Seroquel Withdrawal & Overdose Symptoms

As compared to other antipsychotic medications, Seroquel is relatively safe in terms of overdose, according to a report published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry. This means that even if overdose does occur, the risks may not be as high to the patient as they would be in the case of other antipsychotic medications.

The researchers cite a case study in which one woman attempted suicide with a 1400 milligram dose of Seroquel. She experienced extreme drowsiness and irregular heartbeat, but after gastric lavage, an anxiety medication given via IV, and 14 hours of medical supervision, she was released.¹

Cases of Seroquel overdose do not always end so positively, however. A toxic dose of quetiapine may result in symptoms that, when not managed by immediately by medical professionals (as described in the situation above), may put the individual at severe risk.

Seroquel (Quetiapine) Overdose

If someone is overdosing on Seroquel — or any other substance — it is a situation that requires urgent medical help. An overdose can lead to severe health consequences.. Here is what you should do if you suspect someone is overdosing:

• Look for signs of an overdose (these signs are listed below).
• Call 911 right away and follow the instructions from the operator. If you know what the person has taken, make sure to tell the operator.
• Move the person into the recovery position.
• If the individual is not breathing and there is no pulse, and if you are trained to do so, perform CPR.
• Stay with the individual until the EMTs arrive.

Signs and Symptoms of a Seroquel Overdose

Signs of a Seroquel overdose include:²

• Seizures.
• Profound drowsiness/sedation.
• Drop in blood pressure/orthostatic hypertension.
• Dizziness/fainting/loss of consciousness.
• Rapid heart rate.
• QT prolongation/arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms).
• Coma.
• Death.

How Is Overdose Treated?

Immediate emergency medical care is necessary in the case of a Seroquel overdose. Medical providers will manage your airway and ensure adequate ventilation. IV fluids may be needed to counter hypotension and circulatory collapse. Cardiac monitoring may be used to detect any aberrant heart rhythms, and appropriate antiarrhythmic medications may need to be administered. Gastric lavage (commonly called “stomach pumping”) and activated charcoal may be started in an attempt at removing any additional medication remaining in your upper GI tractI.²

Seroquel Withdrawal

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse withdrawal is a condition that occurs when someone abruptly reduces or suddenly stops taking a substance after sustained or long-term use.

Regular Seroquel use for an extended period of time is associated with a discontinuation syndrome. Should it be determined that use of the medication is no longer the best choice for treatment, cessation of use should be monitored by a physician. Abruptly stopping ingestion of Seroquel when there is physical dependence can trigger withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms from Seroquel may vary depending on the regular dose being used, how long the person has been taking the drug, the other medications in current use and/or being stopped at the same time, and could be additionally influenced by the symptoms of the underlying mental health disorder being treated.

Seroquel Withdrawal Symptoms

Seroquel withdrawal symptoms may include:³

• Headaches.
• Insomnia.
• Dizziness.
• Irritability.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea.

These symptoms may vary depending on the regular dose being used, how long the person has been taking Seroquel, the other medications in current use and/or being stopped at the same time, and could be additionally influenced by the symptoms of the underlying mental health disorder being treated.

Seroquel Withdrawal Timeline

Some may experience minimal withdrawal symptoms for a week or two after they stop taking a low dose of Seroquel. With higher doses, the quetiapine withdrawal symptoms may be more severe. Tapering the dose slowly under the care of a physician can alleviate withdrawal distress.⁴

Frequently Asked Questions about Seroquel

Get Addiction Help Near Dallas, TX

If you or someone you care about is struggling with Seroquel misuse or dependence — or addiction to other drugs or alcohol — there is effective evidence-based treatment to help get you on the road to recovery.

Contact our compassionate and knowledgeable admissions navigators at to learn more about our levels of addiction treatment, how to start the admissions process, and to learn about the different ways to pay for rehab — including using insurance for rehab.