Is seroquel developing an illicit reputation for misuse/abuse?

Abstract

Quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic, has been the subject of a series of case reports that suggest a potential for misuse/abuse. The available cases indicate a male predominance; oral, intranasal, or intravenous routes of administration; misuse/abuse in jail or inpatient psychiatric settings; and subjects with extensive histories of polysubstance abuse. While possible pharmacological explanations have been proffered, compared to the other atypical antipsychotics, there is no clear explanation for an alleged higher risk of misuse/abuse with quetiapine. Likewise, there are no available animal or human empirical studies to evaluate risk. At this juncture, clinicians in psychiatric and primary care settings can only remain alert to a potential risk, particularly in patients who meet the current demographic profile.