What does quetiapine do to the brain?

Quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic medication, works by blocking the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Specifically, it blocks the activity of dopamine and serotonin receptors, which can help to regulate mood and behavior in individuals with mental health conditions.

By modulating the activity of these neurotransmitters, quetiapine can help to reduce symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking in individuals with schizophrenia, regulate mood swings and prevent relapse in individuals with bipolar disorder, and improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Quetiapine also has sedative effects, which can help individuals with sleep disorders, and it may have some anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may be beneficial for certain conditions.

However, quetiapine can cause a range of side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, which may interfere with daily activities. In addition, long-term use of quetiapine may lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms if the medication is discontinued abruptly.

It is important to note that the exact mechanism of action of quetiapine is not fully understood, and its effects on neurotransmitter activity in the brain may vary from person to person. The decision to use quetiapine or any other medication should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, who can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on individual needs and medical history.


There are various forms of drugs available, such as tablets or liquids, and each may have a separate patient information leaflet (PIL) for different doses. It is important to refer to the PIL for the specific form and dose of the drug that you have been prescribed.

You can search for further information and PILs on websites such as:

  • The British National Formulary (BNF)
  • Electronic medicines compendium (emc)
  • The National Library of Medicine's DailyMed
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
  • Different drug forms like tablets or liquids have specific patient information leaflets (PIL) for various doses. Refer to the PIL for your prescribed drug form and dose.

    Search for PILs on websites like:

    France

    • ANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé): ansm.sante.fr

    Spain

    • AEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios): aemps.gob.es

    Germany

    • BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte): bfarm.de

    Italy

    For questions about your medication:

    • Consult your doctor, a healthcare professional, or a pharmacist

    France

    • Contact SOS Médecins: 3624
    • For mental health support, contact SOS Suicide: 01 45 39 40 00

    Belgium (French)

    Switzerland (French)

    • La Main Tendue: 143
    • Website: 143.ch

    Canada (French)

    • Centre de prévention du suicide du Québec: 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553)
    • Website: cpsquebec.ca

    Spain

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Teléfono de la Esperanza: 717 003 717

    Germany

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefonseelsorge: 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222

    Italy

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefono Amico: 199 284 284

    Netherlands

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact 113 Zelfmoordpreventie: 0800 0113

    Portugal

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Sos Voz Amiga: 21 354 45 45, 91 280 26 69, or 96 352 46 60

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