Quetiapine facts for kids

Quetiapine, also known by its brand name Seroquel, is a medicine used to help people with certain brain conditions. It belongs to a group of medicines called antipsychotics. This medicine can help balance chemicals in the brain, which can improve mood and thinking.

What Quetiapine is Used For

Quetiapine is mainly used to treat conditions like bipolar disorder and major depression.

• Bipolar disorder: This condition causes big changes in a person's mood, from very high (manic) to very low (depressed). Quetiapine helps to make these mood swings less extreme.
• Major depression: This is when a person feels very sad or loses interest in things for a long time. Quetiapine can help improve mood and energy levels.

Sometimes, doctors might also use Quetiapine for other issues, such as problems with anxiety, Tourette syndrome (a condition that causes sudden movements or sounds), or certain issues related to autism. It can also be used for PTSD, which is a condition that can happen after a very scary event.

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, Quetiapine can have some side effects. These are usually mild and often go away as your body gets used to the medicine. Common side effects include:

• Feeling tired or sleepy
• Having a dry mouth
• Feeling fatigued, which means very tired

It's important to talk to a doctor or trusted adult if you experience any side effects or have questions about your medicine.

Images for kids

• 

  A 2D drawing of the Quetiapine molecule.

• 

  A 3D model of the Quetiapine molecule.

See also

In Spanish: Quetiapina para niños