What is the difference between bipolar depression and bipolar disorder?

The lows of bipolar depression can be all consuming

Although people may recognize the term "bipolar disorder," they may be a little less familiar with the term "bipolar depression." Bipolar depression refers to the depressive moods, or lows, of bipolar disorder.

In general, episodes of bipolar depression last longer than episodes of bipolar mania, and when ill, people with bipolar disorder experience depressive symptoms at least three times as often as they do manic symptoms. In addition, recovering from depressive episodes typically takes longer than it does for manic episodes. Learn more about bipolar depression symptoms.

In order to get a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment, be sure to talk to your doctor about all the symptoms you are experiencing, including any manic episodes. The good news is that there are treatment options available that may help. To prepare for your next appointment, here are some questions to ask.

Important Safety Information About SEROQUEL XR® (quetiapine fumarate)Read More +

  • Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis (having lost touch with reality due to confusion and memory loss) treated with this type of medicine are at an increased risk of death, compared to placebo (sugar pill). SEROQUEL XR is not approved for treating these patients...
Bipolar depression symptoms >
US-25490 Last Updated 12/18

Important Safety Information About SEROQUEL XR® (quetiapine fumarate)


Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis (having lost touch with reality due to confusion and memory loss) treated with this type of medicine are at an increased risk of death, compared to placebo (sugar pill). SEROQUEL XR is not approved for treating these patients.

Antidepressants have increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults. Patients of all ages starting treatment should be watched closely for worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, unusual changes in behavior, agitation, and irritability. Patients, families, and caregivers should pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important when an antidepressant medicine is started or when the dose is changed. These symptoms should be reported immediately to the doctor. SEROQUEL XR is not approved for children under the age of 10 years.

    Do not take SEROQUEL XR if you are allergic to quetiapine fumarate or any of the ingredients in SEROQUEL XR.

    Stroke that can lead to death can happen in elderly people with dementia who take medicines like SEROQUEL XR.

    Stop SEROQUEL XR and call your doctor right away if you have some or all of the following symptoms: high fever; excessive sweating; stiff muscles; confusion; changes in pulse, heart rate, and blood pressure. These may be symptoms of a rare, but very serious and potentially fatal, side effect called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).

    High blood sugar and diabetes have been reported with SEROQUEL XR and medicines like it. If you have diabetes or risk factors such as obesity or a family history of diabetes, your doctor should check your blood sugar before you start taking SEROQUEL XR and also during therapy. If you develop symptoms of high blood sugar or diabetes, such as excessive thirst or hunger, increased urination, or weakness, contact your doctor. Complications from diabetes can be serious and even life threatening.

    Increases in triglycerides and in LDL (bad) cholesterol and decreases in HDL (good) cholesterol have been reported with SEROQUEL XR. Your doctor should check your cholesterol levels before you start SEROQUEL XR and during therapy.

    Weight gain has been reported with SEROQUEL XR. Your doctor should check your weight regularly.

    Tell your doctor about any movements you cannot control in your face, tongue, or other body parts, as they may be signs of a serious condition called tardive dyskinesia (TD). TD may not go away, even if you stop taking SEROQUEL XR. TD may also start after you stop taking SEROQUEL XR.

    Other risks include feeling dizzy or lightheaded upon standing, falls (which may cause serious injuries), trouble swallowing, or decreases in white blood cells (which can be fatal). Fever, flu-like symptoms, or any other infection could be a result of a very low white blood cell count. Tell your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you experience any of these.

    Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking. Also tell your doctor if you have or have had low white blood cell count, seizures, abnormal thyroid tests, high prolactin levels, heart or liver problems, trouble emptying your bladder, enlarged prostate, constipation, increased pressure inside your eyes, or cataracts. An eye exam for cataracts is recommended at the beginning of treatment and every 6 months thereafter.

    Since drowsiness has been reported with SEROQUEL XR, you should not participate in activities such as driving or operating machinery until you know that you can do so safely. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated while taking SEROQUEL XR. Do not drink alcohol while taking SEROQUEL XR.

    Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Avoid breast-feeding while taking SEROQUEL XR.

    The most common side effects are drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, increased appetite, upset stomach, weight gain, fatigue, difficulty moving, disturbance in speech or language, and stuffy nose.

    Do not stop taking SEROQUEL XR without talking to your doctor. Stopping SEROQUEL XR suddenly may cause side effects.

This is not a complete summary of safety information. Please discuss the full Prescribing Information with your health care provider.

Approved Uses

SEROQUEL XR is a once-daily tablet approved in adults for (1) add-on treatment to antidepressants for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who did not have an adequate response to antidepressant therapy; (2) acute depressive episodes in bipolar disorder; (3) acute manic or mixed episodes in bipolar disorder alone or with lithium or divalproex; (4) long-term treatment of bipolar disorder with lithium or divalproex; and (5) schizophrenia.

Please read the Medication Guide and full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS.

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This site is intended for US customers only.

The information on this Web site should not take the place of talking with your doctor or health care professional. If you have any questions about SEROQUEL XR, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Only you and your health care professional can decide if SEROQUEL XR is right for you.