Is quetiapine a drug of abuse? Reexamining the issue of addiction

Abstract

Background: The abuse and diversion of pharmacological agents with CNS mechanisms of action is an important concern from governmental, regulatory, public health and safety perspectives. In recent years, there have been an increased number of reports concerning the abuse and diversion of quetiapine in forensic population and in individuals with histories of substance abuse. Objective: To better understand this surging pattern the available body of evidence was critically examined. Methods: A literature search from January 1991 to July 2008 restricting papers to English and using PUBMED and PsychInfo was performed. Results: Nine papers were identified. The content of these papers is discussed in light of recent research on drug abuse.

Keywords::

• abuse
• addiction
• benzodiazepines
• quetiapine
• substance abuse disorder
• SUD