Q. My doctor has diagnosed me with major depressive disorder. For this he has me on Prozac, Seroquel, and Klonopin as needed. My understanding was that Seroquel was just for psychotic patients. He states that Seroquel is used with depression too. I also have problems with severe anxiety attacks where I get worried about something like losing my job, or a friend, etc. and couldn't let go of the worrying. Now I can. Is the Seroquel doing this? He has me on 50mg am and 50 p.m. Can you give me more info about the uses of Seroquel for depression and anxiety?

  A. Seroquel, as well as Zyprexa, Risperdal, and Clozapine, are atypical antipsychotics. They have two main mechanisms of action. One is dopamine antagonism, which is what decreases psychosis. The other is serotonin 2 antagonism (5-HT2 antagonism) that also decreases anxiety and depression. This is how the antidepressant Serzone works. It only is a 5-HT2 antagonist.

Yes, the Seroquel could help. If weight gain is a problem, you may want to change to Serzone down the road, but talk to your doctor first.