Quetiapine Withdrawal: Symptoms and Timeline

Can you experience withdrawal from quetiapine (Seroquel)?

It is possible to experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping or lowering your dose of quetiapine, particularly if you do so abruptly. Withdrawal symptoms usually begin within a few days and can persist for several weeks, although long-term users have reported withdrawals that last months. ^[1][5]

In most cases, withdrawals are relatively mild and can be managed by slowly tapering off the medication under the supervision of a prescriber. Less commonly, severe withdrawal symptoms like uncontrolled movements, confusion, and hallucinations or delusions are reported. These more serious side effects may indicate the need for a more gradual taper, an alternative medication, or the need to remain on the medication. ^[1][4][5]

Seroquel withdrawal symptoms

Rebound effects on quetiapine withdrawal

Antipsychotic medications can be difficult to discontinue due to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and the potential return of underlying mental health symptoms. Because of this, many individuals who attempt to stop taking their medication ultimately resume treatment. ^[1][5]

It is important to distinguish between withdrawal effects and rebound symptoms. Withdrawal refers to physiological or psychological symptoms that occur as the body adjusts to reduced or discontinued medication. Rebound describes the temporary return—sometimes more intensely—of the original symptoms the medication was treating, such as insomnia, anxiety, or mood changes.

Tapering strategies

Because many people experience uncomfortable and unpleasant symptoms when discontinuing quetiapine, prescribers often discourage people from abruptly stopping this medication. Instead, people are generally recommended to slowly taper their dosage over time under the close supervision of a prescriber. There are many different tapering strategies that can be used and adjusted on an individual basis, depending on a person’s experience. ^[1][4]

Some research suggests that slowly tapering off antipsychotic medications like Seroquel can help to mitigate withdrawals. One study recommends lowering the dose by one half or one fourth every 3-6 months, but acknowledges some people will need a slower taper of about 10% per month. This tapering schedule can be adjusted, but it can take several months or even a year or longer to completely stop this medication. ^[1][4][5]

Slowly tapering off quetiapine may be especially important for certain populations. For instance, people who have been on the medication for several years or who take a high dose may be more at risk for withdrawal. There is some evidence suggesting that women and adults over age 50 may be more likely to experience withdrawal symptoms with certain medications in this drug class, potentially requiring a slower taper. ^[1] However, data specific to quetiapine in these populations are limited, and tapering decisions should be individualized based on clinical response and medical history.

Managing withdrawal symptoms

Most of the time, tapering slowly off quetiapine can help to reduce or even eliminate the experience of unwanted withdrawal symptoms. In a few case studies documenting severe withdrawal symptoms, other medications like prochlorperazine were used to ease symptoms. In cases where withdrawals include a rebound of psychotic symptoms, another antipsychotic medication may be recommended instead of Seroquel if the medication is not well tolerated. ^[4][5]

Quetiapine misuse and withdrawal

Reports of quetiapine misuse and dependence are uncommon and mainly have been reported in incarcerated and institutionalized settings where people have limited access to other drugs of abuse. In these settings, there have been limited reports of people misusing quetiapine by taking high doses, snorting, or even injecting the medication. ^[6] For individuals who misuse quetiapine, the risk for uncomfortable withdrawal may be higher and require professional medical and addiction recovery treatment to address.

When to seek medical help

If you are prescribed quetiapine and want to stop or lower your dose, talk with your prescriber before making any adjustments. It is likely that they will recommend gradually lowering your dose over time in order to reduce the likelihood of withdrawal or discontinuation symptoms. 

If you have recently lowered your dose or stopped this medication and experience adverse effects, schedule an appointment with your prescriber to discuss your concerns. If you experience serious side effects like involuntary muscle tics or tremors, hallucinations or delusions, or other serious health issues, seek medical treatment immediately.