Can you split Seroquel (quetiapine) tablets in half?

Splitting Seroquel (Quetiapine) Tablets

Yes, Seroquel (quetiapine) immediate-release tablets can be split in half, but extended-release formulations should never be split as this could cause dangerous rapid drug release and potential overdose.

Understanding Tablet Splitting

Tablet splitting is a common practice that can provide several benefits:

• Dose flexibility for individualized treatment
• Making large tablets easier to swallow
• Potential cost savings

However, not all medications can be safely split. The safety of splitting depends on:

Tablets That Can Be Split

• Immediate-release tablets with score lines
• Tablets specifically designed to be divided

Tablets That Should Never Be Split

• Extended-release/controlled-release formulations
• Enteric-coated tablets
• Tablets containing irritating substances
• Capsules (which should never be "split")

Quetiapine (Seroquel) Specific Guidance

Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication commonly used to treat conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and as an adjunct for depression 1. When considering splitting:

• Immediate-release Seroquel tablets can generally be split, especially if they have a score line
• Seroquel XR (extended-release) should NEVER be split as this would destroy the controlled-release mechanism and could lead to a dangerous rapid release of medication

According to guidelines on psychiatric medications, quetiapine is typically started at lower doses (12.5-25mg) and gradually increased 1. The ability to split tablets can be helpful for:

• Dose titration
• Geriatric patients who may need lower doses
• Patients experiencing side effects at higher doses

Practical Considerations

When splitting Seroquel immediate-release tablets:

1. Use a proper tablet splitter - Hand splitting often results in uneven doses 2, 3
2. Split only one tablet at a time - Splitting multiple tablets in advance can lead to degradation
3. Check for score lines - These indicate the tablet is designed to be split
4. Consult your pharmacist - They can confirm if your specific formulation is appropriate for splitting

Potential Concerns

Research has identified several concerns with tablet splitting:

• Dose variability: Studies show split tablets may not contain exactly half the dose 2
• Difficulty for some patients: Older adults or those with dexterity issues may struggle to split tablets accurately 4, 3
• Tablet crumbling: Some tablets may crumble when split, leading to dose loss 4

Bottom Line

If you need to split Seroquel (quetiapine):

• Ensure it's the immediate-release formulation (not XR/extended-release)
• Use a proper tablet splitter device
• Consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to confirm this is appropriate for your specific medication and situation

If you're splitting tablets due to difficulty swallowing, discuss alternative formulations with your healthcare provider, as some medications are available in liquid forms or smaller dose tablets.