How Long Does It Take for Seroquel to Work?

In the class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotic medicine, Seroquel (quetiapine) is prescribed to treat symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. It helps stabilize mood, improve sleep, and reduce psychotic symptoms. 

Seroquel works by altering dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain, and it has some antidepressant effects when used on its own or in combination with antidepressant medication. Often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, research shows Seroquel might have less severe and fewer side effects than typical antipsychotic drugs do. When you first start using it, knowing how long it takes for Seroquel to work is essential so you can set realistic expectations.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know, including how long Seroquel takes to work, factors that can impact its efficacy, how to know if it’s working, and what to do if it isn’t. 

How Fast Does Seroquel Take to Work? 

The onset of action for Seroquel tablets varies depending on things like the condition being treated and other factors, including weight, age, comorbid or past mental health conditions, and more. 

Some effects of Seroquel — like sedation — might be noticeable within hours. The therapeutic benefits for mood stabilization and symptom reduction generally take longer to see. Research suggests that while it can start working for some symptoms within 2 weeks, it often takes 2-3 months to see the full effects and benefits of Seroquel. 

Some studies show that, for conditions like acute schizophrenia, you might experience noticeable improvements in various psychotic symptoms within 6 weeks of treatment depending on your tablets’ dose and treatment plan. Other research on the medicine finds that specific symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking patterns, wanting to be around others, and motivation, can improve in the first 1-2 weeks.  

The variability in how fast Seroquel works highlights the importance of being patient and maintaining ongoing communication with your doctor.

Factors That Affect How Long It Takes Seroquel to Work

The time it takes for Seroquel to show results can vary from person to person for several reasons. Like any antipsychotic medication, Seroquel doesn’t always work the same for everyone who takes it. Understanding the key factors at play can help manage your expectations and offer insights into why some people see faster responses to the medicine than others. 

Factors that might affect how long Seroquel takes to work include medical and individual considerations and the specifics of a treatment plan (like dosage, what other medications you’re taking, or unique conditions you have).  

Dosage adjustments

The medicine dosage your doctor prescribes can significantly impact the time it takes for Seroquel to start working. Higher doses of tablets might offer quicker results for some symptoms, but adjustments must always be made under a doctor’s guidance to avoid unwanted or dangerous side effects.

Condition being treated

The condition you’re treating is critical in how long any antipsychotic medication takes to work. For example, if you’re using Seroquel for acute manic episodes in bipolar disorder, you may see different results than if you’re taking it for something like schizophrenia.

Individual factors

Individual characteristics—like metabolism, age, weight, and overall health—can affect how long it takes for Seroquel to work. Some people metabolize medications faster, leading to quicker symptom relief, while others may take longer to notice noticeable improvements.

Interaction with other medications

Telling your doctor about any other drugs you’re on before you begin taking Seroquel is crucial. They will assess your treatment plan to ensure there isn’t any risk of a dangerous interaction. In addition to safety, Seroquel’s overall effectiveness can change when you take it with other medications — certain drugs may enhance or diminish its efficacy, which can alter your timeline for improvement. 

For those interested in comparing Seroquel with other antipsychotic medications, a common comparison is Abilify vs. Seroquel, as both have similar uses but differ in how they affect the brain.

How to Know if Seroquel is Working

Be aware of any changes in your mental health and daily functioning to recognize the effectiveness of Seroquel. While some improvements can become evident within the first few weeks, full therapeutic benefits can take several weeks to months to see. 

Regular communication with your healthcare provider during this period is crucial so they can assess the progress you’re seeing and make potential adjustments to your treatment plan. There are some common indicators to be aware of.

Reduction in symptoms

A decrease in the severity or frequency of symptoms, like hallucinations, mood swings, or intrusive thoughts, is a sign that Seroquel is starting to work. Even if the changes are subtle initially, they can become more noticeable over time.

“Early indicators of Seroquel working include less mood swings, improved focus, and decreased anxiety.”

Talkspace therapist Dr. Dion Metzger, MD

Improved sleep

An early benefit of Seroquel includes improved sleep, which can positively affect mental health. Some people who use Seroquel who’ve struggled with insomnia or disrupted sleep in the past report feeling more rested and capable after they start Seroquel.

Enhanced emotional stability

Mood stabilization—characterized by reduced extreme highs and lows—can signal that the medication is taking effect. Emotional stability allows you to handle stressors effectively and maintain a balanced emotional state.

Increased functionality

Carrying out daily tasks, maintaining healthy relationships, and engaging in enjoyable activities indicate real progress when taking Seroquel. While research suggests that Seroquel can make some people drowsy and unable to concentrate, others find it easier to focus and think more clearly.

Feedback from others

Sometimes, friends, family, or caregivers will notice improvements before you do. Positive feedback from others can be a helpful marker of progress and offer reassurance that the medication is effective, even if internal changes feel gradual.

Sense of well-being

As Seroquel begins to work, many people experience a general sense of well-being. They feel calmer, more optimistic, and more able to address daily challenges without feeling overwhelmed by negative emotions.

What to Do When Seroquel is Not Working

It’s important to remember that, like all drugs, individual responses to Seroquel can vary. What works for one person may not work the same way for you. Factors like metabolic differences, comorbid medical conditions, or interactions with other drugs can impact Seroquel’s effectiveness in treating your symptoms and condition. 

Keeping open lines of communication with your healthcare provider during this time is essential so they can offer you a tailored treatment plan that best suits your needs and mitigates potential Seroquel side effects.

If Seroquel isn’t working for you, you must take proactive steps, including:

• Consulting your doctor: Schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms and concerns.
• Reviewing the dosage: Your doctor might suggest adjusting your dosage so you can get better results.
• Allowing time: It’s difficult, but be patient. Some conditions require several weeks of consistent use before the benefits of Seroquel become noticeable.
• Assessing adherence: Always take Seroquel exactly as prescribed without missing doses. If you forget to take it, do so as soon as you remember—unless it’s close to your next scheduled dose. Then, skip the missed pill and take your next regular one. Never double up on Seroquel.  
• Checking for interactions: Review other medications or supplements that may interfere with Seroquel. Be sure to tell your doctor about everything you’re taking, including over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and supplements.
• Consider alternatives: If Seroquel isn’t giving you the results you hoped for and you’ve been taking it for several months, your doctor might recommend switching to a different medication.
• Explore therapy: Combining medication with therapy often offers the best results.

“The combination of therapy and medication can bring the best results by improving symptoms and lowering the risk for relapse.”

Talkspace therapist Dr. Dion Metzger, MD

If you’re concerned about how long Seroquel takes to work or its overall effectiveness, it’s worth exploring other Seroquel alternatives that may better suit your needs. Keep in mind that discontinuing the medication abruptly can lead to Seroquel withdrawal symptoms, so always consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen.

Get Personalized Mental Health Treatment with Talkspace

Understanding how long it takes for Seroquel to work is essential to managing your mental health journey. With Talkspace, you can connect with online psychiatrists who provide personalized support, answer questions, and guide you through treatment options, including medication management

Learn how to get prescribed Seroquel online through Talkspace today and take the first step toward feeling better.