Generic Seroquel

Introduction

Seroquel (quetiapine) is an atypical antipsychotic that belongs to the broader class of antidepressants and antipsychotics. It is marketed by AstraZeneca and is prescribed for several psychiatric conditions in the United Kingdom, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and as an adjunct in major depressive disorder. Although its primary indication is the treatment of psychosis, clinicians also use Seroquel for mood stabilization and for managing insomnia associated with psychiatric illness.

What is Seroquel?

Seroquel is a tablet formulation containing the active compound quetiapine fumarate. It was developed in the early 199s and received marketing approval in the UK in 1999. Quetiapine is the pharmacologically active molecule; the brand‑name Seroquel is produced by AstraZeneca. Generic versions of quetiapine are widely available and contain the same active ingredient, providing a cost‑effective alternative. Our online pharmacy offers this generic alternative as a reliable, lower‑cost option for patients who require quetiapine therapy.

How Seroquel Works

Quetiapine exerts its therapeutic effects through a complex receptor‑binding profile. It antagonises dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5‑HT2A receptors, which reduces psychotic symptoms and stabilises mood. At lower doses, quetiapine blocks histamine H1 and α1‑adrenergic receptors, leading to sedative properties that can improve sleep. The drug is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, reaching peak plasma concentrations within 1–2 hours. It is extensively metabolised by CYP3A4 to inactive metabolites and has an elimination half‑life of approximately 6 hours, necessitating once‑daily or twice‑daily dosing depending on the clinical indication.

Conditions Treated with Seroquel

• Schizophrenia – Quetiapine reduces positive (hallucinations, delusions) and negative (apathy, social withdrawal) symptoms, offering an alternative to first‑generation antipsychotics. In the UK, schizophrenia affects roughly .5 % of adults.
• Bipolar Disorder (Manic and Depressive Episodes) – As a mood stabiliser, quetiapine controls manic spikes and alleviates depressive symptoms. The National Health Service records an estimated 1 % prevalence of bipolar disorder.
• Major Depressive Disorder (Adjunct Therapy) – When added to standard antidepressants, quetiapine can accelerate remission in treatment‑resistant depression.
• Schizoaffective Disorder – The drug addresses both psychotic and mood components of the disorder.

These indications are supported by UK licensing and European Medicines Agency (EMA) assessments, which confirm quetiapine’s efficacy across the listed conditions.

Who is Seroquel For?

• Adults with a confirmed diagnosis of schizophrenia who have responded inadequately to other antipsychotics or experience intolerable side effects.
• Patients with bipolar I or II disorder requiring mood stabilization, especially those with mixed or rapid‑cycling episodes.
• Individuals with major depressive disorder who have not achieved remission after at least two trials of conventional antidepressants.
• People experiencing insomnia secondary to psychiatric disease where low‑dose quetiapine can improve sleep architecture without severe sedation.

Seroquel is not recommended for:

• Children and adolescents under 18 years (unless specifically prescribed off‑label by a specialist).
• Patients with a known hypersensitivity to quetiapine or any tablet excipients.
• Those with uncontrolled narrow‑angle glaucoma, severe cardiovascular disease, or a history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Drowsiness or somnolence
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Weight gain (average 2–4 kg in the first 3 months)
• Orthostatic hypotension, especially after the first dose

Rare

• Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST)
• Hyperglycaemia or new‑onset diabetes mellitus
• Extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity) at higher doses

Serious

• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) – rare but life‑threatening, characterised by hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, autonomic instability, and altered mental status.
• Torsade de Pointes – prolonged QT interval may precipitate this ventricular arrhythmia, particularly in patients with pre‑existing cardiac conditions or electrolyte disturbances.
• Suicidal ideation – increased risk noted in young adults with depressive illnesses.

Clinically Relevant Drug–Drug Interactions

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) increase quetiapine plasma levels; dose reduction may be required.
• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine) lower quetiapine exposure, potentially reducing efficacy.
• Other CNS depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids) amplify sedation and respiratory depression.
• Antihypertensives – additive orthostatic hypotension may occur; monitor blood pressure.

Patients should disclose all current medications, including over‑the‑counter products and herbal supplements, to their prescriber.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Schizophrenia: Start = 25 mg once daily; titrate gradually to a target of 300–800 mg/day divided BID or QD based on response and tolerability.
• Bipolar Mania: Initiate = 50 mg twice daily, increase to 400 mg BID; maintenance may be 200–600 mg/day.
• Adjunct Depression: Begin = 50 mg QD; typical therapeutic range = 150–300 mg/day.

Missed dose: If a dose is forgotten and the next scheduled dose is >12 hours away, take the missed dose. If it is closer, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double‑dose.

Overdose: Symptoms may include severe drowsiness, hypotension, tachycardia, and coma. Seek emergency medical assistance immediately. Activated charcoal may be considered if presentation is within one hour of ingestion.

Practical precautions:

• Take tablets with or without food; avoid high‑fat meals that may delay absorption.
• Limit alcohol consumption; combined CNS depression can be hazardous.
• Patients with hepatic impairment may require lower doses due to reduced clearance.

Buying Seroquel from Our Online Pharmacy

Seroquel (generic quetiapine) can be purchased securely from our online pharmacy in the UK. We specialise in providing affordable, high‑quality medication sourced from GMP‑certified overseas suppliers.

• Cost‑effective pricing: Our prices are close to the manufacturer’s cost, offering significant savings compared with standard UK pharmacy retail rates.
• Verified quality: Every batch undergoes third‑party testing for potency, purity, and compliance with EU pharmacopeial standards.
• Guaranteed delivery: Discreet packaging is dispatched via express courier (typically 7 days) or regular airmail (approximately 3 weeks), with tracking available for all orders.
• Privacy‑first service: As a pharmacy broker, we work with licensed overseas pharmacies, ensuring anonymity and protecting patient confidentiality throughout the transaction.

Our service is designed for patients who encounter barriers to obtaining quetiapine through conventional channels, such as limited local supply, insurance restrictions, or the need for a more economical option.

FAQ

• Is quetiapine available in both brand‑name and generic forms in the UK?
  Yes. The brand‑name Seroquel is produced by AstraZeneca, while numerous manufacturers supply generic quetiapine tablets that contain the same active ingredient and are generally less expensive.

• How should Seroquel tablets be stored in different climates?
  Store the tablets at a controlled room temperature (15‑30 °C). In hot or humid environments, keep the container tightly closed and place it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent degradation.

• What does the tablet imprint look like for different strengths?
  Typical imprints include “QTP 25”, “QTP 100”, “QTP 200”, and “QTP 300”, where the letters denote quetiapine and the number indicates the milligram strength. Variations may occur with generic manufacturers.

• Can Seroquel be imported for personal use under UK regulations?
  Personal import of non‑prescribed medication is generally prohibited. However, patients with a valid NHS prescription may receive a single 30‑day supply from a licensed overseas pharmacy, provided the product complies with UK safety standards.

• Are there any known ethnic differences in quetiapine metabolism?
  Pharmacogenomic studies indicate that certain CYP3A4 polymorphisms common in East Asian populations can lead to higher plasma concentrations, suggesting the need for careful dose titration in these groups.

• Does Seroquel interact with common over‑the‑counter sleep aids?
  Over‑the‑counter antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) can increase sedation when combined with quetiapine. Patients should avoid simultaneous use unless advised by a healthcare professional.

• What clinical trial established quetiapine’s efficacy in bipolar depression?
  The pivotal Phase III trial (Calvey et al., 2009) demonstrated that quetiapine 300 mg and 600 mg daily significantly reduced Montgomery‑Åsberg Depression Rating Scale scores compared with placebo in patients with bipolar I depression.

• How does quetiapine compare with older antipsychotics like haloperidol?
  Compared with haloperidol, quetiapine has a lower propensity for extrapyramidal side effects and prolactin elevation, though it may cause more weight gain and sedation.

• Is there a risk of positive drug tests for quetiapine?
  Standard workplace drug screens do not test for quetiapine. Specialized testing can detect it, but such assays are rarely employed outside forensic or clinical settings.

• What is the recommended shelf‑life after opening a new bottle?
  Quetiapine tablets remain stable for up to two years from the date of manufacture, provided they are stored in their original container, tightly sealed, and kept out of moisture.

Glossary

CYP3A4

An enzyme in the liver responsible for metabolising many drugs, including quetiapine. Inhibitors or inducers of CYP3A4 can alter the medication’s blood levels.

Orthostatic hypotension

A drop in blood pressure that occurs when standing up quickly, leading to dizziness or fainting; a common side effect of quetiapine due to its α‑adrenergic blocking activity.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)

A rare but severe reaction to antipsychotics characterised by high fever, muscle rigidity, autonomic instability, and altered mental status, requiring immediate medical intervention.

Therapeutic window

The dosage range in which a drug provides optimal efficacy with an acceptable safety profile.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Seroquel is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Seroquel for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.