Seroquel XR for Major Depressive Disorder: Uses, FDA Approval & Information

Seroquel XR is the proprietary name for an extended release form of an antipsychotic medication known as quetiapine fumerate. In the U.S. it's manufactured by AstraZeneca.

History

• Seroquel XR was originally approved by the FDA for schizophrenia and specific types of bipolar disorder. On December 9, 2009, FDA also approved it for adjunctive, or add-on, treatment of major depressive disorder in adults.

Significance

• As of December 9, 2009, Seroquel XR was the only drug in its class to earn FDA approval for use in combination with other drugs to treat major depressive disorder.

Identification

• According to AstraZeneca, Seroquel XR is available in 50, 150, 200, 300 and 400mg tablets. (See Reference 2)

Expert Insight

• AstraZeneca recommends beginning with 50mg of Seroquel XR a day and increasing to 150mg a day on day three to reduce the impact of the drug's potential side effects.

Time Frame

• Seroquel XR is taken once a day, preferably in the evening, and works over a 24-hour period.

Warnings

• Seroquel XR carries an FDA-mandated black box warning describing possible severe adverse effects. These include increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis and increased risk of suicide in children, teens and young adults.