What is Seroquel Used for?
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I took Seroquel for a short time. I demanded a different medication after taking Seroquel 50 mg and waking up seventeen hours later! This was after I had struggled for a month to get adjusted to 25 mg. After taking the 25 mg before bedtime, I would have incredible difficulty waking up in the morning. I would have to set two alarm clocks, and still I would oversleep to find that I must have turned the alarms off without getting up. My psychiatrist had wanted me to work my way up to taking 300 mg a day, which is not an uncommon Seroquel dosage.
What is Seroquel used for? In my case, I was on Seroquel for bipolar depression, but it is also used to treat schizophrenia. Though exactly how Seroquel works is unknown, it is thought to correct some chemical imbalances in the brain.
Seroquel is used as a short-term treatment for the mania, mixed episodes, and depression associated with bipolar disorder. If used with a mood stabilizing medication like Depakote, Seroquel can be used as a long-term, maintenance treatment for bipolar depression.
For schizophrenia, Seroquel acts as an atypical antipsychotic. This medication can treat some of the symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. Seroquel also helps people who suffer from schizophrenia to feel less isolated and apathetic.
Not everyone has the same difficulty adjusting to Seroquel like I did. I know a few people who take 300 mg or more a day. In addition to the drowsiness that I experienced, if sleeping 17 hours can be called drowsiness, the side effects of seroquel include dry mouth, constipation, upset stomach, weight gain, and increased appetite. Other Seroquel side effects are a sudden drop in blood glucose levels, increased cholesterol, stuffy nose, and difficulty speaking.
A few months after I stopped taking Seroquel, some law firms were advertising about Seroquel’s association with pancreatitis and possibly other Seroquel side effects. It was interesting that a few months after I had tried to take Seroquel that I was hospitalized for a week with pancreatitis. However, I seriously doubt that my pancreatitis was related to the Seroquel since I took such a low dose for a short period of time.
It can be difficult to find the right medication for bipolar disorder. It often takes several attempts for the psychiatrist to find the best combination of medications for the bipolar patient. I believe I will stick with my Depakote and Paxil.
I’m not anxious to try any other medications for awhile, even though my psychiatrist wants me to try Lamictal. I’m sorry but, “fatal rashes” is not an acceptable side effect. Overall, I am happy with the Depakote/Paxil combination, but don’t be disheartened if you have yet to find the right combination of medications for bipolar disorder. I know how difficult it can be, but most people find the medication that works best for them after a few trials.
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In an ironic twist of fate, my pdoc prescribed Seroquel XR for me, assuring me that it will not cause the same difficulty that I had with Seroquel. I have to say, the difference is amazing! I have not had any problems waking up in the morning. It has really helped me fall asleep at night, though I haven't experienced any benefit in the bipolar or anxiety yet. It's still very early. The jury is still out....
i hope this work for him he was on catpress that didnt help
after reading that im so glad i had no problem getting on it doc prescribed to help stabilize my moods started at 50mg twice a day and am now at 200mg twice a day with really no side effects well maybe alil extra sleep here and there but no more than a hour or so. my gf was put on seroquel xr n had to be takin off of it due to it not working and causing her constant fatigue and sleepiness at 200mg a day. for me its been my savior as far as everything outside of my depression i take 150mg a day of effexor xr life has been great since seroquel. (:
Isn't it interesting how a medication often works so well for some people and others can't function on that medication? Even though I gave Seroquel another try, I had to be taken off of it again. I told my doctor I'd rather just stick to Depakote and Paxil and cope with any symptoms of depression that aren't resolved by those.
I wish you luck with the Depakote and Paxil, they are good meds.
Thank you, crazybeanrider. I have been on the Paxil and Depakote combination for many years. Different psychiatrists have tried to introduce different meds in an attempt to get me on a lower dose of Depakote since it can damage your liver. But, the Paxil/Depakote combination has been working very well especially since the Depakote also prevents my migraines.
btw, back when I was having psychotic episodes with depression and mania, I was put on Haldol injections. That worked very well. I haven't needed antipsychotic meds for many years. I'm glad the Seroquel worked well for you.
I have just filled a prescription for seraquel today. I hope it works for me. I am a little anxious after reading the side effects though.
Seraquol works for me. Especially with the mood stabilisers and the anti depressants and the anti anxiety... feels like i am drinking a hand full of smarties. But hey! It works!
I hope everything is doing fine for you Sheila.
i have been taking sq-xr 25mg at night for sleep for about 6 months. my new doc recommnds 50mg tonight at 5pm, 100 tomorrow at 5pm, and 200 on the 3rd day. this is a rapid titration to my homeostasis (which is f uped).
i am scared. i was told it is for my ocd, severe depression,and paranoia. thought we would talk later about the bi-polar thing. i do not by into the bi-polar this or that. it is just the lastest pysch fad. but something is wrong. just looking for some fellowship.
I had the same problem of not being able to wake up fully after three or four hours of being up. I got tired of it and went off of it. Not too smart. I told my doctor and she gave me the XR which helped a great deal, but still had a bit of groginess in the a.m. Now, I take it around 6 or 7 pm and I am able to wake up around 7 or 8 a.m. with little to no grogginess. I must say Seroquel has been a miracle drug for me. It was like my brain was fragmented like a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle spread out all over the floor, and when I started taking Seroquel, my mind was put back together again.
Unfortunately, I am now having to deal with very high cholesterol, a common side effect. Working on that with diet and exercise. Thanks for great hub.
just having to read all your comment did all of u put on weight and were any of you have add as they thought it was bio polar but after 6 years of trying different pills they have said add put me on 25 mgs if u can have me some feedback would be great ty
I was not on Seroquel long enough to have issues with weight gain from it, but I know someone who gained fifty pounds while taking Seroquel but she was taking 350 mg a day. After she stopped taking it, she was able to lose the weight. I know others who have been on Seroquel without gaining any weight. I think it's like any other side effect from any medication. Not everyone will have that side effect, but some people do. I would say that if you start to gain weight and that is a problem for you, then you should discuss it with your doctor.
Seroquel was prescribed for me also for a while except it severely affected my liver function so I dropped it and will never go on it again.
I have been on seroquel for near on 2 months and I find it really good. It helps me to feel less anxious and nervous. I was put on 150mg a day and on bad days I can go to 200 mg. combined with lexapro Valium and temaze. For severs depression and anxiety. Which was brought on by a traumatic event. I don't know I I've gained weight as such because I lost 17 kilos through stress in under a month so my body is all over the shop. What's the difference between seroquel and xr seroquel? Or what's been mentioned above. ?
I'm glad that it has worked for you, Elley. Seroquel XR is the extended release version of Seroquel. The Seroquel XR is designed to be time-released and work gradually. Some health insurance only cover the regular Seroquel and not Seroquel XR.
i have had horrible weight gain since starting this medication for bipolar, depression and severe anxiety. i have weaned myself off (prob not the best idea without consulting my doc) but i couldnt stand gaining anymore weight. i think it made me even more depressed. i also take cymbalta, tegretol, lamictal and klonopin. because of no ins. they wont allow me to see my psych doc. any suggestions? i really dont want to end up back in the hospital!
crazybeanrider 2 years ago
I had one heck of a time getting used to Seroquel. I was initially prescribed for manic psychosis. I eventually ended up on 1130 mgs. It was hell. I worked mornings and by the time I woke up, I had to take another dose. Working while heavily medicated. It was serious work on my part, just being able to walk from one place to the next without drooling was hell. It took about a year to assimilate. And It saved my life. I can't ever imagine not taking it.
Enjoying your informative hubs.