Seroquel may be used for sleep issues such as insomnia and it can make you feel drowsy.
However, it’s not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for these conditions.
It also acts on histamine receptors to make you feel sleepy.
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What Is “Off-Label” Use?
When a healthcare provider uses an FDA-approved drug for an unapproved use, that use is considered off-label.
This occurs if they determine that the drug is medically appropriate for you.
They may do this because another drug is unavailable or you have tried other medications that have not worked.
This means it would not have benefits for someone only suffering from a sleep disorder.
Still, it is sometimes prescribed off-label in low doses for sleep problems.
Only limited studies have been conducted to determine Seroquel’s effectiveness in treating insomnia orimproving sleepin otherwise healthy individuals.
It should be used as an aid and not a permanent solution.
Some clinical trials recommend a starting dosage range from 50 mg to 150 mg per day.
Older people may experience more side effects and should start with a lower dose of Seroquel.
This is because it can cause grogginess in the morning.
If it’s crucial that you stop Seroquel, talk with your healthcare provider first.
What Are “Z-Drugs?”
Rebound insomnia can sometimes be even worse than the insomnia you had before you started taking the medication.
This is why its important to talk with your healthcare provider before stopping Seroquel.
It should be tapered slowly, meaning the dose youre taking slowly gets decreased.
However, data does not support their use for treating insomnia.
There isn’t enough evidence to recommend its use for treating primary insomnia.
Additionally, Seroquel doesn’t come without risks, as it has a broad side effect profile.
These include metabolic, heart, and hematologic (blood) effects.
Seroquel may be helpful if it treats the underlying condition affecting your sleep.
Otherwise, other options are available to help with sleep problems if you have insomnia and are otherwise healthy.
Food and Drug Administration.Seroquel prescribing information.
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