Why Is Seroquel Used for Bipolar Patients?

Seroquel is the brand name for quetiapine, which is a powerful kind of antipsychotic known as an atypical antipsychotic. It is approved for use in schizophrenia, major depression and the manic or depressive phases of bipolar disorder. It can also be prescribed by doctors for off-label uses such as migraines, Alzheimer's, insomnia and autism.

Effects

• According to AstraZeneca, the maker of Seroquel, it works on the brain to help stabilize the brain chemistry and in so doing, it helps stabilize a person's moods and emotions.

Time Frame

• Seroquel is only for short-term use to coincide with however long a bipolar person's manic phase lasts. This can be weeks or months.

Types

• Seroquel comes in two types--regular Seroquel and Seroquel XR. The difference is that Seroquel XR releases the medicine slowly over time.

Benefits

• Seroquel often makes people sleepy. During a manic phase, a patient feels as if they do not need any sleep. By getting enough sleep, a person is better able to make decisions and get conventional talk therapy.

Misconception

• Even though Seroquel is technically an antipsychotic, this doesn't mean your doctor thinks you are psychotic if he or she prescribes it for your bipolar disorder.