A Seroquel overdose can be a medical emergency. Symptoms may range from extreme drowsiness and confusion to breathing problems and loss of consciousness. Seroquel is the brand name for quetiapine, a prescription medication used to treat mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression in some cases.
What Are the Symptoms of a Seroquel Overdose?
Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Common signs include:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Fast heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Fainting
- Trouble breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures in some cases
- Changes in heart rhythm in severe cases
Symptoms may appear within a few hours after taking too much Seroquel. Even if symptoms seem mild at first, medical attention may still be needed because the condition can worsen over time.
Medication-related harm remains a significant public health concern in the United States. According to the CDC, more than 1.5 million people visit emergency departments each year because of adverse drug events, and nearly 500,000 require hospitalization. [2]
When Should Emergency Help Be Sought?
You should seek emergency medical care right away if someone:
- Has taken more Seroquel than prescribed
- Is difficult to wake up
- Becomes unconscious
- Has trouble breathing
- Has a seizure
- Faints or collapses
- Shows signs of severe confusion
If the overdose may have been intentional, the person should receive emergency medical care followed by a mental health evaluation. Families should remove access to extra medications when it is safe to do so and follow medical guidance before making any medication changes.
If you believe someone has taken too much Seroquel, call 911 or Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) immediately. If the person is unconscious, having a seizure, difficult to wake, or having trouble breathing, do not wait for symptoms to improve.
How Is Seroquel Overdose Treated?
There is currently no specific antidote for quetiapine overdose. Instead, treatment focuses on monitoring the patient, supporting breathing and circulation, and managing any complications that develop while the body metabolizes and clears the medication [1]
The type of treatment depends on the person’s symptoms and overall condition.
1. Medical Evaluation
When a person arrives at the emergency department, healthcare providers will usually check:
- Breathing
- Heart rate
- Blood pressure
- Oxygen levels
- Level of consciousness
They may also ask questions about how much medication was taken and whether any other substances were involved.
2. Monitoring and Supportive Care
Many people with a Seroquel overdose need to be monitored in a hospital. Healthcare providers may continuously monitor heart activity because quetiapine toxicity can affect heart rhythm and blood pressure in some cases.[1]
Treatment may include:
- Continuous heart monitoring
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Oxygen if needed
- Intravenous (IV) fluids for low blood pressure
- Treatment for seizures or abnormal heart rhythms if they occur
Treatment focuses on maintaining normal body function while the medication is cleared from the system.
3. Breathing Support
A severe overdose can make a person very sleepy or unconscious. If breathing becomes slow or difficult, doctors may provide breathing support and take steps to protect the person’s airway.
4. Activated Charcoal
In some situations, healthcare providers may use activated charcoal to help reduce the amount of medication absorbed by the body.This treatment is not appropriate for everyone and should only be given under medical supervision.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery time varies from person to person. Factors that can affect recovery include:
- The amount of Seroquel taken
- Whether the medication was an extended-release form
- Whether alcohol or other drugs were involved
- The person’s age and overall health
Some people recover after several hours of observation, while others may need longer hospital care.
Possible Complications of a Seroquel Overdose
A serious overdose can lead to complications such as:
- Breathing problems
- Very low blood pressure
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Pneumonia caused by inhaling stomach contents into the lungs
- Prolonged unconsciousness
Quick medical treatment can help reduce the risk of these complications.
Recovery and Ongoing Support After a Seroquel Overdose
A Seroquel overdose may be accidental, but in some cases it may be linked to medication misuse, substance use, or underlying mental health challenges.
After emergency treatment, healthcare providers may recommend additional support to help reduce the risk of future overdose events and address any underlying concerns.
Ongoing care may include:
- Mental health treatment
- Medication management
- Substance use treatment
- Individual counseling
- Family therapy
- Relapse prevention planning
For adolescents, an overdose may point to more than a one-time medication mistake. It may be connected to medication misuse, untreated depression or anxiety, substance use, impulsive behavior, or difficulty coping with emotional distress.
After emergency stabilization, a clinical assessment can help determine what kind of support is needed next. This may include medication management, individual therapy, family therapy, substance use treatment, safety planning, or a structured treatment program when symptoms are affecting home, school, or daily functioning.
Clearfork Academy provides behavioral health and substance use treatment for teens ages 13–17, including residential treatment, intensive outpatient programming, individual therapy, group therapy, and family support for adolescents with co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns.
Can a Seroquel Overdose Be Fatal?
Many people recover from a Seroquel overdose when they receive prompt medical care. However, severe overdoses can be life-threatening.
The risk may be higher when large amounts of Seroquel are taken or when it is combined with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or other substances that affect the central nervous system.
Because it can be difficult to predict how serious an overdose will become, every suspected overdose should be treated as a medical emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an antidote for Seroquel overdose?
No. There is currently no specific antidote for a Seroquel overdose. Treatment focuses on monitoring the person and managing symptoms until the medication leaves the body.
Can someone sleep off a Seroquel overdose?
No. Do not assume someone can safely “sleep off” a Seroquel overdose. Severe drowsiness may progress to unconsciousness, breathing problems, or dangerous heart complications. Seek emergency medical care immediately.
What should you do if someone takes too much Seroquel?
Seek emergency medical help right away. If the person is unconscious, having trouble breathing, or having a seizure, call emergency services immediately.
Can a person fully recover after a Seroquel overdose?
Many people recover fully when they receive prompt medical treatment. Recovery depends on factors such as the amount taken, other substances involved, and how quickly medical care is received.
Can alcohol increase the risk of a Seroquel overdose?
Yes. Alcohol can increase the sedating effects of Seroquel and may raise the risk of serious complications such as breathing problems, loss of consciousness, and overdose.
Source:
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. Quetiapine. StatPearls Publishing. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459145/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Medication Safety Facts & Statistics. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/medication-safety/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
Mike Carter, LCDC
Alumni Relations Manager
Mike grew up on a dairy farm in Parker County, Texas. At the age of 59, he went back to college and graduated 41 years after his first graduation from Weatherford College. God placed on his heart at that time the passion to begin to help others as they walked from addictions, alcoholism, and abuse of substances. He is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and in the past few years he has worn many hats, from intake and assessment, group counseling, individual and family counseling, intensive outpatient and now he is working with clients, therapist, and families on discharge planning and aftercare. He also coordinates our Alumni Outreach Program.
