Case Report

Additional Evidence of the Abuse Potential of Quetiapine

Authors: Roy R. Reeves, DO, PhD, James C. Brister, MD

Abstract

Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic agent approved by the FDA for the treatment of schizophrenia, acute mania, and bipolar depression. Recently, reports of medication abuse, particularly intranasal and IV abuse, have been described. Three cases of oral misuse of quetiapine are presented and clinical implications are discussed. Clinicians should exercise caution when prescribing quetiapine to patients at risk for substance abuse.


Key Points


* Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic agent approved by the FDA for the treatment of schizophrenia, acute mania, and bipolar depression.


* Quetiapine may have sedating and anxiolytic effects in some patients.


* Clinicians should exercise caution when prescribing quetiapine to patients at risk for substance abuse.

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