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What should I know about Seroquel withdrawal symptoms?
Quetiapine, also known by its brand nameSeroquel, belongs to a class of medications called antipsychotics.
It is widely prescribed for a variety of approved and off-label uses includinganxiety,psychosis,insomnia, anddepression.
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It has mood-stabilizing properties, so it is sometimes used for the treatment ofbipolar disorderor mood lability.
Some of these symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or restlessness.
In rare cases, people have experienced abnormal movements known as withdrawal dyskinesia.
It also covers why withdrawal happens and warnings you should be aware of before you quit taking Seroquel.
What Is Withdrawal?
In some cases, though, withdrawal from a substance might be dangerous or even lethal.
Withdrawal from drugs such asbenzodiazepinesrequires medical supervision.
Withdrawal from Seroquel may require medical supervision as well, especially for any psychological symptoms that may occur.
The term withdrawal is often stigmatized because of its association withaddiction.
Withdrawal implies that your body has becomephysiologically dependenton something, but does not automatically imply the disease of addiction.
Like withdrawal, addiction means that your body has become dependent on a substance.
Just because you are able to withdraw from a substance does not automatically mean that it is addictive.
Seroquel Withdrawal Symptoms
Studies have indicated that abrupt discontinuation of Seroquel can result in withdrawal symptoms.
These symptoms include:
Some people experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, or muscle rigidity.
Other psychological features of withdrawal includeirritability, agitation, and restlessness.
How Long Do Seroquel Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
Symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks.
Those symptoms that last beyond six weeks are classified as persistent post-withdrawal symptoms.
Efforts to quantify the prevalence of Seroquel withdrawal are limited by the fact that it is uncommon.
It becomes difficult to conduct in-depth studies about Seroquel withdrawal when there are so few cases to study.
Additionally, it’s hard to determine how likely Seroquel withdrawal will occur for any given person.
Many publications that discuss Seroquel withdrawal are not looking at a large population of patients.
Rather, these studies take a deep dive into one specific case.
While this pop in of study is valuable, it’s not applicable to the general population.
These symptoms can include nausea, abdominal pain, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms mentioned above.
These symptoms are short-lasting and reversible.
Typically the person is mostly recovered within a week.
However, some symptoms may persist, perhaps with less intensity, for up to six weeks.
Rebound Withdrawal
Rebound withdrawal symptoms can also occur within the one to four-day period.
Sometimes, therebound symptomsare more severe than the original symptoms present.
Persistent Post-Withdrawal Disorder
Persistent post-withdrawal disorder is when the symptoms of withdrawal persist past the six-week mark.
Coping With Seroquel Withdrawal Symptoms
Sometimes, other medications can be used to ease potential withdrawal symptoms.
You should discuss strategies to manage any withdrawal symptoms with a doctor.
Medication
Generally, doctors will advise over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for symptomatic relief.
Checking in With Your Doctor
In some cases, psychotic symptoms may return after stopping antipsychotic medication.
If you are taking Seroquel and are considering discontinuation, discuss your options with a doctor.
Avoid acting independently regarding your dosages, even if you feel that it is no longer necessary.
There is increasing recognition that misuse of prescribed drugs is just as debilitating as the use of illicit drugs.
Find out which option is the best for you.
National Library of Medicine.Quetiapine.
Cosci F, Chouinard G.Acute and persistent withdrawal syndromes following discontinuation of psychotropic medications.Psychother Psychosom.
2020;4867420965693. doi:10.1177/0004867420965693
Harvard Health Publishing.Headaches: What to know, when to worry.
National Library of Medicine.Ondansetron.
