Quetiapine drug withdrawal

Seeman P, Tallerico T (1999) Rapid release of antipsychotic drugs from dopamine d2 receptors An explanation for low receptor occupancy and early clinical relapse upon withdrawal of clozapine or quetiapine. Am J Psychiatry 156(6) 876-884... 

Recreational drug users note the same effects. Several comment on similarities between olanzapine and quetiapine and the benzodiazepine drugs, such as diazepam (Valium), because of the intense sedation. However none report the euphoria that characterises benzodiazepine effects. One correspondent reported protracted insomnia after stopping olanzapine, comparing it to benzodiazepine withdrawal (Sixseal.com 2007). 

Restless leg syndrome has been associated with olanzapine in three cases, in which it started after the beginning of treatment with olanzapine and resolved after withdrawal all three patients were subsequently treated with other atypical antipsychotic drugs (risperidone, quetiapine, or aripiprazole) without recurrence [105 ]. 

Placebo-coutroHed studies Quetiapine has been compared with placebo in the avoidance of relapses in patients in remission in a randomized, double-blind clinical trial [119 ]. Patients who had taken antipsychotic drugs for at least 1 year for first episode of psychosis took either maintenance quetiapine 400mg/day ( =89) or placebo (n = 89) and were followed for 12 months or until a relapse occurred. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of the risk of relapse at 12 months was 41% with quetiapine (95% CI=29%, 53%) and 79% (95% CI=68%, 90%) with placebo. The rate of withdrawal because of adverse or serious adverse events was greater with quetiapine (18% versus 8%) patients taking quetiapine reported more adverse reactions sleepiness or sedation, reduced salvation, and constipation). 

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