What is the recommended dosage and usage of Quetiapine (Atypical Antipsychotic) for treating psychiatric conditions?

From the FDA Drug Label

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Quetiapine tablets can be taken with or without food ( 2.1). Indication InitialDose RecommendedDose MaximumDose Schizophrenia-Adults ( 2.2) 25 mg twice daily 150 to 750 mg/day 750 mg/day Schizophrenia-Adolescents (13 to 17 years) ( 2.2) 25 mg twice daily 400 to 800 mg/day 800 mg/day Bipolar Mania- Adults Monotherapy or as an adjunct to lithium or divalproex ( 2. 2) 50 mg twice daily 400 to 800 mg/day 800 mg/day Bipolar Mania-Children and Adolescents (10 to 17 years), Monotherapy ( 2.2) 25 mg twice daily 400 to 600 mg/day 600 mg/day Bipolar Depression-Adults ( 2. 2) 50 mg once daily at bedtime 300 mg/day 300 mg/day Geriatric Use:Consider a lower starting dose (50 mg/day), slower titration and careful monitoring during the initial dosing period in the elderly ( 2.3,8.5) Hepatic Impairment:Lower starting dose (25 mg/day) and slower titration may be needed ( 2.4,8.7,12.3)

The recommended dosage and usage of Quetiapine for treating psychiatric conditions are as follows:

• Schizophrenia:
  • Adults: 25 mg twice daily, with a recommended dose of 150 to 750 mg/day and a maximum dose of 750 mg/day 1
  • Adolescents (13 to 17 years): 25 mg twice daily, with a recommended dose of 400 to 800 mg/day and a maximum dose of 800 mg/day 1
• Bipolar Mania:
  • Adults: 50 mg twice daily, with a recommended dose of 400 to 800 mg/day and a maximum dose of 800 mg/day 1
  • Children and Adolescents (10 to 17 years): 25 mg twice daily, with a recommended dose of 400 to 600 mg/day and a maximum dose of 600 mg/day 1
• Bipolar Depression:
  • Adults: 50 mg once daily at bedtime, with a recommended dose of 300 mg/day and a maximum dose of 300 mg/day 1
• Geriatric Use: Consider a lower starting dose of 50 mg/day, with slower titration and careful monitoring during the initial dosing period in the elderly 1
• Hepatic Impairment: Consider a lower starting dose of 25 mg/day, with slower titration as needed 1

From the Research

Quetiapine is recommended at a target dose of 300mg daily for the treatment of bipolar depression, starting at 50mg and titrating upward, with the extended-release formulation (Seroquel XR) taken once daily in the evening 2. The dosage of quetiapine varies significantly based on the specific psychiatric condition being treated.

• For schizophrenia, adults typically start at 25-50mg twice daily, gradually increasing to 300-400mg daily divided into two or three doses, with a maximum of 750-800mg daily.
• For bipolar disorder, acute mania treatment usually begins at 50mg twice daily, increasing to 400-800mg daily.
• For bipolar depression, the target dose is typically 300mg daily, starting at 50mg and titrating upward.
• When used for adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder, lower doses of 150-300mg daily are common. Elderly patients and those with hepatic impairment generally require lower starting doses and more gradual titration 3. Quetiapine is typically taken with or without food, with the extended-release formulation (Seroquel XR) taken once daily in the evening. Side effects include sedation, dizziness, weight gain, and metabolic changes, requiring regular monitoring of weight, blood glucose, and lipids 4. The medication works primarily by blocking dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain, helping to regulate neurotransmitter activity that affects mood, thinking, and behavior 5. It is essential to monitor patients for potential side effects and adjust the dosage accordingly to minimize adverse effects while maximizing therapeutic benefits 6.