Does Seroquel (quetiapine) help you sleep?

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Official answer

by Drugs.com

Low doses of Seroquel, which causes drowsiness and somnolence as a side effect, are increasingly being prescribed off-label as a treatment for insomnia. Many experts do not recommend this use in the general population because there are safer alternatives.

  • You should not use Seroquel to help with sleep unless your doctor has specifically prescribed it for this use.
  • Your healthcare provider will need to monitor you for effectiveness and side effects if prescribed.
  • When Seroquel is used for insomnia, it is usually given at the lowest effective dose (typically 25 mg to 100 mg at bedtime).

    • What is Seroquel?

    Seroquel (quetiapine) is an atypical antipsychotic which causes drowsiness and sedation as a side effect. It is approved to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but is NOT approved by the FDA to treat insomnia (trouble getting to or staying asleep).

    The long-acting form Seroquel XR is also used with antidepressant medications to treat major depressive disorder in adults.

    Seroquel is specifically approved for the treatment of:

  • Schizophrenia in people 13 years of age or older
  • Bipolar disorder in adults, including: depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder; manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder, given alone or with lithium or divalproex; and for long-term treatment of bipolar I disorder with lithium or divalproex.
  • Manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in children ages 10 to 17 years old, as monotherapy (single) treatment.

    • Seroquel use is considered “off-label” when used as a treatment for insomnia (trouble with sleeping). Off-label uses are those that have not been approved by the FDA and are not found in the package labeling. Doctors may choose to prescribe drugs “off-label” if they feel confident in the effectiveness and safety of the medicine for that use.

    You should not use Seroquel for sleep unless prescribed by your doctor specifically for this use. In people being treated for the approved mental health disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, it can cause drowsiness, which may help with sleep.

    Your doctor will need to monitor you for Seroquel effectiveness and side effects, some of which may be severe. Your doctor may suggest safer options to help you with trouble sleeping.

    Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the preferred first-line treatment for chronic insomnia in adults. CBT is a nondrug option that can help you control negative thoughts and actions that may keep you awake at night.

    Your doctor may recommend this option before recommending any medications. CBT is usually as effective or more effective than sleep medications. It can also be combined with medications for an added effect.

    You should look at your habits related to sleep, too, known as your "sleep hygiene", that may be contributing to your insomnia.

  • Caffeine found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks may keep you up if you consume these later in the day.
  • Use of electronics, like the TV, phone or other devices that emit blue light used within an hour or two of bedtime can block natural melatonin in your body. This can make it more difficult for you to fall asleep or stay asleep. You should turn off electronics at least one hour before bedtime.
  • Adequate daily exercise (at least 30 minutes most days of the week) can also help reduce stress and boost your sleep.
  • Settling down at night with a warm cup of milk or taking a soothing bath can help to ease you to sleep.

    • Bottom Line

  • Seroquel has been used at low doses to help with sleep, but studies are lacking and serious side effects can occur. Many doctors do not recommend Seroquel as a sleep aid in the general population, or may only prescribe it for people with certain mental health mood or psychosis disorders.
  • When Seroquel is used to help with sleep, it is typically prescribed at low doses of 25 mg to 100 mg at bedtime. It comes as an oral tablet you take by mouth.
  • There are many alternatives to Seroquel for sleep, including prescription, over-the-counter and non-drug therapies. Speak to your healthcare provider if you are having trouble sleeping and it interferes with your daily routine.

    • This is not all the information you need to know about Seroquel (quetiapine) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

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