Available on prescription. Regular metabolic monitoring is part of safe treatment.
What it treats
Which conditions is Quetiapine used for?
Overview
What is Quetiapine?
Quetiapine is a second-generation antipsychotic distinctive because of its effectiveness across all phases of bipolar disorder, not just mania, but also bipolar depression and long-term mood stabilisation.
It is listed in Kenya's Essential Medicines List 2023 and available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms. The extended-release version is taken once a day, simplifying the daily routine.
Beyond bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, quetiapine is sometimes used at lower doses alongside an antidepressant to boost its effect, and as an adjunct for anxiety, always under medical supervision.
How it works
What does it do in the brain?
Formulations in Kenya
How is it available?
Availability across Africa
Where is it available in Africa and what is it called?
| Country | Common Brand Name(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | Seroquel, Quetilet, Qutipin, generic | On KEML 2023. Available at public and private facilities. |
| South Africa | Seroquel, Ketipinor, generic | On South Africa EML. Widely available. |
| Nigeria | Seroquel, Quetapel, generic | Available at teaching hospitals and urban pharmacies. |
| Uganda | Generic quetiapine | Available at national referral hospitals. |
| Tanzania | Generic quetiapine | Available at regional referral hospitals. |
| Ethiopia | Generic quetiapine | Available at Amanuel Hospital and major private pharmacies. |
| Ghana | Seroquel, generic | Available at teaching hospitals. |
| Rwanda | Generic quetiapine | Available within the national health system. |
Side effects
What might you feel while taking it?
These are the most commonly reported effects. Not everyone experiences them, and many settle within the first few weeks.
- Sedation and fatigue, particularly in the first weeks
- Dizziness and low blood pressure on standing
- Dry mouth
- Weight gain
- Changes in blood sugar and cholesterol over time
- Constipation
- Development of diabetes or worsening blood sugar control
- Very high fever, severe muscle rigidity, and confusion together. A medical emergency.
- Elderly patients with dementia have increased risk of stroke on antipsychotics
Risks
Important risks you should understand before taking this medicine
- Metabolic syndrome including weight gain, elevated blood sugar, and worsening cholesterol occurs with quetiapine and requires active monitoring from the start of treatment.
- Quetiapine has been misused for its sedative effect by people who are not prescribed it, particularly in substance use contexts. Prescribers should be alert to this pattern.
- At higher doses, quetiapine can cause QT prolongation, a change in the heart's electrical cycle that can lead to dangerous rhythm disturbances.
- Elderly patients with dementia on quetiapine have increased risk of stroke and death, consistent with the entire antipsychotic class.
- Stopping quetiapine suddenly can cause rapid return of manic or psychotic symptoms, particularly in bipolar disorder. Never stop without medical supervision.
Who should not take it
Important warnings before starting
- Known allergy to quetiapine
- Certain medicines that strongly affect liver enzymes. Your doctor will review for interactions.
Special care needed
Situations that need extra attention
- Metabolic monitoring is important from the start
- Elderly patients with dementia should only receive this medicine under careful specialist review
- Tell your doctor about any liver conditions
- Do not drive until you know how quetiapine affects your alertness
Speak to your doctor before making any changes to your treatment if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Present in breast milk. Specialist guidance is required before breastfeeding while taking quetiapine.
Other medicines
Medicines and substances that can interact with it
- Carbamazepine and rifampicin: Significantly reduce quetiapine levels, potentially making treatment less effective.
- Ketoconazole and certain HIV medicines: Can significantly raise quetiapine levels, increasing side effects.
- Alcohol and sedating medicines: Greatly amplifies the sedative effect.
Tests and follow-up
What your doctor will monitor
- Weight and metabolic panel at initiation, three months, and annually
- Blood pressure at the start of treatment
- Review of sedation and functioning at each appointment
- Regular mood stability assessment for bipolar disorder
Stopping this medicine
What happens if you stop taking it?
In Kenya
What you should know about this medicine in Kenya
Quetiapine's effectiveness across all phases of bipolar disorder makes it particularly valuable in Kenya, where lithium monitoring infrastructure is not uniform.
Its low rate of movement side effects makes long-term treatment more acceptable to many patients.
Clinicians in Kenya should be aware of low-dose quetiapine being sought outside its prescribed use for sedation, a pattern observed in some urban settings.
Sources
References
- Ministry of Health, Kenya. (2023). Kenya Essential Medicines List 2023. Nairobi: Ministry of Health.
- Ministry of Health, Kenya. (2023). Kenya National Medicines Formulary, 1st Edition. Nairobi: Ministry of Health.
- World Health Organization. (2023). Model List of Essential Medicines, 23rd Edition. Geneva: WHO.