Calms overactive signaling in the brain by blocking dopamine and serotonin receptors, which helps ease symptoms like hallucinations, mood swings, and racing thoughts.
How it works
Quetiapine works by dialing down two brain chemical systems, dopamine and serotonin, that can become overactive or imbalanced in conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. By partially blocking their receptors, it helps reduce symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and extreme mood swings. Its breakdown product in the body adds further calming and mood-stabilizing effects. Because it also affects other brain chemical pathways, it can cause drowsiness and, in some people, a drop in blood pressure when standing up quickly.
What it’s used for
Approved to treat schizophrenia in adults and teens, to manage manic episodes of bipolar disorder in adults, children, and teens, to treat depressive episodes in bipolar disorder in adults, and to help prevent bipolar I episodes from returning when used alongside other mood-stabilizing medications.
- Mechanism
- Atypical antipsychotic (D2 / 5-HT2A antagonist)
- Drug class
- Small molecule
- Therapeutic area
- CNS / Psychiatric