How Long Does It Take for Seroquel to Make One Sleepy?

Seroquel is an anti-psychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Seroquel is given in doses between 25 and 300 mg depending on your diagnosis. One of the many side effects of Seroquel is sleepiness.

Actions of Seroquel

• Seroquel works by balancing dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain. Seroquel also interferes with some histamine receptors in the brain. This can cause mild to heavy sedation, depending on dosage.

Time Frame

• The full effect of Seroquel will be felt 1 1/2 hours after the dose is taken. You can expect to begin feeling sleepy within a half hour after taking the medication.

Take Seroquel With Food

• Seroquel is practically entirely absorbed by the body. Only 1 percent of the drug is eliminated in urine. Taking Seroquel with food will cause the drug to be absorbed as the food is absorbed, delaying sleepiness.

Foods to Avoid

• Seroquel is broken down in the liver and distributed in the bloodstream. Foods such as grapefruit and alcohol cause your liver to function slowly. Taking Seroquel with grapefruit or alcohol can cause you to become heavily sedated and can potentially cause you to overdose on the medication.

Somnolence and Overdosage

• Every person who takes Seroquel will feel sleepy. However, if sleepiness is accompanied by a rapid heart rate, difficulty standing or poor coordination, seek emergency medical treatment.

Discontinuing Seroquel

• If you cannot tolerate the somnolence that Seroquel causes, consider discontinuing the medication. Stopping this medication suddenly might cause your symptoms to return with more intensity than before you took Seroquel. Discontinue under doctor supervision.