Update on Seroquel: it works :)

I just wanted to post this in case it helps someone. :)

After being on Seroquel (50 mg) for a couple of months, taking the medication before bed, and after noticing I've started relying on and reaching for Klonopin again, I've decided to take half a 25 mg tablet in the morning/before going out/a stressful situation. The verdict: it sedates, works differently to Klonopin, but it SIGNIFICANTLY reduces the likelihood of panic attacks, and if those do happen, they're shorter than usual for me.

Overall, I prefer Klonopin to Seroquel, but the latter isn't addictive and is healthier in general. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who's been advised to take it by their doctor, or to whoever's thinking about treating anxiety with anti-psychotics. :yesyes:

Ana, How long do you think it took to start making a difference? I know you said you've been on it for 2 months. I was offered it last year but declined.

Glad it's working for you!!!

Thanks

It took about 10 days to two weeks for me, Matt. I remember being pleasantly surprised at how quickly it had started working compared to an anti-depressant!
Oh you know, I'd been declining Seroquel for about 3 years until I finally decided to give it a chance. The thing is, you don't risk becoming addicted to Seroquel, should you decide to take it, as you would if you were taking Clonazepam, for example.

I've noticed a change in two days, btw, since I started taking a half in the morning before work. :)

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Originally Posted by ana

It took about 10 days to two weeks for me, Matt. I remember being pleasantly surprised at how quickly it had started working compared to an anti-depressant!
Oh you know, I'd been declining Seroquel for about 3 years until I finally decided to give it a chance. The thing is, you don't risk becoming addicted to Seroquel, should you decide to take it, as you would if you were taking Clonazepam, for example.

I've noticed a change in two days, btw, since I started taking a half in the morning before work. :)

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Thanks Ana, I might just give it a go then. I was on Seroxat from 2006 then had Mirtazapine added in 2014 and Propranolol in 2015. I stopped Seroxat in 2016 and Propranolol last year.

With everything i'm going through with my health i feel i need something extra. My GP actually gave me 14 Diazepam 3 weeks ago but i've only taken 3 as i try and resist.

Thanks for your help.

No problem. :)

Just try and see it as an experiment that if you do, you've got nothing to lose. If Seroquel doesn't work for you, then you'll stop taking it.

Yes, they always give Diazepam or Klonopin to patients because they work best, but it's such a shame they're so addictive, so in effect, they create more problems than they solve. Well done on resisting it!! Use it on an as per needed basis, when you're really unwell and panicking.

I'm happy to help answer any questions about medication or otherwise as it makes me feel good thinking my experience can help someone else feel better. :)

Thanks Ana, Did you have many side effects when starting? I did get the prescription last year but never took it. I'm supposed to take it at night and know it's sedating, so with this and my Mirtazapine i could be super sedated.

Thanks

I didn't have any side-effects. I also take my largest dose at night and yes, it's super sedating, but it ensures a peaceful night with no panic attacks. :)

I just got prescribed this today - supposed to take a half of a 25 mg tablet before bed. It seems klonopin is the only thing that helps and I’ve been on that daily for one and a half years now. I also take an antidepressant called trintellix. The goal is to keep me calm. I have such bad anxiety, and suffer from extreme anxiety. I’m too scared to take the pill:(. I don’t want to gain weight, although my doc says it’s more likely with higher doses. I don’t believe that. They all make me hungry. How do I get up the nerve to give it a go?

Is MIrtazapine good then? I have just come off seroxat after seventeen years and thinkin gof trying Mirtazapine. Does Mirtazapine help with motivation too?

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Originally Posted by bufforpington

Is MIrtazapine good then? I have just come off seroxat after seventeen years and thinkin gof trying Mirtazapine. Does Mirtazapine help with motivation too?

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All AD meds will help with motivation if they work for you, so it's best to discuss this with your doc.

Well done for coming off Seroxat after so many years - not an easy med to stop.

Ethan's Mom, have you taken Seroquel? You won't gain weight on a low dose, don't worry. :)

Hi Ana! Yes, i have been taking 12.5mg at night for the past week. It knocks me out. unfortunately, i dont think i can continue with it. It makes me so exhausted the next day that i don't want to do anything. I need exercise and i literally have no energy after taking it. Perhaps i can cut the 12.5 into smaller pieces? That might do the trick :( I do notice increased appetite, however It's that time of the month so that could be part of it. Who knows.

I feel so bloated and gross. I do notice that taking seroquel makes me so tired that i don't need klonopin really. I'm taking it today in hopes that i don't need the seroquel for sleep. Let's see what happens tonight. How are you doing Ana? What are your current meds?

Aww I'm sorry to hear you're not getting on so well with Seroquel. My therapist thought it would be a good replacement for Klonopin though I completely understand what you're talking about as Seroquel knocks me out too and it doesn't quite have the same effect as Klonopin does.

I'm currently on Venlafaxine and Seroquel (50 mg). It does the trick of relaxing me and helping me sleep so I've been relying less on Klonopin, which is the main thing. :)

Hi Anna,
I just bumped up my venlafaxine dose to 225MG (it's been 6 days ) and i can't sleep and feel extra anxious. The sleep part is the worst. I have left a message for my doctor, but wanted to make sure it's safe to take seroquel 12.5MG at night for sleep as well as effexor? Do you feel better with this combination.

Wow, okay, that's a large dose of Ven! Saying that, I'm very petite so anything over 150 MG, I can't handle well.
Seroquel really really helps me relax and sleep. It's a good combination that works for me during the night and also day even though it doesn't do much when I'm experiencing panic attacks. Only Klonopin can make me calmer in those situations.
My doctor has told me to only take Seroquel at night, even though I have tried taking it in the mornings, but it makes me too sleepy.
I hope this helps. :)

hi Ana,
I think I may try seroquel again, since trazodone is not helping with sleep or anxiety. Has your doctor ever mentioned the risk of diabetes? That’s what scares me the most. I also noticed I had a higher resting heart rate with it, but that could be because I was nervous to take it

I rated it at first as I slept with a dislocated should. A few trial show it works as adjunct to other ADs.
It has adverse effects on your glucose and cholesterol.
My psych just said “well do you want a few happy years or more miserable ones?”
Down from 100 to 25 mg with difficulty. Can function better and no rebound midday anxiety.
Glad if folk found it of use.

Re Mirtazipine- it is good for and calmness but motivation went out of window. Good luck.
D