DISCLAIMER: iGuard is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. iGuard cannot and does not take into consideration every possible interaction or account for individual responses to medicine. Different individuals may respond to medication in different ways. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have before making any changes to your treatment. The use of the iGuard site and its content is at your own risk. The iGuard site and the information contained in it is intended for users in the United States and information in other countries may be different.
Global Patient Feedback for Seroquel (Quetiapine) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
My bipolar disorder skews towards dysphoric mania. Depakote did nothing for me but wreak havoc with my digestive system, and benzos barely took the edge off. For three months I've been taking a combination of 20 mg Lexapro and 200 mg Seroquel and I feel much better... I'm still a "high energy" person but feel more in control and more confident, like I can channel my energy better. And I sleep better, 8-9 hours a night, and am not tired at all during the day. The only annoying side effect is dry mouth (I suck on a lot of sugar free candies) I've gained 5 pounds over the past 3 months but I've also been eating more, so I can't blame that on the drugs. I'm going to write this same review for Lexapro since for me they work best together.
58 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-16 18:06:57
Member Answer/Reply:
Well you are VERY lucky that 200 works for you. I have been taking 600 for several years at night and it cures my life long insomnia and some time psychotic episodes I throw. My weight has increased from 135 size 5/7 to 180-185 size 12/14/16 depending. Recently sick and tired of my excessive hunger and weight gain reduced my dosage to 300mg per night for a month. Well this did reduce my appetite back to normal and I almost immediatly lost five pounds, but after three weeks I had to go back to the 600 mg. I couldn't sleep my thoughts were all over the place I was not happy the weight became the least of my problems. If anyone knows of a drug for sleep and pshychotic thoughts and behaviors that has worked for you please let me know.
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-21 22:53:44
Question/Comment:
When taking seroquel with ambien I could not wake up at night at all, My husband told me I was doing things and I didn't remember them, things I would never do, and other things that I needed to remember for my job and family, also I was driving very slow most of the time. Once he told my doctor to talk with me or else, I was taken off of it and now I still sleep pretty good, and have realized the danger of taking it. My husband doesn't understand why my doctor put me on it when I was having PTSD from an accident that I saw my family have ( motorcycle & truck ), and I was depressed and having problems sleeping. He says the doctor should put me on Zoloft for PTSD, Lunista for sleep, and take me off the Effexor the doctor has me on with my estrogen tablets to help with hot flashes and other change of life problems. I don't know what to do?
53 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-15 05:56:26
Member Answer/Reply:
Seroquel is called the knockout drug for a reason I have been on it for two years at 600 per night at that dosage you are out cold. I have had insomnia my entire life, really bad and I am totally cured. I cannot imagine why your Dr would EVER EVER put you on a sleeping pill with this drug. You can take 100-600 more than 600 I do not know but find the dose that works for you and have a serious talk with your Dr and maybe you should find a new one. If he/she is a GP go to a psychiatrist they know more about these meds and talk to your pharmacist. Good Luck
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-21 23:03:15
Member Answer/Reply:
I take 600 mg of Seroquel and 12.5 mg of Ambien CR and STILL HAVE trouble sleeping. I think that for some people Seroquel maybe a knockout drug for some but not all. Getting to sleep has been a big problem for me and also staying asleep for more than a few hours. I have not had a complete night of sleep since I don't know when.
My psychiatrist is very aware of what I take and ever visit we talk about changes in meds but right now I'm doing the best I ever have.
46 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-29 00:45:46
Member Answer/Reply:
I used to be on 300 mg of seroquel which I took 3 x a day. once my body got use to it, I was able to function just fine on it. I also knew people who took 50 mg and were asleep in a half hour.
For those with sleeping problems, have you tried Trazadone? It's original use was an anti-depressant but they found it works better as a sleeping med. When I've taken Trazadone, I've been asleep in a half hour and normally I slept all night. I can't take the newer sleeping meds, I have bad side effects to them.
Now when I can't sleep, I'll try extra seroquel since I am only taking 200 mg per day and if that doesn't work, then I'm up all night. With the combination of meds that I take, it's just easier to lose a nights sleep now and then, then to put up with the side effects I've encountered.
53 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-08 16:53:43
Question/Comment:
I have been on 300 mg Seroquel for about 7 years. I added 60mg Cymbalta about 3 years ago to replace Welbutrin. My depression has been well under control. I have struggled with restless legs for many of the 7 years at night but have put up with it.
I now have uncontrolled muscle twiches and movements all over my body. It has been getting progressively worse for about 4 months. My reflexes also seem to be quite exaggerated. I spoke with my Dr. last week and he reduced my Cymbalta to 30mg and I will check back in a month.
Anyone else with these problems? Suggestions?
42 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-07 19:32:59
Member Answer/Reply:
Hello, yes I had the same problem also, they had me on 1800mg. of nuerotin and when I did not take it I shook like Elvis, and people started to notice, my lips would quiver hand shaking, could not hardly hit my mouth with a spoon. So I told my Dr. I did not like the feeling. So he put me on Lyrica 150mg. morning 150mg. at night. Before a week was up I had control again. I take 9 other scrips, heart and seizures but Lyrica was the one which I credit for giving me my self esteem back. And no I am not a Drug rep. I don't like them to much.
Sincerely,
MCrawley0963@aol.com
46 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-21 15:59:54
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking 600 mgs of Seroquel for two years and have the same problem and Tardive Dyskenesia muscle tics. This is a side effects of Seroquel it can get so bad I can not stand it so horrible I get up to take a 1mg of xanax which I hate to do. I have never read about Cymbalta having this side effect, I take 120 in the am no problem, I am also one of those crazy people who read the new inserts every month. Please correct me if other informationis available.
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-21 23:11:29
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking 600mg Seroquel at bedtime for about 5 yrs. Before that I had been on effexor but was not sleeping. With the seroquel at bedtime I started having resless legs and some twitching. The Dr put me back on the Effexor. Now, and for last 4yrs I have been taking 600mg Seroquel at bedtime with 150mg Effexor xr. I take a second Effexor every morning. I am more stable than I have ever been. I sleep all night and stay awake all day. My only complaint is that it takes between 1 and 2 hrs for the Seroquel to start to work. I also had been given ambien at one point and had all kinds of problems--up eating and doing things around the house during the night with no memory in the morning, one night they wouldn't work and the following night I would be so out of it I couldn't wake up. I will never take ambien again!
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-29 22:17:05
Question/Comment:
Seroquel works great but I have gained so much weight that I am now taking topomax and dealing with the side affects just to loes the dang weight. I gained 50 pounds and cannot stand to have people see me. I hate it, one person asked what happened to me. I mean I was depressed before now I am fat...ya that helped!
37 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-05 23:03:33
Member Answer/Reply:
I HAVE BEEN ON SEOQUEL NOW FOR A YEAR, I STARTED PUTTING WEIGHT ON, SO NOW I WALK 4-6 MILES A DAY, AND IT HAS HELPED WITH THE WEIGHT GAIN, AT FIRST I WAS ON 300MG, WASNT WORKING, THEN I WENT UP TO 400MG, AND STILL HAVING REALLY BAD MANIC EPISODES, AND DEPRESSION. SO NOW I AM BACK ON 300MG WITH A MOOD INHANCER, AND IT HAS HELPED SO MUCH I FELL HUMANE AGAIN, BEFORE I WAS SO WIRED ALL THE TIME, SUCIDEAL, TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL, IT WAS LIKE I HAD A ALIEN LIVING IN MY BODY, BECAUSE I WAS NOT MYSELF, I NEVER WANT TO BE LIKE I WAS, SO IF I GAIN A FEW POUNDS, OH WELL;;;;;;;
55YEAR OLD FEMALE
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-17 21:24:57
Member Answer/Reply:
What mood enhancer??
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-21 23:41:24
Member Answer/Reply:
I take 600 mgs of Seroquel in the pm for insomnia and as a anti-psychotic for two years and yes I have gained quite a bit of weight but if I reduce even to 300 I have to go right back to 600 because it otherwise is a wonderful drug I have had severe insomnia all my life that almost drove me crazy now I sleep like a baby when I choose for the first time. Then of course the anti-psychotic benefits are wonderful.
I also take Topamax but these are for totally different things I am not sure where your Dr thought these could replace each other but I would google it then print it for your next appointment. This is prescribed for seizures, migraines, alchol cessation, and to inhance other medications. It also reduces the appearances of scars but look it up it is a great drug but nothing to do with Seroquel.
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-21 23:39:22
Question/Comment:
Thank goodness I have only gained 8 lbs. on Seroquel. Weight gain is another source of major depression...you would think with large amounts of weight gain the doctor would change to something else. I am also having ECT, and just finished my 10 treatment this past Monday. The help I have received from the ECT far outweighs any medication I have ever taken.
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-03 14:16:01
Member Answer/Reply:
You are absolutly correct but the problem is, as I have learned over two years, nothing out there works in the same way. If any one knows different PLEASE let me know but it would have to have the "knock out" effect as I have severe insomnia. I have gained 45 lbs size 5/7 to 14/16 :(((((((((
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-22 00:13:34
Question/Comment:
Does anyone know if Seroquel can cause Closama, its a discolouration on your upper lip. A little like a mostache but with no hair. Its very annoying. I have had heaps of tests done and the only thing my Dr thinks it could be from is the meds. I am also on 20mg per day of Lexapro. I've been on both meds for over 5 years on and off.
Btw I am currently coming off seroquel. That;s a whole other story!
27 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-01 21:05:00
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking 600mg for two yrs and I read the inserts every month and the medical journals because of my other meds and I have never heard of this?
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-21 23:28:38
Question/Comment:
Has anyone else ever suffered from restless legs while using Seroquel. I am also taking Tegretol and Cymbalta.
Thanks.
49 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-01 16:59:02
Member Answer/Reply:
Hi
Yes. I have restless legs - can't seem to sit without them tapping constantly - and whe I'm standing, I can't just stand in one place - I can't keep my legs still. Pacing, etc.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-04 03:15:50
Member Answer/Reply:
YES IT IS TERRIBLE 99.9999% SURE FROM THE SEROQUEL HAVE TO TAKE XANAX .5 TO 1 MG. WHEN IT DOES HIT I CANNOT BARELY TAKE IT
ABSOLUTLY STRANGEST/HORRIBE FEELING EVER
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-21 23:48:40
Member Answer/Reply:
i have been with bi-ploar disorder most of my life without being diagnosed. As of two years now i started taking lithium but still wasnt enough then i changed doctors and was put on seroquel lamictal and depokote. im finally fine with exception to side effects from 1 or all of these meds like dry mouth some horrible eating in my sleep and my legs either cramping or spasing. I am also in recovery and if it was for these meds i probaly would of relasped by now. I take 1800mg of lithium 1500 mg of depokate 200mg of lamictal and 300 mg of seroquel all at night.. My doctor listens to me and its make all the difference in my life lauriejill10@yahoo.com
42 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-05 21:24:38
Member Answer/Reply:
I am taking requip for my restless legs, im taking 100mg of serquel at night along with 400mg of tegretol. I also take a digoxin for my heart.I tried 200mg of seroquel but it made my heart beat so fast it scared me.I really do need a larger dose cause 100mg just isnt working anymore.
52 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-21 23:07:19
Member Answer/Reply:
I'm 28 years old.I had restless leg syndrome when I first started taking it. But now I will sometimes get up at 2 or 3 in the morning wide awake and it will be hard to fall back to sleep. I also crave sweets ALOT! Is there something better out there! I also take effexor for my obsessive compulsive disorder and depression. That works great, just getting frustrated with the seroquel.
28 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-18 16:06:43
Member Answer/Reply:
When they first started advertising the med for RLS my sister who has bounced her leg her entire life threw a fit that we would need a drug for that. I spoke with her stating that I was absolutly sure they were not referring to what was going on with her and she had just nervous energy or something. Years later I am taking 600 mgs of Seroquel and 120 mgs of Cymbalta which varies from 30 to the 120 depending on the symtoms of my serotonin levels. Anyway the first night it happened to me it was the most horrible feeling I have felt it IS just like ants are crawling on raw nerves it was almost like you would do anything to make it stop. I cannot believe that these people have lived with this in silence. I had to get up and take xanax immediately!
Sometimes I have them a couple of times a week and sometimes less. I only mention the Cymbalta because it was in the original posting but my problems did not start happening until taking Seroquel. Then you have the extreme weight gain I tried to lower my dose by 100 mg but I felt just terrible. So in order to sleep and feel normal do I have to be fat with RLS, I have gained 45 lbs and maintained it for 2 yrs.
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-18 21:56:45
Member Answer/Reply:
I HAVE SUFFERED FROM RESTLESS LEGS, BUT I HAD THAT BEFORE TAKING SEROQUEL. I HAVE NOTICED THAT IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE SINCE TAKING SEROQUEL
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-19 18:50:34
Question/Comment:
Does anyone else have restless legs with Seroquel, and what works to help with that? I am also taking Cymbalta and Tegretol.
Thanks.
49 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-01 16:52:45
Member Answer/Reply:
For the last 5yrs have taken Seroquel 600mg and Effexor xr 300mg. Without the Effexor the restless legs are unbareable as well as no sleep.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-29 22:27:12
Question/Comment:
I started Seroquel XR as the Lithium I was on adversely affected my kidneys. After 4-5 months on Seroquel XR, my kidneys improved. I have not noticed any major side effects.
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-11-19 23:20:06
Member Answer/Reply:
I find it AMAZING that you do not have any side effects since one of the greatest side effect cures insomnia and also almost always weight gain. It does have something to do with the XR because I tried them and it did not work for me, also it is dose related I take 600 before bed and this is fast acting.
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-22 00:02:42
Question/Comment:
I want to warn people that there is a major side affect to seroquel that is not found. It causes serious weight gain, for example, I gain 100 pounds in less than a year of being on this stuff. That was only on a 200 mg doseage! I am at high risk for diabetes, there is also a lawsuit agains the makers of seroquel for NOT indicating all side effects or the severity of them. PLEASE be careful ok? If you can get off of them, but be really really careful because the effects of getting off of them can be very difficult to get through. Please talk to dr.'s before stopping the medications, as I am NOT a medical expert.
22 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-11-15 11:53:45
Member Answer/Reply:
I completely agree with you about the seroquel. I gained over 90 pounds in a year and a half. I was diagnosed two years ago with diabetes as well. Type 2 diabetes. I wasn't made aware of the severity of the symptoms that were possible. If I had known, I may have chosen to use a different medication. I was up to 600 mgs at bedtime for my insomnia. When new literature came out from the pharmacy about new warnings on seroquel, I was surprised to see that this medication could ultimately cause type 2 diabetes and severe weight gain. I was angry. By this time I was already diabetic; too late for me but I can always warn others of the possible risk. The risks may be too high for seroquel to be an acceptable treatment.
D.O.
age 37
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-11-20 02:34:08
Member Answer/Reply:
i put on 60 pounds in 6 months!! and if i dont take them at night i cant sleep either,i did try coming off them a few years ago but my whole body itched and it drove me mad,but stopped when i started to take them!
45 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-11-26 11:36:27
Member Answer/Reply:
I WAS WANTING TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS LAWSUIT ON SEREQUOL,IF THEY ARE USEING US AS GUINIA PIGS IN A WAY,I WOULD WANT TO KNOW.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-11-26 15:07:43
Question/Comment:
My son has ADHD and bi-polar. He has taken Seroquel since age 6. Now he is 14. It calmed him down when he was little for his extreme overactivity, but as he was older he used it for insomnia. His last dosage was up to 600mg at bedtime. His doctor has switched him to Geodon instead. He also takes Trileptal, Lamictal, Vyvanse and Levothyroxine. Since he was weened off the seroquel, he seems VERY moody. Is this normal? Will he stay like this or will it ease up the longer he is off it? Help!!
34 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-11-13 17:17:18
Member Answer/Reply:
Exercise and diet can usually be used to treat insomnia and anxiety in teenagers. You should stop giving you child drugs. It sounds like you may need them, but I doubt that he does. Long term chemical dependency by child can cripple them for their entire adult lives.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-11-15 23:08:47
Member Answer/Reply:
I am VERY concerned about your doctor a psychiatrist or gp? I take 600 mgs of Seroquel for two years and I am a full grown adult that out weighs him drastically at the various stages over the EIGHT YEARS he has been taking this med.
I have written down all of these drugs as the combination I have not heard of and I am curious but you need a 2nd and 3rd opinion this is way to many meds!!!!!!!!! In my opinion spend time on the internet looking up each individual med and learning every thing about it then look at them all together with your pharmacist.
Print it all out for your next appointment and ask the hard questions because you have the right to know. Many times our Drs dumb down what they say to us until we let them know it wont work. So many children that just do not want to sit down or sleep all the time are drugged but it is amazing when they grow up they are expected to work 7 days a week. Unless the child is dangerous let them be children. This sounds stupid but if you watch the dog whisperer you will learn a lot about these behaviors and how to handle them. My daughter and niece lived with me and were the same crazy way sneaking out of the house at 2am to go around the corner to their great grandparents house at 2 AND 4 YEARS OLD!!! we just put different locks etc......no drugs and went a little crazy they are GREAT kids today at 22 and 24. Good luck and please seek other opinions.
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-22 00:56:46
Question/Comment:
Thanks for everyone contributing their experience with this med. I'm aware of Big Pharma using us as guini pigs so I'm vigilant about what this shit is. It's a crapshoot, I know. I'm already diabetic and use a CPAP machine consistently. I just can't get more than 5 hours sleep and this has been going on for years. I'm going to try it until I see some benefits. Such a difference in how I feel with seven hours sleep, Having eight hours sleep would be great. Let's see what happens.
61 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-11-13 12:01:52
Member Answer/Reply:
PLEASE, PLEASE KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR CHOLESTROL & TRIGLYCERINES.
I recently stopped taking this med for that reason. It with make go up!
Good Luck!! Be carefull
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-11-19 17:39:11
Question/Comment:
I hate to differ from everyone, but I've been on Seroquel for about 3 years now. I am being treated for depression and panic/anxiety disorder. I could not sleep for long periods of time and when I did it was nightmares. My Doctor put me on Seroquel, 300 MG/2 X at bedtime. I now sleep like a baby. I think the one side effect I have is sweating the next day. I can deal with that though. I'm just happy to be able to sleep. I have no intention of going off of Seroquel. It truly has helped me. GOOD LUCK!
53 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-29 10:34:42
Member Answer/Reply:
i have noticed that if i miss my nightly dose that i am up all night and very irritated. But if I take it like I'm supposed to, I sleep very well. i've also heard that people on Seroquel have a tendecy to overeat but I've lost 50 pounds since I've been on it. i guess it all depends on your body on how it reacts
43 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-11-23 02:26:01
Member Answer/Reply:
Meds I take, Seroquel 600, Wellbutrin 450, Cymbalta 60-120, Topamax 100, Lamictal 200, Xanax up to 2 mg as needed.
I never miss my dose but what mg do you take? I wish it has had the opposite effect on me maybe it is my attitude. Why do you think it made you lose weight and what other meds are you taking?
I want your side effect of weight loss and I also cannot sleep without it but I have always been a severe insomniac.
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-22 01:05:34
Question/Comment:
i have been on serequel for some time now about 6 months i was put on 300 mg. right of the bat i also have a infant daughter and am a single mother and my doctor never told me i would not be able to get up with her at night when i take this. i also have a bad sweat problem now and when i take it i get really bad mood swings its kinda like it triggers my bipolar disorder. i do not like this medication.
20 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-24 21:32:15
Member Answer/Reply:
300 mg? I'm on 25 mg and it knocks me off my feet at night. How anyone could function at all at 300 mg is beyond me. You might ask for a lower dosage.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-26 16:13:26
Member Answer/Reply:
Tell your doctor as you should not just quit cold turkey as you may have some symtoms of withdrawal, you could also try 100 mgs good luck and congrats!
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-22 01:09:08
Member Answer/Reply:
You should also be on something like Cymbalta 30 to 120 per day?? As Seroquel is for mania and psychotic disorders, what else are you on?
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-22 01:24:37
Question/Comment:
I have been on Seroquel for approximately 2.5 months. I am also on Lexapro and Nerontin. When I read about some of the terrible and irreversible side effects, I began to taper off of the Seroquel. I have had muscle soreness, muscle incoordination, horrible sweating ALL day, memory loss, word-finding problems. The doctor only focused his concern on the possibility of diabetes and high cholesterol. Didn't even mention the other concerns to me. What a jerk! I'm tired of people putting me on meds without telling me the side effects, let alone the horrible withdrawals! I am having awful issues getting OFF of the med. Won't take it again!
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-21 18:11:15
Member Answer/Reply:
Yeah you can NEVER rely on anyone but your own research as your doctor prescribes way to many meds to keep track of all the new info that they come out with at least every month.
A good Dr like mine will appreciate any info you bring to him/her. Yes Seroquel and most all other meds we use have to be gradually reduced. The pharmacist where you get your meds is a good resource and if they give bad info or don't seem to know, find a new one. I FINALLY, it is hard, found a great one
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-22 01:15:17
Member Answer/Reply:
I forgot to mention the Nerontin I was taking it and some of those side effects went away when I quit taking it, not the seroquel. The sweating I have never had but I also take, of course the Seroquel 600, Wellbutrin 450, Cymbalta 60-120, Topamax 100, Lamictal 200, Xanax up to 2 mg as needed. Since I have heard a lot of people complain about sweating the only thing is maybe one of my other meds sets this off by dehydration.
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-22 01:22:14
Question/Comment:
I just started taking Seroquel this week and have been having horrible side effects. I'm only taking 25mg or 1/2 of a 50mg tablet. I am so out of it. I cant wake up in the morning (I take it at night). My mind is so foggy. Is this normal? Did anyone else go through this when first starting Seroquel? I dont know if I can continue on it if I'm going to lose full days due to feeling so lethargic.
I look forward to suggestions and information from anyone out there on IGuard.org. Thank you!!!
41 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-17 11:55:41
Member Answer/Reply:
It takes time before your body does not feel groggy. If I increase my dose from 200mg to 300mg it will take close to one month before I no longer feel any lethargy.
A.MacKinnie
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-18 16:25:09
Member Answer/Reply:
Hey I read your entry, I take Seroquel and am on 400mg and to this day (after almost a year) have had no serious side affects. Im not a Dr. but in the begining mine told me it can take up to 4 to 6 weeks to reach the full effect. I would say just give it another week and if things dont improve talk to your Dr.
37 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-21 17:29:57
Member Answer/Reply:
Doctors started me on Seroquel in rehab. I was up to 200 mg in the morning, 200 mg in the afternoon and 400 at bedtime. It seemed that it is working but now that I am home, my doctor told me to take it only at bedtime (200mg) Two nights ago I took it and I got up to get a glass of water and my blood pressure went way down )70/45. I was nauseated and I was sweating and I felt that I ran 10 miles without stopping, I couldn't catch my breath. I thought I was going to die. My sons called the paramedics and they took me to the emergency room. The doc's there told me I had an anxiety attack (panic attack) so they gave me lorazepam (ativan). Now at bedtime I only take 1/2 a seroquel and an ativan.
Have any of you had this experience?
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-22 14:31:36
Member Answer/Reply:
It will ge better. I have been taking Seraquel for over three years and the first 3-4 weeks were difficult. If you don't have significant improvement after that tell your doctor.
Breaking the tablets will also cause you to feel really sick, as too much can be released into the bloodstream. I also never did well on the extended release but I do very well on the regular seraquel.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-22 16:04:16
Member Answer/Reply:
I took this medication for about a year. I didnt realize the sweating was associatied with it for a while. But i had sweating problems. My mind was very foggy. I was very sleepy all the time. I didnt wake up at night with our daughter. I had very bad memory loss. And my speech was slurred about half an hour after taking it until I fell asleep. Sometime i wouldnt even realize I was tired until I literally passed out on the sofa. It was horrible. I took myself off of this medication. And refused to take it anymore.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-30 12:44:27
Member Answer/Reply:
I take 50mg of seroquel at night for sleep problems and bi-polar i also take 200mg of lamictal. At first i was so tired i didn't want to move but after a month or so that went away during the day. It will make you super sleepy at night. I find if i take it earlier i have no problems getting up in the morning. I take it around 6pm or 7pm and will pass out at around 9pm and i wake up at 7am bright and early and ready to get my kiddo's off to school, but i could probably sleep through a fire at night. The sweating went away for me after a few months. Over all i love this drug. I have bi-polor disorder and have awful sleep probems and this drug has been wonderful for me. Like most drugs it takes a month or two for them to work there way into your system an work correctly but most people quit before they even give it the chance.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-31 10:51:20
Member Answer/Reply:
i have been on seroquel for 2 yrs now and yes i was grogy for the frist 2 weeks which was odd for me as i adjust real fast to meds thats was 150 mg then i went to 300 mg that took me 4 weeks but i have had no sweating at all and i was told about everything andtodate i have had no proplems like all meds it works great for some ppl and not so great for other ppl and it is everybodys respones ablity to ask again ask your doctor about any side affects about any meds that you are taking
46 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-11-11 09:07:04
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been on 600 mgs for two years I started the first month at 300 mgs. Did not even know they had a 50 mg tablet? As the other answer stated you do have to give it a month to know the full side effects for you.
Sweating has never happened to me mine is weight gain and cured my insomnia which has been a major problem for my entire life, it was partly what was driving me crazy. The "street" info Seroquel is called the knock out drug. You take it right before you go to bed if your that sensitive sit in bed take it and turn out the lights.
Also you have to have 7-8 hours to sleep, make sure you google this med and any others your on to find out all of the info, I am a user but do keep current. Take this to your pharmacist and doctor before you start or stop any new med. Hope this helps.
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-22 01:34:19
Member Answer/Reply:
My mother-in-law was taking this low dose as well splitting it in half, then I read that you are not supposed to split them in half but am not sure why, you should ask you're Dr. or pharmasist
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-11 13:54:41
Question/Comment:
I just got a notice that my abilify and seroquel interact. how so and why? What do I do? I am also on Levothroid and Zonisamide. I take only 50 mgs of Seroquel and 30 mgs of Abilify. I take 50 mgs of Levothroid and 400 mgs, yes 400mgs, of Zonisamide. Personally all these drugs concern me and I would like to go off them. I am bipolar, PTSD, and have an eating disorder.
27 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-13 09:53:52
Member Answer/Reply:
I've been on Seroquel, 800 mgs a day for years, and I have never suffered any side effects except sleepiness that soon wore off as I got used to the medication. It has helped me a lot, and the only complaint I have is that I have gained weight. That seems to be the only side effect I have suffered. It has been and continues to be a good medications for me.
--a 52-year-old female
53 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-26 06:04:20
Member Answer/Reply:
Of course I am not a dr but take 600 mgs for 2 yrs. Seroquel only but they are both anti-psychotics and have a lot of, from what I have read, the same side effects even though they act in the brain differently.
DO NOT QUIT YOUR MEDS ON YOUR OWN AS IT CAN HAVE SERIOUS WITHDRAWAL OR SIDE EFFECTS! ESPECIALLY LEVOTHROID
What type of eating disorder you have makes a difference since both of these drugs are known to cause weight gain. But at such a low dose (I have only heard of this once before) they had no side effects.
Your thyroid meds I cannot say anything about but you might ask your dr about Lamictal for seizures. Look up all your meds print and bring to your dr I also research similar drugs to see if you may have other alternatives. Talk to your pharmacist as well and if they act like they do not know find one that does, I finally have a great one!
Good luck
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-22 01:53:57
Member Answer/Reply:
Sorry for the late response, just getting around to reading these boards.
Both Abilify and Seroquel are anti-psychotics (sp) so there is probably a warning because of drowsiness.
I know Abilify is suppose to have less side effects then Seroquel so I have to wonder why you are on both. I tried Abilify in an attempt to come off of Seroquel but found I can't take it. I ended up with pain in every single one of my joints. This pain took at least a month to go away. I typically end up with some of the stranger side effects for the psych meds.
If you have questions or concerns about your meds bring them up to your pdoc. If you have been stable they should be willing to work with you about starting to come off them. Also, keep yourself informed about your meds. In todays world, it's up to you to know what's happening with your health care.
53 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-08 17:10:37
Question/Comment:
At one time I was on a very high dose of seroquel. Now I take 150-200 mg. which is fine. I have had some weight gain and prefer to take the full dosage at night to avoid being drowsy during the day. It has helped alot. I was diagnosed bipolar over 25 years ago and glad this drug was created.
53 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-09-27 12:44:17
Member Answer/Reply:
Same, sorta- was diagnosed as "potential" BP2 disorder, and first tried to manage w/ Lamictal. Was working, but I developed the bad rash and discontinued. Per my psych. I went over to Seroquel @ night (freeing me from Wellbutrin during day and all short acting benzos and all sleeping pills/hypnotics). It really, really works for us, esp. women it seems, when taken for sleep w/RE to preexisting conditions at LOWEST EFFECTIVE dose.
Congrats on the discoery- can't imagine the extent of your relief at last!
Best- lady j
32 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-04 13:04:42
Member Answer/Reply:
was the weight gain from eating more or did it just happen?
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-17 20:21:51
Member Answer/Reply:
600 mg is the charm for me 2 yrs if not for the weight gain, i hope to figure out how to fix, perfect drug for me to. Saved my life by curing my life long horrible battle with insomnia.
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-22 01:59:18
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Seroqeul for 2 years I started taking it after my mom passed away, I now take breathing tratments for COPD I just got out of the ICU for low oxygen, I have diabetes and several other things , My Mom had only been taking seroquel for 2 months when she died 50mg was all. What R my chances I ask I ahve the same health issues my MOm did at only an earlier age , Has some of my meds, Klonopin, Neurontin, so forth caused this COPD it seems like theere is a connection, Thanks Paulette , From S.C.
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-09-25 13:15:46
Member Answer/Reply:
Sounds like drug overinertaction to me- Klonopin is a long acting benzo, so risk of tolerance is minimal, but if it's taken for management daily, one cannot simply stop, as that invites risk of seizure. Taking Klonopin and Seroquel too closely together (as in w/in one half hour of each other DOES impair breathing ability, and can contribute to depressed blood oxygen levels. Neurontin is something I have taken, and use only as a temp substitute for KLONOPIN when I'm low/out. Neurontin and Seroquel should be taken at least two hours apart- and like Seroquel, higher doses of Neurontin do in fact impair intention recall, short term memory, clarity, etc. They're all effective meds (esp. after losing a loved one), but they definitely need to be taken on a schedule- check w/ yr doc. Hope you're breathing better.
Very sorry about your mom- sounds to me like the Seroquel was a last-gasp band-aid in that case, and if taken correctly, maybe did not contribute directly to her passing (my Grandma is 82 and takes 600 mgs daily-yes, during daytime) and is just insane now. Possibly Seroquel is not the best at high doses for the elderly. Again, though, I'm not clear that such a small dose precipitated any tragedy- Seroquel does impede paranoia, esp in the mentally ill and/or elderly w/ accompanying physical decline.
Less is more.
Condolences again, and best of luck-
lady j
32 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-04 13:00:56
Member Answer/Reply:
Ive taken seroquel for the better part of 5 yrs now and have noticed that my breathing has gotten worse-to the pt of being diagnosed with COPD as well and my liver has shown high LFTS (liver function tests but they dont know the cause. And Im only 36! I also take other meds such as lamictal (which has a black box warning guys!), topamax, zanax and an OTC inhaler. Zanax stopped working after a few years and the non-narcotics dont work for me. I fought the narcs for years though. I have several health issues (that have only shown up in last few years) in addition to Bipolar mixed w/psychosis and rapid cycling, PTSD, dissociative disorder, gen extreme anxiety, schizophrenia, anger issues, ADHD, and a few others. Started getting diag at 8 yrs old but wasnt on meds. Fin started meds only five years ago. Self med for 20+ years which is not a good idea btw. Yes, Im a psych students dream and every time Im in the hospital every dr has to c me plus their students. The end of last year made hosp # 8 in just the last 5 yrs. Increased pschosis-yes. Sleepiness? Yes, to the point of passing out. My highest dose was 900mg!!! WAY too high!! I became a walking zombie and I was taking it at nite! Im back down to 400mg now, no zombie but the occ drug hangover. In the lst 6 moths Ive even noticed weird acne like spots appearing appearing on my arms. Dont know what thats about. It has helped me, but do the risks outweigh the cons? Dont really know now that I know about the interactions between this and my other meds. Gotta ask the dr. But, Ive tried so many other meds that Im tired of playing guinea pig! Know what I mean? Lol! And, yes, most of these meds couldnt even b thought of w/o ins. Mine (Humana thru SSDI) wont cover the zanax, which luckily, is only $34 a month w/o ins. Dont know if this helped anyone, but thought that I would throw it out there in case others are on this same combo. :-)
37 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-14 17:31:07
Member Answer/Reply:
Hi,
I feel for your description of being the hospital test patient. I was also. I have gone through the recent years so lethargic, and unable to do anything except breath. I have also started to have seizures secondary to medicine toxcicity. And when the blood work etc. came back on my liver et. al., that did it. I took myself off wellbutrin, effexor, buspar, lithium, synthroid and some others. I am a severe bipolar, so I was hesitant to take away the seroquel which help to control those flashing thoughts, endless list writing, running around like a chicken with no head. I did not stop klonopin either, as without the drug, I simply do not sleep. Not for days, and sometimes weeks, and we all know that bad or no sleep habits will send a bipolar to the hospital faster than a New York minute. I feel as I have come alive. I am now alert and able to accomplish things in my day. That does not mean that I will ever be able the manage a job again or a steady schedule, but I am much happier. I have a hot spot in the left temporal lobe of my brain. I might have another seizure or not. At one time I was on 21 medications all at the same time for my manic depression, and other auto-immune diseases I have developed. (NOW the pyschiatrist tells me that mental illness can aggravate auto-immune diseases--part of my general anger with the medical community, they don't tell the truth by obmission.) I have morphea (a rare and ugly form of scoleraderma), asthma, fibroymialgia, and osteo-arthritis. I really believe now, after more than 20 years of severe illness and more doctors who do not communicate with each other well, that taking the least dosage and the least amount of meds that target only the most worrisome parts of your illness, is the way to go. I STRONGLY suggest a clinical psychologist for therapy. I have therapy once a week, and she is the only doctor I would keep. I have obtained more help there to help ME control MYSELF and my disease than any drug has ever done. It takes practice and time, but I don't care if the next new pill comes from God. I will not take any others, but for the inhaler for the asthma (that when you think about it, an asthmatic needs this at times). I have a general aching and some pain, but water therapy helps. Even just walking through the water or floating, it helps.
I do hope this helps. For awhile after all the the hospitalizations, suicide attemps, and ETC, the memory loss, ect., my son has told me that he was afraid not FOR me but OF me for a long while. OUCH! That hurt. I do hope you can find your solution. I think that in these kinds of medical issues, that is the path: to fine your own solution.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-11-25 10:39:31
Question/Comment:
I take Seroquel 200mg at night to help with sleep. It works fine for me. I sleep great and wake up without feeling drowsy at all. I've been taking it for about a year now.
50 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-09-25 08:07:33
Member Answer/Reply:
Seroquel works so well for those with insomnia/anxiety that either does not respond to benzos (i.e. Restoril) and/or hypnotics (i.e. Ambien). I take it for the same reasons- have been for about two years- and am so much better w/out the benzos (and I won't take hypnotics). It definitely works for certain people, esp. those who wish not to develop a masive dependence on benzos and/or barbiturates and/or hypnotics. I concur entirely with above testimonial, and encourage those who have struggled with sleep for far too long to consult with their doctors and see if a SMALL dosage of Seroquel at night ONLY is indicated. Ask your doctor- seriously, it changed my life. No more ativan or xanax or valium or ambien or restoril, etc. Much much better.
Caveat: unless you have prescription insurance, it is very very expensive for a one month scrip. As in over $350.00. Worth it for sleep- for day time management of various conditions, I don't know.
Good answer, above, and good luck to all sleepless peeps- lady j
32 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-04 12:52:20
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Seroquel 75mg at night for sleep for at least 5 years now. I love it. I have chronic, severe insomnia but don't do well with ambien or benzos. Those drugs drugged me but didn't help me get any therapeutic, nourishing sleep. Seroquel doesn't feel like a drug to me, it feels subtle, and like it is somehow decreasing the amplitude of my brain waves so that I can shut down for a reasonable number of hours. Ambien/Ativan gave me more like a synthetic sleep of poor quality and short duration that left me feeling unhealthy during my waking hours. In times of extreme stress they actually made my sleep worse.
I have run across one primary care doctor who was uncomfortable prescribing Seroquel, despite my established history of doing well on it. He made me go to a psychiatrist for the script; she had no problem giving it to me. Does anyone know of any studies evaluating effects of long term use of low dose Seroquel?
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-05 22:32:43
Question/Comment:
I am diagnosed with bi-polar, anxiety disorder, i have also bulimia, and anorexia . Right now I am on serequel, 200mg in morning and 600 mg at night. I' also take lithium and busbar. I have been taking the serequel for some time now and I am starting not to be able to sleep at night , where in the beginning , I was getting a good night sleep .Does your body build a tolerance to this drug?
41 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-09-24 12:11:11
Member Answer/Reply:
Yes, your body does develop a tolerance under your pre-exisitng conditions. Try to reduce, is my advice- I take Seroquel @ 150 mgs a night for insomnia per many of the same conditions (no eating disorders, but the panic/depression, yes). I find it works much more effectively when one can tritate down in increments- but yes, again, tolerance builds. The less you can take that is effective, the much much better. Good luck-
lady j
32 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-04 12:46:24
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been a severe insomniac my entire life to the point of driving me crazy. Jan of 2007 after suicide attempt (10% chance of living but pulled through) these are my Meds I take, Seroquel 600, Wellbutrin 450, Cymbalta 60-120, Topamax 100, Lamictal 200, Xanax up to 2 mg as needed.
My life suprisingly enough was well enough no xanax for over a year but I, thank god, have not built any tolerance for my dosage at all. My other meds are taken in the morning except the Topamax which is well known for enhancing the effects of other meds, for migraines, weight loss, alchohol cessation, reduces appearances of scars etc....... I brought info to my doctor and this is probably why I have not built up any tolerances. When I am very med resistant.
Hope you get it back I have heard that if it is taken during the day you learn to fight it and this could also be another way it's effectiveness is reduced.
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-22 02:16:10
Question/Comment:
my wife is taking 900 mg at night every night and is slowly deteriorating. She has COPD, RA, and she is Bi-Polar and paranoid shizophrenic. I am at my wits end. She also takes clonapin, neurontin, lexapro, darvocette, lortabs, verapamil, lasix, spriva and klor con. Is my doctor nuts or am I just overly concerned?
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-09-24 02:05:10
Member Answer/Reply:
personally I think your dr is nuts!!!
31 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-09-30 18:29:31
Member Answer/Reply:
i think most docs will give you whatever you tell them you want. remember what they are doing is called, "practicing". They don't have any more of a clue as to what you need than a man in the moon. People tell their docs whatever they want, so they can get whatever they want.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-01 00:13:48
Member Answer/Reply:
YOU DESPERATELY NEED A NEW DR.. SHE IS WAY OVERMEDICATED
DR. K
39 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-01 21:09:27
Member Answer/Reply:
HER DOC. IS NUTS !!!!!!!! I am outraged at this. That this still goes on. I've been where she is. Please, get her help, soon. And, as a "gift" to yourself, for you too. God be with you & yours.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-03 22:22:53
Member Answer/Reply:
I concur- that dosage is WAY too high- I'm amazed she's cogent at all. Reduce as much as possible- and yes, a new Doc is probably in order, too. My 82 yr old paranoid grandma takes a grand total of 600 mgs throughout the day and night, and she's a mess- can't imagine how much worse it gets at those levels. Good luck!
-lady j
32 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-04 12:44:12
Question/Comment:
I have been taking seroquel for over 2years,and i take 200mg before bed and i get the sleep i need.sometimes it takes a little while to get to sleep ,but once im asleep ,im asleep...and i wake up fine and ready to start my day..
44 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-09-18 16:36:03
Question/Comment:
If I want to fast-not take in food during sunlight hours-, how will Seroguel interact with me. Especially with the side effect of increased hunger associated with this drug?
19 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-09-04 15:29:54
Question/Comment:
I am a recovering addict and I find that Seroquel keeps me at level attitude, NO HIGHS AND LOWS.....I take Seroquel in the evening before bed and I feel great the next day.....i started out on 25mgs a nite and then went to 50mgs....I have been on 50mgs for about a year and have NO need to increase this.....It defionitly works for mood swings! I give it a THUMBS UP!
58 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-08-25 09:27:24
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