SEROQUEL XR® Tablets for Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

Quetiapine XR is an extended-release antipsychotic tablet used for mood and thought disorders. This page explains key uses, strengths, and safety to help you decide if it fits your needs. We support US shipping from Canada, including options for those paying without insurance.

What SEROQUEL XR Is and How It Works

SEROQUEL XR® is the brand of quetiapine extended-release, a once-daily atypical antipsychotic. It affects several neurotransmitter receptors, including serotonin 5-HT2 and dopamine D2, which can help reduce hallucinations, stabilize mood, and improve thinking. The XR form releases medicine gradually, supporting steady levels across the day.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder are the primary conditions treated. Quetiapine XR is also used with an antidepressant for major depressive disorder in adults when added support is needed. Effects include sedation, so many patients take it in the evening as directed by the label.

As with other antipsychotics, this medicine may raise blood sugar and lipids, and can cause weight gain. Your prescriber will monitor for metabolic changes and movement symptoms over time.

Who It’s For

This treatment is prescribed for adults with schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder, including acute manic or mixed episodes and bipolar depression. It can be used as an add-on for major depressive disorder when a single antidepressant is not sufficient.

Do not use if you have a known hypersensitivity to quetiapine. It is not approved for elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis, who face a higher risk of death with antipsychotics. Use caution with severe liver impairment, a history of low white blood cell counts, seizures, or heart rhythm risks.

Some individuals may use mood stabilizers alongside this therapy. Your clinician may discuss options such as Lamotrigine or, for certain treatment-resistant cases, Clozapine. For broader mental health options, see our Mental Health category.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescriber’s instructions and the official label. XR tablets are usually taken once daily in the evening, swallowed whole with water. Do not split, crush, or chew the tablets. Take consistently the same way each day regarding meals, as directed on the label.

Your clinician may adjust the dose gradually based on response and tolerability. Report bothersome sleepiness, dizziness when standing, or restlessness, as these may inform dose timing or other medical decisions. Avoid alcohol and do not drive until you know how this medicine affects you.

Never start, stop, or change dosing on your own. If questions come up, consult the prescribing information or your healthcare professional.

Strengths and Forms

This therapy is supplied as extended-release tablets for oral use. Typical strengths span 50–400 mg, though availability can vary by manufacturer and country. Check your prescription label for your specific tablet strength and color.

To confirm origin details for your order, see Canada.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the next dose. If it is almost time for the next one, skip the missed dose. Do not double up. If you miss several doses, consult your prescriber before restarting, as directions can vary based on time missed and your treatment plan.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in the original container, closed tightly, and away from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not store in a bathroom.

When traveling, carry your medicine in your hand luggage, along with a copy of your prescription or a pharmacy label. Use a reminder system to maintain your schedule across time zones. Airport screening is typically safe for tablets. If you pack a pill organizer, also carry the labeled container for verification if needed.

Benefits

This medicine provides once-daily dosing convenience. The extended-release profile may smooth peaks and troughs compared to immediate-release tablets. It can help reduce intrusive thoughts, stabilize mood during manic or depressive episodes, and support sleep when taken in the evening. Many people take it alongside therapy, routines, and clinician follow-up for overall care.

Side Effects and Safety

• Sleepiness or fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Headache
• Orthostatic hypotension

Serious effects can include neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, high blood sugar, changes in lipids, low white blood cells, seizures, and heart rhythm changes. Antipsychotics carry a boxed warning about increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. All antidepressants and some antipsychotics have a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in younger people; monitoring is important, especially at the start or after dose changes. Seek urgent help for fever, severe muscle stiffness, confusion, uncontrolled movements, signs of high blood sugar, or fainting.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors can raise levels of this medicine. These include ketoconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, and certain azole antifungals. Strong inducers such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, and rifampin can lower levels. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Combining with alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, or other sedatives can increase drowsiness and risk.

Use caution with blood pressure agents due to additive hypotension and with other drugs that may prolong QT interval. Anticholinergic medicines may add to dry mouth and constipation. Share a complete medication list with your prescriber and pharmacist.

What to Expect Over Time

Responses vary. Some symptoms may ease gradually with steady, daily use. Sleepiness can be common at first, and many people take doses in the evening to reduce daytime effects. Your clinician may monitor mood, thinking, and any movement symptoms during follow-up visits. Keep a simple journal of changes to discuss at appointments. If your goals are not met or side effects are difficult, your prescriber may adjust the plan.

Compare With Alternatives

Several atypical antipsychotics are used for similar conditions. Partial dopamine agonists like Aripiprazole may suit those seeking a different side effect profile. Another option is Risperidone, which is available in multiple formulations. Olanzapine is also used, though it may have distinct metabolic considerations. Your prescriber can help match a therapy to your history and goals.

Pricing and Access

We list transparent options to help you compare SEROQUEL XR price with alternatives. Many patients appreciate Canadian pricing and US fulfillment flexibility. We offer US delivery models that respect your prescriber’s directions and your preferred payment method.

Ships from Canada to US for qualifying items and strengths. If you are exploring coupons, review our Promotions page for current offers from manufacturers or programs when available. For broader condition support, browse Bipolar Disorder and Mental Health topics.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock and packaging can vary by manufacturer. If a particular strength is temporarily unavailable, your prescriber may recommend an equivalent daily dose using different tablet strengths or suggest a suitable alternative. If XR is not an option for you, immediate-release quetiapine may be considered; see Quetiapine Fumarate. If you pay out of pocket, ask your prescriber about clinically appropriate flexibility that might reduce the number of tablets per day.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may suit adults who need once-daily coverage for schizophrenia or bipolar symptoms, or adjunctive support for major depressive disorder. It may not be appropriate for elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis or those with severe, uncontrolled heart rhythm disorders. People with diabetes, high cholesterol, or weight concerns should have regular checks.

Cost-smart ideas include asking about a 60- or 90-day fill, setting refill reminders, and aligning refills with clinic visits. If you are exploring savings, you can search for a Quetiapine ER coupon from credible sources. Some programs are compatible with private insurance; others focus on those paying cash. For depression-related care, you can also review educational content like Effexor Xr Antidepressant For Anxiety and What Is Clozaril Uses Benefits.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Treatment goals: which symptoms are we tracking?
• Dosing time: evening or another schedule?
• Metabolic monitoring: labs and weight checks?
• Movement symptoms: what should I report early?
• Other medicines: any major interactions to avoid?
• If I am self pay, what documentation will help?

Authoritative Sources

Manufacturer Prescribing Information

FDA DailyMed

Health Canada DPD

Ready to get started? Place your order with prompt, express shipping and secure checkout, with US delivery from Canada. Information here is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice; always follow your prescriber’s guidance.