Is Quetiapine legal in New Zealand?
- Legal status
- Quetiapine is a prescription medicine, not a controlled drug: Seroquel and quetiapine (Quetapel and generics) are approved by Medsafe with published data sheets under the Medicines Act 1981 and quetiapine is not scheduled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.
- Consequences if caught
- Quetiapine attracts no Misuse of Drugs Act penalty; supply of this prescription medicine without authorisation is a Medicines Act offence only.
- If prescribed or medical
- Prescribed as an atypical antipsychotic for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder; Medsafe advises prescribing the smallest quantity consistent with good management to reduce overdose risk.
- Documentation
- The Seroquel data sheet and quetiapine products are published in the Medsafe register; carried lawfully with a prescription.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with New Zealand’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →