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Global Patient Feedback for Seroquel (Quetiapine) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I quit seroquel because in my 1st 4 months of use I gained almost 45 lbs & my doctor was an ass about it & told me I needed to lose some weight! 2 1/2 yrs later I've finally lost the excess. If I hear somone talking about seroquel i ask them if they are prepared to get fat & to go back to their doctor!
36 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-05-22 20:24:49
Member Answer/Reply:
My name is Lana and I hope more of us whom have suffered from the serious side effect of seroquel
keep speeking out this is a medication that causes major weight gain I told my doctors and they have told me since I started that (12 years)ago it was not seroquel and I have medical cards showing my weight changes,it is now a side effect that they are now addmitting to. I say doctors stop hiding this and be upfront with your client so they say no to this medication. Persons beware. ask questions.
49 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-05-24 09:03:35
Member Answer/Reply:
It depend on the person's body chemistry and dosage whether or not they gain weight. I have been on Seroquel for 1 1/2 years now, started out with 150 mg, was actually losing weight because I was eating right and exercising 6 days a week. If you don't watch that you eat like eating fruits and veggies, keeping junk food/ processed food to a minimum, and not exercising of course there will be weight gain. Now that I moved to a state that gets bitter cold in the winter, I couldn't get out to ride a bike or take a walk, I gained 5 pounds, but it wasn't much because I exercised indoors. Warmer weather is here now and I am getting out now and lost a couple of pounds so far.
38 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-07-18 16:54:31
Question/Comment:
I have been on seroquel for aprox 12 years . I started gaining weight right away . I was 148 and now I am 286 :( I wish I never met this medication. I started on 25 mg and I was worked up to 600mg and the goal was 900mg> I said no way no more I have been weening my self off now I am at 100mg this is a slow process I hope to live life seroquel FREE ASAP :) I hope to get this weight off once I am no longer eating in my sleep (sleeping eating /serious seroquel side effect please ask questions :) B4
49 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-05-19 20:57:41
Question/Comment:
I just started Seroquel over 2 weeks ago and I'm not sure it's the match for me. At first it was the usual sedation and stuffy nose (not major) but then as the dose was increased to 150 mg I will stop breathing, taking deep breathes upon awaking at night and will have tingling in an arm/ leg. 2 nights ago I experienced roaring and howling voices again in the middle of the night.
It does help me sleep better than Ambien at 50mg. I'm asking for something like lithium or something next week.
30 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-05-18 16:13:09
Question/Comment:
Ive never had a problem with serquel...my Dr. does keep a close eye out for diabetes as my mother had it...so far so good....I never had a weight gain problem either...matter of fact I have the opposite problem..I cant keep weight on...I gain it...then I totally lose it again..I'll go from 115 lbs back to 90 lbs...then back up...every Dr. ive seen cant figure it out...but it hasnt affected my health so not going to worry about it..I suffer from severe clinical depression myself
58 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-05-01 01:26:26
Question/Comment:
I've been on seroquel for around 10 years and have type 2 diabetes. My sugars have sky rocketed , 500 and 600. I argued with the Dr. that the seroquil was making the high sugars, but I was ignored. Finally I am being weaned off the seroquil. Suddenly my blood sugars are dropping everyday. AS low as 41! I don't feel the lows coming on. Could the fact that I am taking considerably less seroquel be the reasons for the extra low sugars?
62 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-04-14 14:10:43
iGuard Answer/Reply:
The hyperglycemia that you experienced could definitely have been due to the Seroquel. It has been shown to cause diabetes and high blood sugars. The fact that your sugars are decreasing could be the decreased Seroquel dose. Talk with your doctor about the change in your sugar level.
Posted: 2010-05-01 13:57:48
Question/Comment:
I've just started taking 25 mg of Seroquel in addition to 225mg of Effexor. So far so good, but I'm paranoid about gaining weight. I know 25mg is a very low dose, but I'm interested if anyone's had an interaction with Effexor? I have sever clinical depression. 45 yrs male.
44 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-03-25 03:05:19
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Seroquel and Effexor should be well tolerated together. Weight gain is a side effect of Seroquel, and 25 mg is a low dose, but it would be a good idea to watch your diet and get regular exercise. Make sure your diet plan and exercise regimen are approved by your doctor first before making any changes.
Posted: 2010-03-28 22:52:56
Member Answer/Reply:
i'm also taking 225 Effexor, but i started taking 800mg Seroquel about 5 months ago. I;ve gone from 167lb to 215lb. My doctor believes the weight gain is from the Seroquel. Were going to try something different but that seems to have been the only problem
45 female
53 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-04-02 22:58:04
Question/Comment:
After taking 300mg Seroquel at bedtime for about 5 years, I was getting a bout of pounding heart about 1 hour after taking it, so we tried to discontinue it. I stopped sleeping. at all.
So we tried to wean. It has taken two years to beat it down to 200mg. Sometimes I sleep through the night but more often, I have delayed onset or early awakening. Beware Seroquel withdrawal! If you can at all!
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-02-15 07:24:08
Member Answer/Reply:
I was just relieved when I saw that someone eles was having trouble coming off Seroquel. I have been taking it for over 10 yrs & was at 300mg. About 3yrs ago we reduced to 200mg at bedtime and that worked ok. Now, I am having real cardiac problems and they want me off it. I was originally put on it for PreMenstral disorder/suicidal feelings and it worked great. I didnt realize what was causing all my weight gain till I started coming down, but now I am having severe problems with my sleep & it causes me so much anxiety that I feel as if Im addicted to it. I want off of it because I dont feel it is needed but I need it for sleep. Any suggesstions??
46 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-04-06 08:07:54
iGuard Answer/Reply:
There are many medications that you can take to aid with sleeping. Rozerem, Ambien, and Lunesta are some examples. Some medications that help with sleep and anxiety are Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin. You can even try Benadryl, which is over the counter and does not require a prescription. However, please speak with your doctor first and you should be able to find a medication to help with your sleep and anxiety that meets your needs.
Posted: 2010-04-11 17:34:34
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Seroquel XR for 6 months for Bipolar 1.I took lithium for 19 years with good effect but changed as I had secondary hyperparathyroidism due to lithium.At first,I hated the seroquel as I slept too much(10-17hours/day)My doctor cut the seroquel back from 600mg/day 4 hours before bed to 450mg. This works better.When I am awake,I am very focused,better memory,happier. With lithium, I wasn't depressed but very flat.Now I sleep 8-10 hours without an alarm clock,less with.
47 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-02-14 15:15:45
Question/Comment:
I have been taking seroquel for alittle over a year for bipolar and to help me sleep. And it also me gained alot of weighted and my doctors also gave me topamax to help me we the weight plus to help with my head aches, but i know that when i first started taking the seroquel all i wanted to do is sleep now i cant sleep at all.
30 year old female united states
30 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-02-13 08:55:45
Question/Comment:
I have been taking 800mg of this drug for over five years. In the year and a half I have lowered it to 600mg which my last psychiatrist said would be okay as long as I did not lower it any more then 600mg a day. I was prescribed it at the hospital during a stay at the psychiatry ward for 6 months. Since I have been on this drug, combined with parnate and 6 electroshock therapy I have vastly improved. it was prescribed for borderline personality disorder and psychosis. I am high functioning and supposedly in remission. this drug seems to do what it is supposed to though I hear for many it helps them sleep. I am not sure why, but ti does not put me to sleep and I suffer from insomnia and night-time restlessness. I have gained at least 100 lb since on this drug and am concerned with the effects of it but so far it seems to work well.
I also noticed that within an hour to two hours after taking the drug, I cannot sleep I get a sever bout of restless legs which eventually dissipates after about half an hour. Everyone is different but I would def. suggest that if this drug is considered for you that you ask for some alternative as seroquel can have severe if not lethal at times side effects if not taken and monitored properly. I have gained much weight and it is fairly expensive but I am alive and functioning normally. In fact at times i am thriving!!!!!!!!
If you are pregnant or wish to become pregnant I strongly suggest no to take this drug if at all possible s there could be major side effects and there does not seem to be enough sufficient data to support whether it is or it is not harmful to the mother or baby. It def. works well for me but I recommend you get all the facts and info on this drug. Side effects included are possibility of getting type 2 diabetes, cataracts later on and other issues. it is recommended that when on Seroquel it is monitored carefully and you get the tests mentioned below every 6 months. Good luck and be well...
Predisposed for hyperglycemia and diabetes so these the test below will help show signs of this
CBC Including Liver Function Tests
Fasting cholesterol and triglycerides
Fasting blood sugar and hemoglobulin A1C
Eyes checked for cataracts every six months for patients on sequel
37 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-12-04 19:17:03
Question/Comment:
I Have severe sleep issues for last 10 yrs or more .... mask and other treatments & consultants didn't improve sleep. Seroquel at 300 mg is very effective. I can sleep 6 to 8 hours feel great on waking and last 2 yrs most great full found something that works with NO side effects
68 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-12-04 13:18:10
Question/Comment:
I have been taking 600 mg of seroquel for approximately 2 years. I am bipolar 2 and it has worked well but i am now wondering if it has stopped working as well. i have been feeling symptoms more regularly and am having a difficult time coping with things. Thinking i should consult my dr and maybe reevaluate my medications. And the weight gain is horrible and doesn't help my general situation much. Lack of self esteem and confidence is overwhelming!
37 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-12-04 04:41:07
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Lithium for about 3 years and just recently my dr added seroquel, I at first asked about it for sleep -it puts me OUT, I see all this stuff now about how it can help for bi-polar, I know like 5 yrs ago or so I took it as well (to sleep)and nothing was said about it treating bi-polar. I know all about weight gain all too well, the Lithium alone added 100lbs to me which lets just say didn't help my self-esteem, I still hate the way I look and I wont risk gaining more!
28 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-01-14 07:45:51
Question/Comment:
My father took Seroquel when he was placed in a nursing home. He was so sedated that he stopped walking and could barely lift himself. It has taken nearly a year, but he has been off all prescriptions for several weeks and is greatly improved.
84 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-10-20 21:03:01
Question/Comment:
I take .25 mg of seroquel at night to help with sleep and severe rage. I also now take Medical MJ instead of xanax. Help me tremendously.Especially for anxiety issue.
51 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-21 16:46:31
Member Answer/Reply:
PLEASE REPLY!! I seem to have the same issues as u and ive been on valium for years - what is medical mj???? the freakin valium doesnt even help sometimes i feel like taking 10 of them!
28 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-01-14 07:47:23
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Medical mj is medical marijuana. It is only legal in certain instances in certain states. Taking more Valium than prescribed can be very dangerous. If the Valium is not helping, please talk to your doctor as soon as possible about trying a different medication.
Posted: 2010-01-15 09:28:00
Question/Comment:
I was on Seroquel 400mg for a while and started having severe rapid heartbeat and nearly would pass out so now I am tapered down to 50 mg and have absolutely NO SIDE AFFECTS at all. I am Bi Polar and it helps me tremendously. I am more manic than depressive and if it were up to my doctors I would be taking 12 medications, which has happened to me. At one time they had me on the following, Abilify, Geodone, Seroquel, Zyprexa, Zoloft, Opimrimine, Trazadone, paxil, Visteril, and a few others that I can't recall the names. Here is the thing if you say too much to a pysch Doctor they will pump you full of these medications. I left from that hospitalization and now take only the Seroquel and that is all I have ever needed. Do not let people force you or anyone in your family to take the Medications if they make you have severe and dangerous side affects. The problem is your fiance could fall and really hurt himself it sounds like he is way too much of the seroquel. It is potent medication and has a lot of potentially dangerous side affects that need close close monitoring. Please seek the physicain and let them know how bad it is and he will likely reduce the dose so that he is safer. I want people out there to know too that those of you out there taking Seroquel with Narcotics such as Vicodin be very very very careful. There is a good chance when the two are combined it can cause heart arrithmias. It can cause the combination for your heart to start racing very quickly. I had to get off of percocet and vicodin because it nearly killed me. Please be aware of the interactions with seroquel and other medicines. It is not like other traditional medicines. Take care!
38 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-08 17:17:50
Question/Comment:
I am a 55 year old Veteran (VNam) and have PTSD. I have been using Quetiapine Fumarate 25 mg, my doctor would like me to take 1-2 tabs at night to help me sleep - Night Terror Free - but in 2 years I can only take 1/4 of a tab (try cutting those tiny little tabs) otherwise - on 1/2 tab - I do not wake for over 12 hours. Sucks. But on 1/4 tab it puts me to sleep but doesn't stop the terrors or keep me asleep. The only reason I keep taking them is that without them I can't get to sleep till 3 or 4 and I am up by 6 or so. When I do take 1/4 tab I go to sleep within 30-45 mins and still wake at 6 or 7, still have disruptive terrors.
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-02 09:12:54
Member Answer/Reply:
I, too, take for ptsd; as well, was on 1/2 of a 25 mg tab (sometimes 1/4) for ~5 yrs.
With added stressors in my life the docs increased and am now up to 50mg.
I, too, feel like I can sleep forever... 10-14 hrs and could still fall back 2 sleep anytime. Weird med, for sure.
And now with the higher dose has come weight gain--ugh!
45 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-06-12 18:35:01
Question/Comment:
I've benn on 200 mg xr Seroquel for about 8 months, and it doesn't help me sleep. I was on Zeprexa a long time ago which did help me sleep.
55 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-26 12:44:07
Member Answer/Reply:
Hi,I am 38. Since my last crisis sept.30, because Im bipolar 2 , that last a week my doc gave me 300 mg, of seroquel with 1 mg. tafil and 300 mg of lithium.
It really help me at that time but i spend many hours sleeping or feeling tired, almost all nights sleep 12 hours, i really need to take my life back , if i sleep at 11 p.m I woke up at 11 or 12 a.m.
And the worst part is that I gain almost 12 pounds that make me feel aweful, very low self steem etc, will be seroquel or lithium the cause?
Gissell , Guatemala city.
38 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-12-03 01:22:12
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Both lithium and Seroquel can cause weight gain. Speak with your doctor to see if they can adjust your dose and perhaps decrease it. If the weight gain is the worst part for you, remember that 12 pounds is not so much, and if you are stable otherwise, maybe concentrate on diet and exercise, which are great for your health overall.
Posted: 2009-12-04 11:02:19
Question/Comment:
My fieancee has been on seroquel for about 6 months and the doctor has raised his dosage twice. He is now on 600 mg of seroquel xr which he takes before bed. since he has been experiencing severe dizziness. It has been so bad that he blacked out last night and fell down. Any one else have this problem? He is also on 225 mg effexor xr. Does it get better?
32 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-20 20:47:50
Member Answer/Reply:
Holy crap! Thats a very high dose. I was on 300 at night but since have droped to 150. I also take 1mg of Xanax 3x a day. The seroquel makes it almost IMPOSSIBLE for me to get out of bed or wake up after falling asleep. I was also on effexor but I have yet to find anything other than Xanax that helps me in over 15 years og seeing doctors. Thats a very high dose and it could hurt his liver! I suggest that you have him take MILK THISTLE, its a natural supplement that help promote liver function. I have been on Milk Thistle for 3 years, I haven't found any side effects from it, I'm not a doctor but he should be taking something to keep his liver in good health & strength. Be well
34 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-24 18:48:38
Member Answer/Reply:
I would ceck with the treating doctor, I am at 300mg, I need it to sleep on the "SUPER HIGH DAYS" The combination could have an undesire affect. Sometimes you need to adjust the meds. But always inform the docor. For me the right dosage and time has helped me considerale. I went untreated for 34 years, a heart attack,stroke and numerious destroyed relations cause me to seek help.
Bottom line,inform your care giver, or check with NAMI for a list.You have to make it better.
Jim
53 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-26 10:02:00
Member Answer/Reply:
I'm taking 400 mg of Seroquel xr in the evening, 100 mg of Seroquel during the day with 300 mg of Effexor xr combined with 200 mg of Toperamate (for migraines) and the dizziness has gone away however it did take about eight or nine months and at the time I was on 800 mg of Seroquel xr and 450 of Effexor xr.
My first year of these medications I slept a lot which I believe is normal of both Seroquel xr and Effexor xr, I have to say the end results are worth the wait!
46 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-27 12:14:34
Member Answer/Reply:
i have had something similair happen. I feel like my body is not strong enough to hold up my weight and i get tunnel vision but am always able to sit down before i fall down so far, being lucky with that. I take 400mg of seroquel at night along with klonopin, trileptal, wellbutrin.
43 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-01 23:45:31
Member Answer/Reply:
I am also on 600mg of Seroquel and am having no problems. I also take xanax 4x's daily,wellbutron 2x's daily,lunetsa at night,soma 4x's daily and vicodin 2x's daily. I have been taking this combo of meds for the past 2 years and the only side effects are constipation and dry mouth. after reading some of the other comments I guess I'm pretty lucky that these meds don't effect me in other ways. you deffinetly need to let your Dr know about the blackouts, it could be from something else.
52 year old female
53 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-10 13:18:42
Member Answer/Reply:
I have had this happen to me -- I take 50mg at night to sleep,when i 1st took it my dr gave 100mg and i took 2 but didnt go straight to bed, i waited and about 20 min or so after taking it i started walkin down the hall to bed and i felt so weird like i was gonna pass out, i remember holdin onto the wall and the next thing u no im on the ground -- i dont know if it was cuz it was too much but i def know its cuz i didnt go straight to bed. Make sure he lays right down after takin it!
28 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-01-14 07:58:27
Question/Comment:
I am 62 yr female and bipolar. I am currantly taking 200mg lamictal,50ng seraquel,5mg requip,ambien cr. I was diagnosed bp two years ago after being told I had depression for 40 years and taking all the usual drugs for it and having no good results.I was allways depressed and would have bouts of extreme rage which cost me my job. After going on lamictal my life changed for the better and I wish I had known I was bp sooner. My only complaint is the weight gain of 30lbs. and I used to take topomax and stopped, should I try taking it again?
62 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-18 19:37:22
Member Answer/Reply:
I am nearly 66 and have a similar history. I participated in a study in 1999 to a determine if Lamichtal is effective for B/Polar and thus be marketed as such. I had to drop out at the point I became in the placebo group because the medication was so effective for me that I crashed without it. That was good data for the study.
I take the same dose as you and also Seroquel same dose but I take Klonopin as well. It has been a good combination for me for over 10 years. I am so grateful for the drug Lamichtal which I feel is the primary reason I am able to function so well.
66 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-22 10:11:45
Question/Comment:
I've been taking seroquel 100mg every night for sleep for about 8 months now. I gained about 10lbs even though I try to work out everyday. I can deal with the weight gain, its the talking in my sleep that bothers me. I often wake up in the morning from dreams having talking outloud, or even yelling stuff like i have tourettes. Of course once I'm awake I stop and I just laugh it off, but its pretty annoying. Does anybody else talk in their sleep or have strange dreams as a result of taking Seroquel?
29 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-17 10:21:36
Member Answer/Reply:
I didn't have the talking in my sleep, but I woke up every two hours. I was on 600 mg. My problem was I gained 60 lbs.
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-20 12:05:36
Member Answer/Reply:
I've been taking seroquel 90mg for sleep for the past 5years I use to take 120mg but with vicodin,neurotin and morphine, I was having serious problems staying awake,but I also have fibomylagia and other nerve damage. the vivid dreams I don't mind, sometimes it's hard to know when you're sleeping and awake because everything is so relevent and real. I thought I was the only one who had talking dreams and shouting sometimes I get violent and I kicked my television a large one off my nite stand a couple of times and I've had to move things away from my bed area for fear of breaking things. I wish I could help you but all I can do is let you know you ain't by your self.
58 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-22 22:01:47
Member Answer/Reply:
Yes,I have experienced talking in my sleep as well.Sometimes so loud I wake up startled.It is very annoying.I have been taking seroquel 300mg at bedtime and 25-50mg during the day for about 5 months.You are not alone as I have talked to others who have the same problem.
41 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-25 21:26:33
Member Answer/Reply:
hiya
I have been having recurring dreams.Each night I am in a different house , each night different things happen but each dream tries to convince me this is my house . Last nights there were loads of people trying to convince me, blatantly lying to me people I haven't seen for years I managed to escape them and get home nearly, but it is getting so I don't want to go to sleep Also I cannot guarantee to when Iwill go to sleep or wake up and I have experimented with when I take it.It makes me sweat in my sleep heavily but my boyfriend hasn't reported any yelling yet .On 100mg of sertraline too. Good luck and hope this helps
48 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-31 14:59:20
Question/Comment:
I've been taking lithium for bipolar disease for 30 years. Had sleeping problems all during that time. Seroquel at 800 mgs/night for me has been the most effective "curative" of my sleep problems ever. I also take Pristiq and lithium. Dreams are vivid and weird, but for me they have always been so! The weight gain is horrendous, from 130 to 240 - but I still would rather get good sleep than do without Seroquel. I am also pre-diabetic, so I should probably have a discussion with my doctors. Most serious problem I have with medications right now is being able to afford them since BCBS raised the prices.
54 year old female
55 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-16 18:22:58
Member Answer/Reply:
meds r soooo expensive that i cannot afford them,no insurance
42 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-17 23:57:36
Member Answer/Reply:
You should contact the drug manufacturer Astra Zeneca. I too have NO insurance and qualified for free supply of Seroguel. Talk to your doctor/s about it - I'm sure they'll help.
52 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-20 13:49:08
Member Answer/Reply:
I know this is a little different & all doctors/Mental health facilities are the same but I am broke, it costs me almost %175 for 10 pills! Seroquel XR has not been out long & there are a lot of places that give out samples of the drug and since its newer then regular seroquil I know that they make a lot of samples available. Its worthy a try..I did it
34 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-24 18:52:56
Member Answer/Reply:
Call Job and Family Services, they are a combination of the old Welfare program , Job training programs and other social welfare programs there is never a reason to go without medications even talk to your doctors nursing staff they will have a listing of sublimential programs, that's how they get a large portions of their payments from. don't wait my mother passed away lacking the proper medication she needed and no one should have to suffer that way.
58 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-22 22:45:51
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Medications can be very expensive, and there is not a generic available yet for Seroquel. Sometimes if you contact the manufacturer, they have patient assistance programs. In addition, sometimes the local social services can provide financial assistance.
You can find out more about Manufacturer's Patient Assistant Programs here: http://www.pparx.org/
Posted: 2009-08-23 17:01:47
Member Answer/Reply:
Check with your prescribing physician. There is a discount card available for Seroquel. The savings is about $25 per script for 12 months. You may also be able to get the card from their website. My Dr. gave me the card, but my son's Dr. hadn't received any from her drug rep.
47 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-21 12:09:59
Member Answer/Reply:
I am bipolar and took seroquel as a sleep medication for three years (200 mg). I started having health problems earlier this year, some of which I believe were caused by Seroquel. After being warned that the drug could cause thyroid problems, I ask my family physician to do test for this. As a result I was diagnosed as having hypothyroidism. My psych doctor told me there were virutally no side effects from taking Seroquel. I think there will be many more health problems that come to light because of this drug, or taking this drug without monitoring one's blood level, sugar, etc. I am now having severe cramps in my stomach and rapid reflux. I think its possible they are all interrelated. I hope you can find a better sleep medication. The company producing this drug gets 75% percent of its profits from Seroquel. There is now a class action suit again the company because of the number of cases of diabetes resulting from use of Seroquel.
71 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-30 15:23:43
Question/Comment:
I take Seroquel for sleep problems, I also suffer from depression, fibromyalgia,kidney and thyroid problems, I understand that I have serotonin and dopamine levels that are depleted due to the fibromyalgia pain, I also read that some doctors feel that fibromyalgia is caused by my thyroid problems. I do appreciate getting a nights sleep but I don't like the weight gain. It varies from 176 to 220 lbs. I don't like this part of it at all and no matter how much I exercise I seem to crave m&m's ,chocolates and sweet items like muffins and cookies..I need help because my energy levels are always down so I take vitamins B& D to boost my metabolism. before seroquel I had never weighted more than 160lbs. I hate taking between 13 to 19 different medications for pain, allergies the kidney disease and para thyroid issue. but I don't feel sorry for myself I get angry
and it motivates me to keep on fighting every day if I don't do the work who will and if I don't care for myself who will
58 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-12 22:36:46
Question/Comment:
I have been takeing 100mg of seroquel at night for sleeping problems for 6 months now it really seems to be helping, the only problem i seem to experence is weight gain (40lbs) is there ANYTHING that can help with this problem?
41 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-07-23 04:52:11
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Approximately 20% of iGuard patients report weight gain as a side effect of taking Seroquel. The best way to maintain a healthy weight or lose unwanted pounds is to eat a well balanced diet and maintain a physical activity regimen on a regular basis. Unfortunately there are not shortcuts to keeping a healthy weight and or losing extra pounds. You should discuss your concerns with your doctor and get his or her support and approval for a weight loss regimen.
Posted: 2009-07-28 23:04:56
Member Answer/Reply:
Try asking your doctor about topamax or zonagram. Both of these are used to counteract the weight gain of seroquel
26 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-01 14:15:29
Member Answer/Reply:
Drink water, lots of water.
47 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-05 09:51:32
Member Answer/Reply:
I'm a 48 year old female taking Seroquel for bipolar. I'm on Topamax for a mood stabalizer and that really counteracts the weight gain. In fact I lost quite a bit of weight when I started taking it. I also take zoloft.
49 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-18 19:12:42
Member Answer/Reply:
I am a 52 year female diagnosed as bipolar/manic depressive. I take 800mg of Seroquel, Topamax, Depakote, and Celexa. I live a fairly normal life. I do not sleep at night but approximately 3-4 hours. As far as my weight is concerned, I am overweight by about 50 pounds.
52 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-20 09:59:22
Question/Comment:
I'm about to be 29 years old.I'm on seroquel and effexor for my obsessive compulsive disorder,anxiety/panic disorder and depression. The seroquel helps with the intrusive thoughts to help me fall asleep but I've also suffered with bulimia which I have under control with therapy.I'm just so scared to fall back into my bulimic habits because of the weight gain. the seroqeul has made me insatiable with sweets and breads!!Has anyone tried anything else close to seroquel without the weight gain or cravings? I appreciate it!!!
28 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-07-21 15:47:55
iGuard Answer/Reply:
It sounds as if the Seroquel is working effectively for your health conditions but you have an undesired side effect of food craving. You should carefully weigh the benefits versus tradeoffs of Seroquel and discuss this with your doctor before deciding to replace the Seroquel with a different medication. You may want to also discuss your concerns with a therapist. Perhaps he or she could help you develop some ways shift your thinking when you begin to have cravings for sweets and breads.
Posted: 2009-07-23 22:16:32
Member Answer/Reply:
I'm bipolar and Seroquel is the best thing I've found. I started to gain weight with it so I asked my doctor to put me on something else. We tried 3 meds, abilify, geodone, and lithium. First was the abilify, it made my drool, it made my face twitch, I couldn't smile, I couldn't sleep for days, I forgot words, etc. Second was geodone and the side effect I got was so bad I ended up in the hospital, ans lastly was lithium. This wasn't as bad as the other two. I got nausa and heat flashes. I went back to seroquel because I realized that my sanity was worth more to me than not gaining weight. My doc put me on zonagran and I've been able to maitain my current weight.
26 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-01 14:22:27
Member Answer/Reply:
try abilify or maybe risperdal. as always consult your doctor 1 st
42 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-17 23:59:02
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