How Long Do Seroquel (Quetiapine) Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

Quetiapine, also known by its brand name Seroquel, belongs to a class of medications called antipsychotics. It is widely prescribed for a variety of approved and off-label uses including anxiety, psychosis, insomnia, and depression. It has mood-stabilizing properties, so it is sometimes used for the treatment of bipolar disorder or mood lability.

If you stop taking Seroquel abruptly, it is important to know that there have been rare reports of mild or severe withdrawal symptoms. Some of these symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or restlessness. In rare cases, people have experienced abnormal movements known as withdrawal dyskinesia.

This article discusses Seroquel withdrawal symptoms, including how long they last and what you can do to cope. It also covers why withdrawal happens and warnings you should be aware of before you quit taking Seroquel.

What Is Withdrawal?

Withdrawal is a term used to describe a collection of symptoms that occur as a result of a substance abruptly leaving your body. The symptoms are unique to the substance but may be similar to the withdrawal symptoms of other substances in the same class.

The impact of withdrawal symptoms depends on the substance you are withdrawing from, as well as how heavily you used the substance and for how long. Withdrawal symptoms from caffeine, for instance, might be unpleasant, but they usually do not lead to serious medical consequences.

In some cases, though, withdrawal from a substance might be dangerous or even lethal. Withdrawal from drugs such as benzodiazepines requires medical supervision.

Withdrawal Does Not Mean Addiction

Withdrawal is a biological response that results from stopping the use of a substance to which your body has become accustomed. The term withdrawal is often stigmatized because of its association with addiction. Withdrawal implies that your body has become physiologically dependent on something, but does not automatically imply the disease of addiction.

Just because you are able to withdraw from a substance does not automatically mean that it is addictive. It should be noted, however, that there are reported cases where Seroquel does have the potential to be misused.

Seroquel Withdrawal Symptoms

Studies have indicated that abrupt discontinuation of Seroquel can result in withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Excessive sweating
• Increased heart rate
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
  

Some people experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, or muscle rigidity. Other psychological features of withdrawal include irritability, agitation, and restlessness.

A rare consequence of suddenly stopping Seroquel is withdrawal dyskinesia which is characterized by abnormal, involuntary movement of the upper body or facial muscles.

How Long Do Seroquel Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

Symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks. Those symptoms that last beyond six weeks are classified as persistent post-withdrawal symptoms.

In a study looking at reactions related to stopping a wide variety of psychotropic medications currently on the market, 48% of participants experienced some withdrawal symptoms, even if some were quite mild. Seroquel withdrawal is thought to be considerably rarer than this percentage.

Efforts to quantify the prevalence of Seroquel withdrawal are limited by the fact that it is uncommon. It becomes difficult to conduct in-depth studies about Seroquel withdrawal when there are so few cases to study. Additionally, it's hard to determine how likely Seroquel withdrawal will occur for any given person.

Seroquel Withdrawal Timeline

Seroquel withdrawal can be divided into three main categories based on when the phases are likely to appear following abrupt interruption of use.

New Withdrawal

New withdrawal symptoms typically set in approximately one to four days after a person's last usage of Seroquel or other psychotropic medications.

These symptoms can include nausea, abdominal pain, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms mentioned above. The intensity of the symptoms depends on the individual, the length of time the drug was used, and the dosage.

These symptoms are short-lasting and reversible. Typically the person is mostly recovered within a week. However, some symptoms may persist, perhaps with less intensity, for up to six weeks. 

Rebound Withdrawal

Rebound withdrawal symptoms can also occur within the one to four-day period. However, these symptoms may not actually be "withdrawal," but a rebound or re-emergence of the underlying symptoms the medication was treating.

Sometimes, the rebound symptoms are more severe than the original symptoms present.

Persistent Post-Withdrawal Disorder

Persistent post-withdrawal disorder is when the symptoms of withdrawal persist past the six-week mark.

Coping With Seroquel Withdrawal Symptoms

Sometimes, other medications can be used to ease potential withdrawal symptoms. You should discuss strategies to manage any withdrawal symptoms with a doctor.

Medication

Generally, doctors will advise over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for symptomatic relief. They may suggest that you take ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen to treat symptoms like headaches. For significant cases of nausea, a doctor may prescribe a stronger medication such as Zofran (ondansetron).

Natural Remedies

Natural remedies like ginger extract can help relieve the nausea and vomiting that often occur during withdrawal. Some people experience side effects from ginger including upset stomach and indigestion.

Checking in With Your Doctor

In some cases, psychotic symptoms may return after stopping antipsychotic medication. Your prescribing doctor or psychiatrist will likely check in with you regularly after you discontinue your medication to be sure any psychological symptoms are managed.

Seroquel Withdrawal Warnings

Because of the potential implications of stopping Seroquel abruptly, the process should always be overseen by a medical professional. Ideally, the medication should be tapered with a planned, incremental lowering of the dosage taken over the course of months. There should also be periodic assessments of what you experience as your Seroquel dosage is lowered.

There is now consensus among clinicians that if used for longer than several weeks, most psychotropic medications can potentially lead to some form of withdrawal.

This should not rule out the use of these medications, but it does mean that careful consideration and frank discussions with a doctor should be part of the process of initiating treatment of medications like Seroquel.

Long-Term Treatment for Seroquel Withdrawal

If you are struggling with what feels like problematic use of Seroquel or another medication, you should know that many rehabilitation and supervised detoxification facilities accept patients who are withdrawing from prescribed medication.

Some facilities also help offer emotional and medical support for those who are biologically dependent on Seroquel and wish to safely come off of it.

Withdrawal Resources

If you think you may be having any symptoms of withdrawal, express your concerns to a medical professional.

If you're struggling with negative feelings such as guilt or shame regarding your withdrawal symptoms, a mental health professional can help your process those feelings and help you cope with them in a healthy way.