Seroquel vs. Ambien

Seroquel (quetiapine) and Ambien (zolpidem) are used to treat insomnia.

The primary use of Ambien is for insomnia; Seroquel is used off-label to treat insomnia.

Seroquel is primarily used to treat schizophrenia in adults and children who are at least 13 years old. Seroquel is also used in the treatment of major depression and bipolar disorder.

Seroquel and Ambien belong to different drug classes. Seroquel is a psychotropic medication and Ambien is a sedative/hypnotic.

Common side effects of Seroquel include:

• fever,
• hot flashes,
• sensitivity to heat,
• sweating,
• headache,
• nervousness,
• irritability,
• nausea,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• changes in appetite or changes in weight,
• changes in menstrual perdiods,
• and temporary hair loss.

Common side effects of Ambien include:

• Daytime drowsiness,
• Dizziness,
• Weakness,
• Lightheadedness,
• "Drugged" feeling,
• Tiredness,
• Loss of coordination,
• Stuffy nose,
• Nasal irritation,
• Dry mouth,
• Sore throat,
• Nausea,
• Constipation,
• Diarrhea,
• Stomach upset,
• Headache,
• Muscle pain,
• Confusion,
• Insomnia,
• Euphoria,
• Ataxia (balance problems), and
• Visual changes.

• memory loss,
• mental/mood/behavior changes (such as new or worsening depression, abnormal thoughts, thoughts of suicide, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, aggressive behavior, or anxiety).

Seroquel is a prescription medicine used to treat:

• schizophrenia in people 13 years of age or older
• bipolar disorder in adults, including:
  • depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder
  • manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder alone or with lithium or divalproex
  • long-term treatment of bipolar I disorder with lithium or divalproex
• manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in children ages 10 to 17 years old

It is not known if Seroquel is safe and effective in children under 10 years of age.

Ambien (zolpidem) is a sedative/hypnotic used for treating insomnia.

Seroquel may interact with many different drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Ambien may interact with alcohol, other medicines that make you sleepy or slow your breathing (such as cold medicines, pain medications, muscle relaxants, narcotics, and medicines for depression, anxiety, or seizures) or antifungal medications.

Ambien may also interact with chlorpromazine or rifampin.

Seroquel is prescribed in tablets that range from 25 to 300 mcg in strength and is usually taken once a day with a full glass of water (about 8 ounces) 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast for best adsorption into the body. Children can take the medicine if the tablet is crushed and put into about 1 to 2 teaspoons of water; do not store or delay giving this crushed pill suspension. Doctors often may have to slowly increase the dose; patients should not increase or decrease this medication themselves. Because some preparations of the drug may contain iodine or lactose, patients should tell their doctors about such allergies or reactions to these components. Many drugs can inhibit Seroquel's adsorption by the body; other medications may increase or decrease its effectiveness once it is adsorbed. Providing a complete list of medications to the doctor will help with getting the correct dose established for each individual patient. Pregnant and lactating females need to discuss the dose and use of this medication with their caregivers.

The recommended adult dose of Ambien is 10 mg as conventional tablets or spray or 12.5 mg as extended-release tablets. Ambien may interact with alcohol, other medicines that make you sleepy or slow your breathing (such as cold medicines, pain medications, muscle relaxants, and medicines for depression, anxiety, or seizures), chlorpromazine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, rifampin, or antidepressants. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using Ambien; it is unknown how it will affect a fetus. Ambien passes into breast milk and may have adverse effects on a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Ambien can cause withdrawal symptoms (muscle cramps, sweats, shaking, and seizures).