Does Quetiapine (Seroquel) cause weight gain?
The honest answer from the FDA-approved label for Quetiapine (Seroquel)— what the trials actually reported, not the “every drug makes you gain weight” folklore.
What the label reports
The label lists weight gain as an adverse reaction and as a class-related metabolic change (hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, weight gain), and recommends regular monitoring of weight. In short-term placebo-controlled adult trials weight gain occurred in about 5-6% of quetiapine-treated patients vs 1% on placebo, with a dose-response relationship. The proportion of adults gaining at least 7% of body weight was markedly higher on quetiapine than placebo (e.g., 23% vs 6% in schizophrenia; 21% vs 7% in bipolar mania monotherapy). Mean weight change was about +2.0 kg (quetiapine) vs -0.4 kg (placebo) in a schizophrenia trial. In children/adolescents, increased appetite and weight increase were common, and after 26 weeks mean body-weight increase was 4.4 kg with 45% gaining at least 7% (not adjusted for normal growth).
Frequently asked questions
Does Quetiapine cause weight gain?
Yes — the label reports weight gain for Quetiapine (details above). How much varies between people and is not the same for everyone; it is a known, monitored effect, not a reason to stop on your own. Diet, activity, and a conversation with your prescriber about alternatives are the levers.
How much weight can Quetiapine cause?
The label reports what the trials found (above) and does not hand out a single number that applies to everyone — weight change depends on dose, duration, your starting point, and why you are taking the drug. If your weight is changing in a way that bothers you, that is a specific, fixable conversation with your prescriber, not a reason to quit abruptly.
Does the weight come off after stopping Quetiapine?
Often at least partly, when the drug's effect on appetite or metabolism was the cause — but that is individual, and some weight tracks lifestyle rather than the drug. Never stop a medication just to lose weight without talking to the prescriber first; for several of these drugs abrupt stopping has its own risks.
More guides for Quetiapine
Source
Quetiapine tablets — DailyMed FDA label (§8.1 Pregnancy; Warnings 5.5; Adverse Reactions) ↗
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The weight information is what the drug’s FDA-approved label reports from its trials. This is general reference information, not medical advice, and weight change is individual — do not start or stop a medication to change your weight without your prescriber.