INDICATION FOR THE USE OF QUETIAPINE FOR THE TREATMENT OF INSOMNIA: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

This research is an integrative review on the off-label use of quetiapine for the treatment of insomnia. Insomnia, a common and multifactorial disorder, affects a large part of the population and can be associated with several conditions, such as psychiatric disorders. Although quetiapine is approved for the treatment of disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, its use for insomnia is not officially indicated. However, clinical practice has shown that it can be effective in managing insomnia, especially in patients with psychiatric comorbidities, such as treatment-resistant depression and anxiety disorders. The research included five recent papers that pointed to benefits in treating insomnia with quetiapine, although it also raised concerns about the risks of side effects such as weight gain, excessive sedation, and potential dependence, especially in vulnerable populations. The results suggest that, despite the efficacy, off-label use of quetiapine for insomnia should be done with caution, taking into account the risks and benefits, and being more appropriate for patients with coexisting psychiatric disorders. The study concludes that more studies on the safety and efficacy of quetiapine for this purpose are needed.