Seroquel Addiction and Abuse

Geneva/Switzerland – 03.03.2019 : Seroquel pills anxiolytic anti-depressant medication therapy drugs

Seroquel is an over-the-counter medication used to treat certain mental health conditions. When taken in its prescribed form, it can significantly improve an individual’s quality of life.

However, it is possible to misuse this medication. Seroquel abuse can lead to complications and addiction. Here’s what you need to know. 

What Class of Drug Is Seroquel?

Seroquel (brand name for quetiapine) is known as a second-generation or atypical antipsychotic medication. This drug helps regulate and release serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. 

The FDA has approved its use for treating schizophrenia, depressive, and bipolar disorders. Seroquel may be used as a standalone medication, but it is often prescribed with other medications. 

Seroquel comes in either immediate or extended-release tablet form. Doses start at 25 milligrams. A doctor will prescribe a recommended dose based on various factors, such as current medical status, past history with related medications, and physical health.

Despite the official use, Seroquel may also be prescribed for specific, off-label reasons, including:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Generalized anxiety disorder.
  • Insomnia or other sleep-related issues.
  • Delirium.
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

In some cases, doctors may prescribe Seroquel as part of substance abuse treatment. When used briefly, atypical antipsychotics may relieve withdrawal symptoms.

The common side effects of Seroquel include:

  • Increased drowsiness.
  • Increased appetite and weight gain.
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially when first starting the medication).
  • Difficulties with regulating body temperature.
  • Intense dreams.
  • Nipple discharge.
  • Missed menstrual periods.
  • Reduced sexual desire.

Can Seroquel Get You High? 

Although it is currently a non-controlled substance, it is possible to misuse Seroquel. To date, it is the most abused medication in its class. 

Taking too much Seroquel can result in someone getting high. This can happen when taking the drug recreationally with or without a prescription. 

Some people may combine this drug with other legal or illicit substances to heighten euphoric effects. Or, they will use Seroquel to counteract withdrawal or adverse effects. Furthermore, snorting or injecting Seroquel makes the drug enter the bloodstream faster- this process creates an even more intense feeling.

What Are the Risks of Seroquel Abuse?

Abusing Seroquel is dangerous, and it can result in serious side effects and consequences. Here are some of the main risks.

Mood Swings/Psychological Distress  

If you are prescribed Seroquel for a mental health condition, taking more than the recommended amount can dysregulate your emotions, concentration, and focus. It may also exacerbate psychosis symptoms. 

If you are not prescribed Seroquel, taking this medication may aggravate sleep issues, mood swings, and other-related psychological stressors. It can also result in thought disturbances and irritability.

Physical Problems 

Even in their prescribed forms, all psychiatric drugs pose a risk for side effects. However, an individual is more likely to experience these effects if they abuse the substance.

Some common physical problems associated with Seroquel abuse include:

  • Seizures.
  • Breathing problems.
  • Irregular heartbeat.
  • Uncontrolled body movements.
  • Muscle rigidity. 
  • Repeatedly passing out or fainting.
  • Hypotension. 
  • Gastrointestinal distress.
  • Chronic headaches or migraines.

These effects may also indicate Seroquel toxicity. If caught early, the symptoms may be treatable or reversed. However, chronic misuse can result in permanent damage. 

Addiction 

Seroquel can be habit-forming, and misusing the drug may lead to addiction. Addiction can happen slowly or quickly, but it typically occurs after one develops a tolerance to the drug.

Over time, they start feeling like they “need it” to function properly. Therefore, they may go to great lengths to obtain, use, conceal, and recover from the drug use. 

Overdose 

It is possible to overdose on Seroquel. Overdoses can result in life-threatening consequences. In some cases, it can result in death. The risk for an overdose is heightened when mixing Seroquel with other mood-altering substances. Intravenous use also increases the likelihood. 

Common overdose symptoms include profound dizziness, drowsiness, fainting, or a rapid heartbeat. Overdoses can also result in seizures or comas. If you are concerned a loved one might be overdosing, call 911 immediately for support. 

Final Thoughts

Seroquel abuse can result in addiction. Many times, this addiction coincides with other substance abuse problems. 

Suddenly stopping use can result in serious withdrawal symptoms. Subsequently, it’s important to receive medical supervision during this time. Contact us at (866) 578-7471 to learn more about how we can help you or your loved ones. 

44 comments
  1. Seroquel abuse is related to its potent sedative effect rather than its euphoric effects. When it’s used for recreational/self-medication purposes without medical supervision, it can result in adverse side effects, including potential substance abuse and dependence.

  2. Addiction, to whatever substances it may be, is a life long battle to be won once started. Great resources like Detox to Rehab is a blessing to our world

  3. Thank you Detax to rehab for sharing these type of stories with all of us.These stories are really very much inspirational for many people who are addicted with something and try to recover from that.

  4. I think Seroquel should be regulated since it can lead to abuse and addiction. They should be stricter in selling these drugs. I hope people will be more aware of the effects of this drug when not taken properly.

  5. It’s very awful that some individuals simply abuse Seroquel drug, and taking it in excessive without nthe right prescription simply to satisfy their wasteful drug abuse urge.

  6. I am wondering how people get to abuse drugs while they know it is not treating any illness. Drugs should be taken as prescribed by the doctor and not otherwise.

  7. I have never taken Seroquel but from your explanation I think it’s worth staying away from over taking it. The consequences that comes with it are not palatable

  8. This article is very comprehensive and educative. In fact, people are now conversant about the drug: Seroquel. I strongly advise people to maximally utilize the advantage of the drug towards ensuring a healthy living among the people.

  9. The misuse Seroquel would make the drug off counter, that’s not good for people that needs it for their health purpose. I think more sensitization needs to be done about drug addiction and ways to get out

  10. The question remains can Can Seroquel Get You High? The right answer is yes. When once an overdose of it is taken it becomes addictive and can harm the body. S everyone should desist.

  11. Just hearing about seroquel for the first time, I now know what it means and how dangerous it is to the human health. Detox to rehab thank you for sharing this detailed and informative article.

  12. This is an eyes opener that even drugs on the counter can be missused . Some measures should be put on the purchase of drugs like this, with that the access to the drugs can be alittle restricted

  13. Seroquel can be misused when one has grown to think with it he or she can’t go on in a day. The usage should be control because its easy to get addicted to on counter drugs

  14. This is a very educating article on Seroquel’s use and it’s abuse. Now I know it’s pros and cons. It’s highly advisable not to use except when recommended to. It’s effects seem to be unpalatable to say the least. Drug addicts all in the quest to get high should equally stay clear of this drug. Thanks for this beautiful piece Detoxtorehab.

  15. This is actually the first I am hearing of this drug. This post has been very educative to enlighten me on seroquel abuse and its adverse effect on human mind.

  16. Combination of this drug with illegal drugs can cause a killer believe me. Most of this on counter drugs are co.bined with illegal drugs by drugs addicts. More control of on counter drugs is recommended seriously

  17. People have been informed about the dangers of Seroquel addiction and abuse. People should desist from endangering their lives with this drug.

  18. Now I see why if this is not regulated it can be addicting. However, I have not seen or known this drug before nor that I know of at least. So yeah good stuff.

  19. Seroquel addiction and abuse can be very unhealthy to the mind of its users. Its adverse side effect and physical problems can disorientate its users for life, making it hard to recover.

  20. The fact that this drug can get someone high makes it dangerous to the human mind. This article has been very educative about its side effects as well.

  21. There is no exception to what can be abused, from good relationships, to food, up to drugs manufactured for Noble purposes and intents such as Seroquel.
    Up till now, I have been totally unaware of the existence of this drug. Thanks to the write up, I am now educated.

  22. Seroquel may be used as a standalone medication. they may go to great lengths to obtain. The risk for an overdose is heightened when mixing Seroquel with other mood-altering substances.

  23. Seroquel Abuse has lots of Dangerous effect and Everyone needs to be cautious of this so as to not get addicted.

  24. This is a good information about seroquel. Never heard of the drug before now. But I know know what it is and it’s side effects

  25. This is interesting, drugs meant to ameliorate or cure is being misused. Getting addicted to the Soroquel is a no go area for everyone, as the side effects of it’s abuse outweighs the happiness derived from being high. This campaign should be intensified for everyone to know.

  26. It’s a good one for letting people know this good and bad side of the drug. However I am of the opinion that drugs should be consumed according to the doctor’s prescription. This article is informative and thanks for sharing.

  27. Until now I didn’t have an idea about these drug and what class of drug it belongs to. Let me start by saying these article is an informative piece of work. 8 have really learnt something new which I’ll tell to the world and create the awareness necessary.

  28. Seroquel is the same danger with other abusing drug,by knowing this symtom we can detect earlier,but this drug can use for treatment with doctors prescribe

  29. It is very bad for anyone using it. Nervous system breakdown is very deadly, and I have personally felt it during panic attacks, so we should be natural and do useful work to remain away from all such ailments.

  30. Despite how effective seroquel is to human mental and psychological health, it is really painful to see people abusing this medicine

  31. My issue is why abuse drugs
    Whether normal drugs or additive drugs
    Why even abuse them
    There are certain doses to us and when
    Use it how it should be done
    Please people 🙏

  32. Drug abuse is drug abuse, whether it comes in tablet form or otherwise. If seroquel is being abused then why is not made to a prescription drugs, so it can not be easily assessed. Hopefully it would curb the abuse of it.

  33. I,ve never heard of this before,thanks to detox to rehab for the enlightenment, keep on doing the good work of saving lifes

  34. Thanks for sharing such a positive article. Commenting for better reach++.I hope will going to see such stuff in future too.

  35. I wonder how addicts get to know these drugs can give them the high. Is there a way such drugs can be taken off over the counter medication.

  36. I was familiar with seroquel as a medical prescription and am very surprised that it can be used to get you high. The physical and emotional side effects sound very serious making it a very pressing issue.

Leave a Reply

You May Also Like