Prescribed seroquel, side effects concerns

[Klaein]

First of all Hello everybody this is my first topic post. Glad to be here!

My pdoc today just prescribed me seroquel (25mg). He said to start with 1/2 a pill for a couple weeks and then go up to a whole 25mg.

He says it should help my combination of agitated type anxiety,paranoia and to help me sleep better. I was previously on 1mg risperidone which

did help the OCD somewhat but did next to nothing for my anxiety or paranoia. Also, it seems to mess with my hormones.

The reason I ask about it's dangers is because I'm taking it with other meds. I am currently taking tramadol for my headaches. Could possibly

the seroquel induce a serotonin syndrome effect? I tried ONE dose of seroquel back in 2004. I think my old doctor was stupid because he prescribed

50mg twice daily which is ridiculous (as a STARTING dose BTW). Just ONE 50mg dose made my brain feel very constricted and I had to take a 24 hour nap. I fired him of course...

It also concerns me is that I'm on a high dose of clonazepam (4mg/day). I have heard

that mixing seroquel with downers (like clonazepam) can cause respiratory depression.

Well I guess that addresses my main concerns.

I would love to hear your experiences with this med! What were the pros and cons?

[Tempestia]

Hi & welcome to CB!

I take a tiny dose of Seroquel myself - it's not bad. I can take - depending on my anxiety and where my moods are at (I'm bipolar 1) anywhere from a tiny tiny piece of a 25 mg or up to the entire 25 mg. I rarely need to go over 25 - if I do it's because it's a hell of a bad day and I need to just say "screw it" and medicate and go down for the count.

I use it to sleep - sleep is important to me - helps me stay stable.

since you're new, it's your turn to bring cookies every other Thursday

Tempestia

[SashaSue]

The amount of seroquel you're taking isn't going to do anything but help you sleep. It's not enough to do much of anything for symptoms. None of your concerns about interactions are realistic, as far as I know.

[tryp]

I'm with Sasha. 50 mg of Seroquel just isn't that much. It's not an anti psychotic, anti depressant or mood stabilizer dose. It'll just make you sleepy and maybe calm you down a bit.

Seroquel 50 mg twice a day isn't actually a ridiculous dose. My starting dose for sleep was 150 mg and I'm currently on 300 mg. We've had members here on 1200 mg.

Anyway, I wouldn't worry too much. It will probably make you very tired and hung over for a while, but it generally eventually wears off.

[Newtonium]

I have to agree that at the dose you're at, Seroquel will probably just make you sleepy. I take 400 mg at night, and it makes me sleepy, but I don't have any trouble waking up in the morning. But when I was on 200 mg, it made me really zonked out.

[bpladybug]

First of all Hello everybody this is my first topic post. Glad to be here!

My pdoc today just prescribed me seroquel (25mg). He said to start with 1/2 a pill for a couple weeks and then go up to a whole 25mg.

He says it should help my combination of agitated type anxiety,paranoia and to help me sleep better. I was previously on 1mg risperidone which

did help the OCD somewhat but did next to nothing for my anxiety or paranoia. Also, it seems to mess with my hormones.

The reason I ask about it's dangers is because I'm taking it with other meds. I am currently taking tramadol for my headaches. Could possibly

the seroquel induce a serotonin syndrome effect? I tried ONE dose of seroquel back in 2004. I think my old doctor was stupid because he prescribed

50mg twice daily which is ridiculous (as a STARTING dose BTW). Just ONE 50mg dose made my brain feel very constricted and I had to take a 24 hour nap. I fired him of course...

It also concerns me is that I'm on a high dose of clonazepam (4mg/day). I have heard

that mixing seroquel with downers (like clonazepam) can cause respiratory depression.

Well I guess that addresses my main concerns.

I would love to hear your experiences with this med! What were the pros and cons?

Half of 25 mgs, 12.5 mgs is a tiny, tiny dose. It might help you sleep but it is not high enough yet to help with anxiety and paranoia. There should not be a problem with the clonazepam. Is your goal to untimately redice that? You need to give Seroquel some time, as in weeks. I started with 12.5 mgs. Now I take 150 mgs and it works well for some of my bipolar agitation. I actually like it now.

I have managed to lose weight on Seroquel through exercize. I try to get into bed before the crazy carb craving cookie monstor effect takes place. I am actually very happy with Seroquel now. I hated it the first few nights.

[Guest]

I started with 12.5 mgs. Now I take 150 mgs and it works well for some of my bipolar agitation. I actually like it now.

I have managed to lose weight on Seroquel through exercize. I try to get into bed before the crazy carb craving cookie monstor effect takes place. I am actually very happy with Seroquel now. I hated it the first few nights.

I started at 25mg, and I'm currently at 150mg and it seems to be working fine. I have actually lost 5kg in the last two months. I havn't actually noticed anything regarding wanting to eat, but I do go straight to bed after taking it like you. I havn't been exercizing above what I do normally, just walking the dog every day.

[Klaein]

Thanks! You guys are so helpful!

In response to bpladybug, yes I am hoping to reduce my dose of klonopin or even perhaps eliminate taking it every day and just have it around as a PRN. the 12.5 i'm taking right now is great at helping me sleep.

What dose will I have to work up for it to help anxiety/paranoia ect.? Also, is it true that at higher doses it's more activating. Whats the deal with that?

Again thanks!

[Klaein]

since you're new, it's your turn to bring cookies every other Thursday

Certainly will!

[withing]

If you're looking for interactions, you can always go here...

I'm on 200mg of seroquel a night and it calms my racing thoughts and helps me sleep. Also, you can go to the seroquelwebsite for more information... They even have the PI sheet there, so you can figure out the chemical stuff.

[lunaceleste]

hello and welcome to the site!!

i was prescribed 100 mg of Seroquel at night for bipolar and insomnia,i started 2 weeks a go and i love it,is a miracle drug fro mania and my insomnia,i got o bed at 11 pm sleep until 8 am is great

i never had such a good sleep on ambien,lunesta,valium,etc

i also take cymbalta for depression and lorazepam as needed,i realize i dont really need a benzo if i am on Serouquel cause is so calming itself,again i take 100mg a bit more than you do.

good luck and good night!

[Bribarian]

The amount of seroquel you're taking isn't going to do anything but help you sleep. It's not enough to do much of anything for symptoms. None of your concerns about interactions are realistic, as far as I know.

Believe it or not, some people react differently. When I originally started taking 50mgs of seroquel it did in fact knock out my anxiety.

If he says it's doing something, maybe, just maybe it is.

As for Seroquel, it's always been solid for me as far as helping me go to sleep, but not so great in other areas, relieved anxiety somewhat I suppose.

[Klaein]

Thanks! This is very helpful.

I'm up to 25 now. Not sure what dose he wants me up to eventually.

[SashaSue]

The amount of seroquel you're taking isn't going to do anything but help you sleep. It's not enough to do much of anything for symptoms. None of your concerns about interactions are realistic, as far as I know.

Believe it or not, some people react differently. When I originally started taking 50mgs of seroquel it did in fact knock out my anxiety.

If he says it's doing something, maybe, just maybe it is.

As for Seroquel, it's always been solid for me as far as helping me go to sleep, but not so great in other areas, relieved anxiety somewhat I suppose.

Bribarian, did you actually read the original post? I'm not actually seeing where he says the seroquel is doing anything.

[Klaein]

The amount of seroquel you're taking isn't going to do anything but help you sleep. It's not enough to do much of anything for symptoms. None of your concerns about interactions are realistic, as far as I know.

Believe it or not, some people react differently. When I originally started taking 50mgs of seroquel it did in fact knock out my anxiety.

If he says it's doing something, maybe, just maybe it is.

As for Seroquel, it's always been solid for me as far as helping me go to sleep, but not so great in other areas, relieved anxiety somewhat I suppose.

Bribarian, did you actually read the original post? I'm not actually seeing where he says the seroquel is doing anything.

I'm at 25mg now.For me, it mostly helps with sleep at this dose (quite well at doing so!). I need more time to see if it helps anxiety.

[Miss Banani]

I have managed to lose weight on Seroquel through exercize. I try to get into bed before the crazy carb craving cookie monstor effect takes place. I am actually very happy with Seroquel now. I hated it the first few nights.

OMG!!!! I thought my sudden need for a block of chocolate at bedtime every night was just me...... I had no idea it was from the seraquel..... Note to self - no more chocolate for you.

Also I'm on 50mg and I find it has been helping with anxiety... or like I havn't had anyone ban me from anything or kick me out of anywhere in a while anyway. Does that count lol?

[eternal_mystery]

just my experience, i had to get to 400mg for Seroquel to really work well for my bp symptoms and help with my anxiety, but i'm a fairly large guy. when i was on it full-time i was taking 800mg a day. the more you take, the less drowsy it makes you. also, i take klonopin for my anxiety as well and have had no interaction problems.

[anglomaltese]

Sorry to jump in on the conversation, but I've just been prescribed Seroquel starting at 50mg for three days then up to 100mg (at night), and I was looking for some info on it as it's the first AP I've been put on.

It seems the general concensus on this thread is that at low doses it's only used to help sleep, is that right? I'm confused because I've never really had trouble sleeping (have trouble waking up...) and I was under the impression from my pdoc that I was coming off carbamazepine and replacing it with this to help stabilize my mood/emotions - he said it would stop me being emotionally out of control during the day. Does that sound right? Once I'm changed over, I'll be on Seroquel 100mg, Agomelatine 50mg, and Mirtazapine 45mg. My biggest problem at the mo (that's keeping me out of work) is that I can't cope with stressors or certain situations without flying off the handle or bursting into tears. I'm still in the changeover period so it won't be for a few weeks that i'll notice any difference but just wondered what you guys thought?

Vicky

[eternal_mystery]

not an expert or anything, but 100mg of Seroquel usually isn't enough to work as a mood stabilizer. generally you have to get to the 400mg range, maybe a little more, maybe a little less, depends on the person. one good thing about APs is that you usually can usually notice some difference fairly quickly, ie a matter of a week or so instead of a month or more for most drugs.

[Klaein]

not an expert or anything, but 100mg of Seroquel usually isn't enough to work as a mood stabilizer. generally you have to get to the 400mg range, maybe a little more, maybe a little less, depends on the person. one good thing about APs is that you usually can usually notice some difference fairly quickly, ie a matter of a week or so instead of a month or more for most drugs.

I might end up needing to work up to that kind of dose. I only hope I can stay awake on that much.

[withing]

I might end up needing to work up to that kind of dose. I only hope I can stay awake on that much.

From what I understand, the higher the dosage, the less likely you are to get the drowsy side effects. If you skim the old posts about Seroquel, you'll see other people say that.

[anglomaltese]

not an expert or anything, but 100mg of Seroquel usually isn't enough to work as a mood stabilizer. generally you have to get to the 400mg range, maybe a little more, maybe a little less, depends on the person. one good thing about APs is that you usually can usually notice some difference fairly quickly, ie a matter of a week or so instead of a month or more for most drugs.

This is what I was gathering from this thread, and it's making me wonder why my pdoc has put me on this then if it's not going to make much difference...especially since I could possibly be back at work in a few weeks...I mean he's using this to replace the carbamazepine

Guess I'll have to wait and see

Vicky

[Guest Klaein]

not an expert or anything, but 100mg of Seroquel usually isn't enough to work as a mood stabilizer. generally you have to get to the 400mg range, maybe a little more, maybe a little less, depends on the person. one good thing about APs is that you usually can usually notice some difference fairly quickly, ie a matter of a week or so instead of a month or more for most drugs.

This is what I was gathering from this thread, and it's making me wonder why my pdoc has put me on this then if it's not going to make much difference...especially since I could possibly be back at work in a few weeks...I mean he's using this to replace the carbamazepine

Guess I'll have to wait and see

Vicky

Why is he switching you from Tegretol to Seroquel? Is the Tegretol not working or is it something else?

[Klaein]

not an expert or anything, but 100mg of Seroquel usually isn't enough to work as a mood stabilizer. generally you have to get to the 400mg range, maybe a little more, maybe a little less, depends on the person. one good thing about APs is that you usually can usually notice some difference fairly quickly, ie a matter of a week or so instead of a month or more for most drugs.

This is what I was gathering from this thread, and it's making me wonder why my pdoc has put me on this then if it's not going to make much difference...especially since I could possibly be back at work in a few weeks...I mean he's using this to replace the carbamazepine

Guess I'll have to wait and see

Vicky

Why is he switching you from Tegretol to Seroquel? Is the Tegretol not working or is it something else?

that was me...forgot to sign in

[anglomaltese]

not an expert or anything, but 100mg of Seroquel usually isn't enough to work as a mood stabilizer. generally you have to get to the 400mg range, maybe a little more, maybe a little less, depends on the person. one good thing about APs is that you usually can usually notice some difference fairly quickly, ie a matter of a week or so instead of a month or more for most drugs.

This is what I was gathering from this thread, and it's making me wonder why my pdoc has put me on this then if it's not going to make much difference...especially since I could possibly be back at work in a few weeks...I mean he's using this to replace the carbamazepine

Guess I'll have to wait and see

Vicky

Why is he switching you from Tegretol to Seroquel? Is the Tegretol not working or is it something else?

Well I'm pretty much having the same feelings/symptoms from when I first started taking Tegretol. Pdoc obviously moved me up in dose on that, but still not feeling much different, and I suppose from my last appt, I was concerned over how I would be able to function when I eventually get back to work...I've already been off work now since 18th May, so something needs to change as I can't be off indefinitely. A few weeks ago, he changed Citalopram to Agomelatine (Valdoxan), and i've now increased the dose of that, but he's thinking it's the mood stabilizer that needs to change now. He mentioned another drug before Seroquel, I think it was clozapine or something like that beginning with C...but apparently Seroquel has less sedating effects. Who knows. I've still got a few days til I start it yet, so I'll see then.

Thanks for listening,

Vicky

[NuttyJoe]

not an expert or anything, but 100mg of Seroquel usually isn't enough to work as a mood stabilizer. generally you have to get to the 400mg range, maybe a little more, maybe a little less, depends on the person. one good thing about APs is that you usually can usually notice some difference fairly quickly, ie a matter of a week or so instead of a month or more for most drugs.

I might end up needing to work up to that kind of dose. I only hope I can stay awake on that much.

If you're taking it simply for anxiety and depression. 50mgs-200mgs might work just fine.

I think the 300mg+ range is usually for more severe illness.