Quetiapine /seroquel

[Jimbo]

thanx jim, i think i need to pluck the couarge up and just take the xl version as doc would like me to, which would be 50mg in morn and same at nite, and then if i was on edge to take a 25mg normal one when needed instead of diaipam.

lucy

That sounds really sensible. I was on 4 times a day and went to 2 times a day. I was also worried about changing but it worked out really well for me. It's much easier and simpler, I don't have to worry about popping pills all the time.
You can always give it a try and go back if it doesn't work out.

Jim

[bomberbeamish]

spoke to doctor after a rough few days , and today im starting seroquel xl 50mg twice aday, and an odd 25mg if needed, ive allready taken a diazipam as im scared of change, but im thinking i cant feel any worse than i do, so im going to keep a small diary on this post for support, it 6.30 am now and my friend coming round about half 9 ,so im going to take it around 8.30 then the same at nite, x wishing u ll a great day x

[bomberbeamish]

well i chickened out, ive just taken my normal 25mg , i sat here with it in my hand for ages and i was worried it mite do summit, and i wouldnt be able to get it out of my body, spose i could try again tomorrow

[Jimbo]

i was worried it mite do summit, and i wouldnt be able to get it out of my body

To reassure you a bit, the XR version is exactly the same as the normal version. The only difference is the tablet is made to dissolve much more slowly.

Jim

[bomberbeamish]

thnak u jim for taking the time to post back, im just scared, i wanna do it,, when you went over to them did u have all the side affects again or did u just carry on as if u hadnt changed, did u noice anything? i dont mind taking tablets during day i am used to it now, it that the only diffence there is just not poping pills all time, because my doc said they would work better for me, but how?

[Jimbo]

when you went over to them did u have all the side affects again or did u just carry on as if u hadnt changed, did u noice anything?

I didn't have any problems, or side effects, I just carried on as normal. I found they worked better for me as the normal tablets can wear off more quickly. So instead of having peaks and troughs I was much more level all day. Also I only have to worry about taking my meds 2 times a day. Much easier to remember.

My only advice is not to take them on top of a huge meal, take them before as it can slow down the absorption in your stomach. You might have noticed that with the normal tablets too.

The XR tablets are more expensive to the NHS so they only recommend them if they think they'll benefit you.

Jim

[bomberbeamish]

again thanx jim, i keep you posted on my progress , and if i take them in morn, the thing is though i had someone to come sit with me today because i was worride bout them and she thinks i took them and was proud of me, and i didnt even do it,, i feel such a bitch , for not doing it and lying ,, i do get my self in these pickels, but now all mmy family think ive done it and i aint,,, im such a @&^X£"%

[Jimbo]

My best advice is to tell them, hiding your fears away isn't going to help things. Perhaps if you tell them they can help you through it.

Jim

[bomberbeamish]

thanx for your advise jim, i still havnt made the swich, ive told my family ect that i havnt, they dont know wot to do really, apart from reasure me, i was going to take one tonite cause i be asleep most of it, but im scared summit mite happen, like a reaction on summit, sorry to have put all this on u, i am a pain inarse, if it was my friend in this situation i would say do it, but when it me,, i better not just in case, llol

[serocool]

Hello everyone,

I have been reading posts on forums like this for a couple years now, and decided today that it was time to share my experience with Seroquel. First I would like to thank everyone who has posted their own story involving Seroquel here or elsewhere, since your info has helped me be to be confident when starting to use this drug. In the summer of 2008 I was prescribed Seroquel 25mg at bedtime as needed to help calm my racing thoughts and rage (mental and verbal, and on one occasion physical). This is the first time I have ever taken a drug related to mental health, and I am 35 years old now. I have never taken any medications on a regular basis.

I kicked a hole in the wall in our bedroom one afternoon while I was all worked up in a rage about something absolutely unimportant, that I was absolutely convinced was life or death critical. We live in the USA, and interior walls these days are almost exclusively made of gypsum wallboard (drywall) that break very easily. I mention this only to put a gauge on the amount of physical force required to make the hole with my foot, which is not very much. My problems at the time were completely in my mind, and this was the first physical manifestation of the rage I was feeling. At no point have I or would I even remotely consider directing physical violence towards my wife. At that moment I figured a show of force would help her "understand me". The irony is that kicking the hole in the wall was not such a terrible thing to do, since I had finally left some compelling physical evidence of a manic episode. It was the breaking point, literally. I could no longer keep believing the problem was with everyone else, it was undeniably with me.

After I saw the hole and realized what had happened (my wife sat on the floor in our closet and was crying), I was able to calm myself down enough to think rationally again. We made arrangements to go see a psychiatrist together that an elderly friend had recommended (my wife wasn't the only one who understood my needs before I did). After hearing both of us describe our recent trouble, the doctor suggested I take the smallest dose of Seroquel possible at bedtime to insure a good night's sleep and help calm my manic mind over time. It was only to be taken when my wife and I agreed that my stress level was elevated enough that a benadryl would not be enough to help me sleep. I was prescribed 30 pills that day (6/11/2008), and today (2/23/2011) I am happy to say there are still 8 of those 30 remaining. Full disclosure: we have gone through a few bottles of Benedryl capsules, and 50mg is enough to make me sleep peacefully every time (180lb guy). I have not seen it stressed enough on this forum, but getting a good night of sleep every night is absolutely critical. Getting good sleep is the most important aspect of mental health maintenance. More sleep = less trouble. Please get your sleep, and get it regularly, one way or the other.

For me, this drug has been an absolute savior. For the tiniest dose to make such a huge and positive change in my life is just stunning in my opinion. I understand that many variables are involved in each individual's story, and that many variables never get included in online posts, but it seems to me that my experience has been atypical compared to most posts I have read. I would love to hear from other people who have been prescribed this low dosage for occasional use to stop mania before it gets fully started. I am amazed that people are able to stomach such high dosages on a daily basis, since the smallest dose has been enough to keep my mania in check. I can't imagine what it would feel like to take a 500mg dose, since 25mg knocks me on my butt every time. I too am groggy the next day until about lunch time, and usually will drink extra caffeine in the morning to help keep my eyes focused. My metabolism slows down significantly after taking Seroquel, but I would not call it constipation. Those are the only two negative side effects for me, and with so many positive effects I am extremely pleased with what this stuff has done for my family.

Sincerely,
Serocool