Complete adverse effect profile including incidence rates and management
Important Safety Information
This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any unexpected symptoms. For serious or life-threatening side effects, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Somnolence/sedation (18–57%)
Dizziness (11%)
Dry mouth (9–44%)
Constipation (10%)
Weight gain (dose-dependent) — significant concern
Increased triglycerides and cholesterol
Orthostatic hypotension
Metabolic syndrome (weight gain, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension) — significant long-term risk
Hyperglycemia and new-onset diabetes (FDA class warning for all atypical antipsychotics)
QTc prolongation
Tardive dyskinesia (less than FGAs but real risk with chronic use)
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (rare but life-threatening)
Agranulocytosis (rare — less risk than clozapine)
Cataracts (lens changes noted in animal studies; ophthalmologic monitoring recommended)
Hypothyroidism
Pancreatitis
Like all medications, Quetiapine can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes this medication will experience them. Many side effects are dose-dependent and may improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Others may require dose adjustment or medical attention.
Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you experience:
Seek immediate emergency medical care if you experience signs of: