How Long Does Seroquel Stay in the Bloodstream?

Seroquel is an anti-psychotic medication that is recommended for treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar mania and other mental disorders. The drug is taken orally as a pill in 25, 100 and 400 milligram tablets.

Start Time

• It takes at least two weeks of taking the pills to begin feeling the affects of Seroquel. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), it could take the up to six weeks for the drug to produce full benefits or symptom relief.

Half-Life

• Seroquel has a half-life of seven hours in the body. In other words, the drug loses half of its strength in that time and is completely gone within 12 to 14 hours.

Metabolism

• Seroquel is metabolized in the liver after digestion. From there, it gradually goes into the bloodstream. The foods that you eat do not affect the body’s time in metabolizing this drug.

Blood Absorption

• The Rx List estimates that the drug reaches its peak strength after one to two hours in the blood stream.

Drug Interactions

• NAMI warns that drugs like Luvox or fluvoxamine can boost the levels of Seroquel in the blood. Drugs like Biaxin, Erythromycin and Nizoral can also prolong the life of Seroquel and/or enhance its effects.