Seroquel Dosage
Seroquel (Quetiapine) comes in tablet form and it is taken orally. It is best to take Seroquel at the same time everyday to keep the level of medication in the blood stream even. It can be taken with or without food but may upset the stomach if taken without food.
Starting Dosage of Seroquel
Seroquel should be started at 50 mg a day. It is important that the medication build up slowly within the blood stream. For most patients the treatment is built up in a five day period. On the first day 50 mg is administered. On the second day the dosage is bumped up to 100 mg a day. For the next three days the dosage is increased in increments of 100 mg until the patient reaches 400 mg a day. The treatment can then be adjusted by a physician to fit the needs of the patient.
Seroquel Dosage for the Treatment of Schizophrenia
Seroquel is often prescribed to help treat schizophrenia.
In Adults
Initially it is administered in twice daily doses of 25 mg in adults. It is then gradually increased to a total dose range of 300 to 400 mg daily. Seroquel is most effective when taken three times a day, but in one trial 225 mg given twice day also proved to be effective. Trials have not been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Seroquel beyond six weeks. It is suggested that responding patients should continue Seroquel at the lowest dose to maintain results and should be assessed regularly to determine the need for treatment.
In Adolescents
Seroquel dosage to treat schizophrenia in adolescents ages thirteen to seventeen differ from the recommended dosage for adults. Just as in adults, Seroquel adolescent dosage should be built up over time and taken twice daily. The recommended dose range is from 400 mg a day to 800 mg a day. Adjustments to the dosage shouldn’t be in increments of greater than 100 mg a day.
Seroquel Dosage for the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
Seroquel can be used alone or as a part of adjunct therapy among patients with bipolar disorder.
In Adults
The majority of patients respond to once daily doses between 400 mg a day to 800 mg a day. Seroquel should be administered slowly to allow the medication time to build up in the blood stream. Dosage adjustments shouldn’t be in increments greater than 200 mg a day. Patients with bipolar disorder often prefer to take a once daily dose right before they sleep.
In Children and Adolescents
Children and adolescents, ages ten to seventeen, are often prescribed Seroquel to help treat manic episodes common in Bipolar I Disorder. When first started, Seroquel should be administered twice daily and if needed can be administered three times daily. Dosage adjustments should be in increments of no greater than 100 mg a day and should occur over a 2 day period so effects can be shown. Parents and Guardians should help monitor any change in behavior among children and adolescents while they are on Seroquel.
Seroquel is often prescribed to treat bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. It can also be used for varying forms of anxiety or depression. In those cases, doctors and patients should decide what Seroquel dosage is right for the situation.
