Quetiapine Dependence and Withdrawal: A Case Report

Abstract

Quetiapine is a new-generation antipsychotic medication approved in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and related disorders. There are reports about the abuse and possible dependence of quetiapine. We present the first case of definite quetiapine dependence. This is a 37-year-old male who applied to the addiction unit because he could not control quetiapine use. He had a history of alcohol and benzodiazepine dependence as well as cannabis abuse. He reported to have a rush on quetiapine and suffered from its withdrawal when he tried to wean off the medication. This case and similar other suggest that while quetiapine may be beneficial in the treatment of some patients with addictive disorders, we should be cautious when using quetiapine to treat patients with drug or alcohol dependence.