Seroquel (Quetiapine) Withdrawal Timeline
Compiled from cited sources · not yet medically reviewedUpdated 3 sources
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For information only, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before stopping or changing any medication. Medical disclaimer
⚠ Medical warning
Don’t stop this medicine suddenly or change your dose without talking to your prescriber. The main risk of stopping is the condition it treats coming back, sometimes quickly. If you have thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 now.
Quick answer
The Seroquel label says acute withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, nausea and vomiting have been described after abrupt stopping. In short-term Seroquel XR trials, 12.1% of people had one or more discontinuation symptoms after abrupt stopping, compared with 6.7% on placebo. The NHS says don’t stop suddenly; your doctor will reduce the dose gradually.
Seroquel withdrawal timeline at a glance
When did you last use or take it?
⚠ Medical warning (read before using this)
Don’t stop this medicine suddenly or change your dose without talking to your prescriber. The main risk of stopping is the condition it treats coming back, sometimes quickly. If you have thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 now.
This places the typical ranges from this article's sources on your date. It is not a prediction or a diagnosis, and being past a phase does not mean symptoms or risks are over.
A rough guide from published sources, not medical advice. Everyone is different.
| Phase | When | What you may feel | Severity | Red flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early withdrawal | Within the first days of an abrupt stop (exact timing not given in the label) | Insomnia; Nausea, vomiting | Moderate | — |
| Following weeks | Weeks to months | Return of the condition it treats (mood, psychosis or sleep problems) | Moderate | Return of mania, psychosis or severe depression; Thoughts of suicide or self-harm: call or text 988 now |
Print a daily symptom log for this timeline · My quit tracker
Symptoms, phase by phase
The Seroquel label says acute withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, nausea and vomiting have been described after abrupt cessation of atypical antipsychotics, including Seroquel, and recommends gradual withdrawal. In the Seroquel XR trials with a discontinuation phase, 12.1% (241 of 1,993) of people had one or more discontinuation symptoms after abrupt stopping, compared with 6.7% (71 of 1,065) on placebo. The label doesn’t give a day-by-day timeline.
Early withdrawal: Within the first days of an abrupt stop (exact timing not given in the label)
- Insomnia
- Nausea, vomiting
Following weeks: Weeks to months
- Return of the condition it treats (mood, psychosis or sleep problems)
What makes withdrawal longer or shorter
- Speed of stopping. The label and NHS advise gradual reduction.
- Why you take it. If it’s for bipolar disorder or psychosis, relapse is the bigger risk.
- Sleep problems. The label lists insomnia among acute withdrawal symptoms.
When to see a doctor or get help now
- Before stopping or reducing.
- Call or text 988 for thoughts of suicide.
- Signs of mania or psychosis returning: contact your care team urgently.
Not sure where to start? Call SAMHSA’s free, confidential helpline at 1-800-662-4357, 24/7. See Get Help.
Tapering
The label recommends gradual withdrawal, and the NHS says your doctor will reduce the dose gradually. We don’t publish dose-by-dose schedules. Your prescriber should set your plan, and adjust it if symptoms appear.
Tips for getting through it
- Agree on relapse warning signs with your care team
- Wake up and get out of bed at the same time every day (NHS)
- Keep a mood and sleep diary
Frequently asked questions
How long does Seroquel withdrawal last?
The label doesn’t say; tell your prescriber if insomnia, nausea or vomiting don’t settle.
Can I stop the low dose I take for sleep?
Talk to your prescriber; the NHS advises reducing gradually.
How common is quetiapine withdrawal?
In trials, 12.1% of people on Seroquel XR had discontinuation symptoms versus 6.7% on placebo.
Next steps
- Track your dayEnter when you stopped to see where you are on the timeline
- Combine timelinesAdd other things you are stopping and see them on one chart
- Talk to othersAsk questions on our community forum (peer support, not medical advice)
- Read nextAbilify (Aripiprazole) Withdrawal
- Get helpFree, confidential helplines and when to see a doctor
Talk to others going through it. Share your experience or ask questions on the Antidepressants & Other Prescriptions board in our community forum. Forum posts are personal experiences, not medical advice. Please read the community guidelines.
Related timelines
- Abilify (Aripiprazole) Withdrawal
- Zyprexa (Olanzapine) Withdrawal
- Trazodone Withdrawal Timeline
- Ambien (Zolpidem) Withdrawal and Rebound Insomnia
Sources
Last reviewed: October 25, 2026. Researched and written by Withdrawal Timelines from the cited sources. This article has not yet been reviewed by a medical professional. See How We Review and our Medical Disclaimer. This is general information, not medical advice.
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