How to Stop Taking Seroquel

Seroquel is the brand name for quetiapine, a drug that is commonly prescribed by doctors to treat mental disorders. It is mainly used for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Sometimes a patient will choose to stop taking Seroquel, but the process needs to be done carefully to minimize side effects and to make sure that the disorder will not return.

Instructions

• 1

  Discuss your desire to stop taking Seroquel with your doctor. Seroquel is most commonly prescribed for the treatment of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. If you stop taking it, your symptoms may return and impair your functioning. Your doctor can assess the risks and make sure you won't have problems with your disorder or the doctor can create an alternate treatment plan if you stop taking Seroquel.

• 2

  Ask your doctor to explain the symptoms you might experience when you stop taking Seroquel. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common are vomiting, nausea and problems getting to sleep. The doctor can explain these in more detail and give you instructions for how to deal with them if they happen to you.

• 3

  Prepare a plan with your doctor to gradually wean you off the Seroquel. If you decrease your dose gradually as directed by the doctor, you might avoid many of the unpleasant side effects that can be caused by stopping this medication.

• 4

  Follow your doctor's plan exactly as directed. You might be tempted to simply stop taking your pills rather than gradually tapering them off, but that will boost your risk of side effects. If you are patient, your withdrawal experience will be much more smooth and comfortable.