What Is A Lethal Dose Of Seroquel?

Seroquel, the brand name for quetiapine, is an atypical antipsychotic drug that can have toxic effects if taken in very high doses alone or in combination with other drugs.

The standard dosage of Seroquel is 400 mg to 800 mg a day. Taking a higher amount of Seroquel may risk adverse side effects, including hyperglycemia, kidney damage, and death.

Learn more about the lethal dose of commonly abused drugs.

Understanding The Lethal Dose Of Seroquel

Research on how dangerous Seroquel can be shows that figuring out exactly how much can kill someone is complicated, because people’s bodies react differently to drug overdoses depending on their health, age, and other personal factors. The smallest amount that has been reported to cause death was 6,000 milligrams of Seroquel, which is about 7.5 times higher than the highest dose doctors normally prescribe, showing that taking extremely large amounts can be deadly.

However, Seroquel overdoses are very unpredictable, as shown by medical reports of some people who survived after taking huge doses of up to 30,000 milligrams, while other studies have recorded at least one death after someone took 13,600 mg. These different outcomes prove that while taking higher doses usually increases the chances of serious problems or death, it’s still possible to survive even after taking enormous amounts, especially if the person gets emergency medical help quickly.

Cause Of Seroquel Overdose

Seroquel overdose can happen when someone takes an excessive amount of the medication by itself, but it can also occur when Seroquel is combined with other drugs that make the overdose more dangerous. Taking too much Seroquel alone can cause serious problems, but the risk becomes much higher when people mix it with other substances that also affect the brain and body.

A medical study that looked at overdose cases over five years found that people often combined high doses of Seroquel with other dangerous drugs including opiates, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cannabis, and barbiturates. These combinations are particularly risky because different drugs can work together to make the overdose effects much worse.

Factors That Can Affect The Lethal Dose Of Seroquel

Certain factors may affect the risk of fatal overdose after taking a very high dose of Seroquel.

Risk factors for serious Seroquel overdose include:

• Older Age: elderly people are at higher risk because their bodies process medications more slowly and they’re more likely to have other health problems
• Cardiovascular Disease: people with heart problems face increased risk because Seroquel can affect heart rhythm and blood pressure, causing complications in those with heart conditions
• Impaired Kidney or Liver Function: when these organs don’t work properly, the body can’t filter Seroquel out of the system effectively, allowing toxic levels to build up and remain in the body longer
• Slow Drug Metabolism: some people naturally break down medications more slowly due to genetic differences, meaning Seroquel stays in their system longer and can reach dangerous levels more easily
• Low Body Weight: smaller people may experience more severe effects from the same dose because they have less body mass to distribute the medication, leading to higher concentrations in their blood
• Use of Multiple Drugs: taking Seroquel with other medications, especially those that affect the central nervous system such as alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines, greatly increase the risk of complications or death

Anyone taking Seroquel should inform their doctor about all other medications they’re using and any health conditions they have to help prevent dangerous interactions and overdose.

How Common Is Seroquel Overdose?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Seroquel is one of the most common drugs associated with suicide by drug overdose, along with prescription opioids and Xanax. Seroquel carries a boxed warning, the most serious warning from the FDA, for the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in people 24 years of age or younger when used for conditions such as bipolar depression.

In 2016, Seroquel was involved in nearly 300 suicides by drug overdose. Seroquel overdose may be more common in people who have untreated or undertreated mental health disorders.

What Are The Signs Of Seroquel Overdose?

Severe cases of Seroquel overdose can be deadly. With prompt medical treatment, recovering from a Seroquel overdose is possible.

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• drowsiness, sedation, or falling into a coma
• trouble breathing or dangerously slow or stopped breathing (respiratory depression)
• seizures
• rapid or irregular heartbeat (cardiac arrhythmia)
• dangerously low blood pressure, which can lead to circulatory collapse
• milder symptoms may include:
• dizziness and fainting
• increased heart rate
• dry mouth and constipation

In rare cases, overdose may also lead to respiratory depression (slow or stopped breathing) and seizures. If someone is unresponsive or has collapsed after taking Seroquel, call 911 right away.

How To Help Someone Overdosing On Seroquel

If you suspect someone is overdosing on Seroquel, call 911 or Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222. While waiting for emergency services, perform supportive care and monitor their breathing. There is no antidote for a Seroquel overdose, and medical professionals will provide care based on the symptoms.

Immediate actions to take during Seroquel overdose:

• Call for emergency help. Contact 911 immediately and inform the operator that you suspect a Seroquel overdose.
• Move the person to the recovery position. If the person is unconscious but breathing, turn them onto their side with their top leg bent at the knee. This prevents them from choking on their vomit.
• Perform CPR if necessary. If the person is not breathing and has no pulse, perform CPR only if you are trained to do so. The 911 dispatcher may provide instructions.
• Do not induce vomiting. Never attempt to make the person vomit, as this can cause additional harm.
• Stay with the person. Do not leave them alone. Monitor their condition and provide reassurance until paramedics arrive.
• Provide information to first responders. When emergency medical services arrive, tell them what you know about the situation, including the name of the medication and the amount taken.

If you or a loved one are seeking an addiction treatment program, talk to your primary care provider or an addiction specialist for more helpful information.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff