Bipolar Disorder Support Group
Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.
Well, I accidentally posted my first message in the "advice" section (you can go to my profile and find it there if you want more background.. actually that'd be really nice) :P But annyway, as an update, I had a breakdown yesterday, and also this morning.. my psychiatrist wanted to see me as soon as possible, so I went to see her this afternoon. She said that while she was hoping the Clonazepam would be enough to curb the excessive energy and racing thoughts, etc., it clearly was not working. She gave me Seroquel XR (150mg) and I took my first one about an hour and a half ago. I'm not as bouncy, so that's a good sign (: Like I've already said before though, I have (for better or for worse) a habit of wanting to learn everything there is to know about something, so have just spent the last hour researching Seroquel... the mentions of deaths and problems with heart conditions kind of terrified me! (I have mitral valve prolapse and supraventricular tachychardia with an accessory pathway) I'm sure there's no need to worry, and I suppose the doasge is quite low (my psychiatrist originally was going to give me 50mg of it, but what with all the bouncing about, decided on 150mg instead, though said that sometimes dosages can go up to 800mg). Annyway. I just wanted to give an update, and talk to anyone else who is or has taken it, and their thoughts. Thanks!
M.
M.
At low doses like between 25-100mg Seroquel is mostly sedating vs controlling hypomania/mania. Doses can be adjusted upwards until you feel better...even over 800mg, from what I have heard. I was only Seroquel for a while and found it very helpful. My only side effect was an increased appetite and I just had to learn not to over-eat.
Oh...I used to have SVT with the accessory pathway. It was inconvenient, scary and at times very scary (I had severe crushing chest pain with a heart rate of 160-170) I had an ablation done and have not had problems since then--7 years!
I hope you feel better soon. Best wishes & welcome to the DS, the home of much BS. :)
The side effect that hit me first was the sedation. Knocked me out for 26 hrs. I had to take it by 6:30 PM if I wanted to be able to wake up by 6:30 the next morning.
I have always been an athlete with a high metabolism. So when I gained 50 lbs. in 5 months I was astounded. I had spent by entire life trying to gain weight. I was 40 when I finally correctly diagnoses with Bipolar II, after being treated for 10 years as clinical depressed. It was once I gained the weight that I realized Seroquel can cause major weight gain. I gained 30 more pounds before I could stop the gain. It was like wearing a car. Suddenly developed joint issues on knees that had torn cartilage from years of basketball. I also began having issues with my appearance.
Having said all the above I continued using Seroquel because for the first time in my life I HAD CONTROL of my mind. That was worth more to me than anything.
Until Seroquel I had always eaten what I wanted as much as I wanted because I couldn't gain weight. So I had to learn to eat differently. I was able to lose weight, but it was a difficult and long process.
I have my lipid levels checked every 3-4 months. They've been above normal, but not dangerously high and as long as my bad cholesterol was normal I have not been concerned - nor has my doctor.
But, again, it was worth it. Good luck. In the end you must decide for yourself. However, I was NOT aware of the weight gain effects. If you determine there is not danger regarding your heart condition giving it time to see how Seroquel works for you. Just keep a log, be self-aware, discuss any concerns with your doctor - and trust yourself - you'll be fine.
Seroquel is part of my night-time cocktail. I have to be careful when I take it because it affects me so quickly.
I take 200mg (along with zopiclone, clonazepam) at about 10:00 and I am pretty well incoherent by 10:30.
I have had to endure quite a weight gain but I wouldn't do without it. Seems like I am always hungry.