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.

6,453 Members
125,809 Posts
3 Online
Mental Health
/ Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Seroquel- Sucks or Works?

deleted_user
deleted_user
I have been talking Seroquel for while now, but lately I have been 'rapid cycling' and I have had unbelieveable difficulty stating awake. I bascially have been sleeping 12 hrs/day since I started it. At first I thought I was tired, then I thought it was the BP. Now I have run out of Seroquel (not refilling till my pdoc appt next week) and as soon as I put that stuff down I am sleeping normal hrs again. Now I am in a good place right now, have been for about a week, but I am definitely going to talk to that pd about this med. I think it might be time for something different. Thoughts?
deleted_user
deleted_user
I hated seroquel made me mixed and sleepy
deleted_user
deleted_user
#1, What do you mean by "mixed"? New to this, sorry. SRC
deleted_user
deleted_user
Changeing meds is very common for us ..Keep tweaking your meds ..ever changeing
deleted_user
deleted_user
My dosage was tapered up to 200mg each night. For over 6 weeks, I battled to get 6-7 hours of sleep each night. But, that was only part of the saga. When I would wake, for roughly 3 hours I would feel drunk. Then for another 3 hours I would feel like I had the worst hangover ever. So for 12-13 hours each day, I was either sleeping, drunk, or hungover. Good luck to you.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I think the worst part is that this is the most normal that I ever feel. But I am not really sure if that is how "normal" people feel. Its real hard for me to tell when my meds are working. I can only tell when I feel like smashing my truck into a bridge embuttment or like running the 10 miles to the start of my marathon. SRC
deleted_user
deleted_user
I am on this and have been on other anti-psy & they all make you sleep this much. i started out on a dose of something similar and I sleep for 15 hours a day & could not hold my head up, see clearly, write my name, or make a sandwhich. so if you just starting and you can still go to work than i would say give it time. things take ahwile before the side effects go away
deleted_user
deleted_user
also, i am on 400 mG of this and i don't have side effects now although i sleep this much on the weekend. sometimes it is hard to wake up during the week when i take it late at night, which i do often as a night person
mistymoomar
mistymoomar
I have been on seroquel for three years,the sleep is great the mornings are crap,it does totally switch off your brain,I am on the manic side,would not sleep without any meds.It is a heavy drug I was taking 600mg at night,I have not put on any weight most people,well women are scared about this,I love it go seroquel xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
deleted_user
deleted_user
Good info, from everyone. Here is the trouble: I work 40 hrs and go to school. 3 days/week I run about a 15 hr day between the two. The sleeping has got me missing classes and that is hurting my grade. I was bp without meds for a long time before seroquel (still wasn't much of a student) but at least I could keep my eyes open. Seeing the pdoc in 7 days. Will discuss with him. SRC
mistymoomar
mistymoomar
Opps,that was so nice of me didnt know you where the one that slagged me off xxxxxxxxxxxx
deleted_user
deleted_user
"mixed' is feeling manic and depressed at the same time. I am very creative when mixed, but on the down side I have the tendancy to injure myself. I am now on 800mg of seraquel. I could not fall asleep without it. I do sleep longer hours, however, if I take it at 10PM, I won't fall asleep until 1 or 2PM, but have an easier time getting up in the morning. i work from home so that getting up isn't interfering with my job. Thank the Lord!
deleted_user
deleted_user
oops, 1 or 2 AM.
2kidmom
2kidmom
I love it and it works. I just use it to shut my brain off to sleep. I take 1/2 tablet per night. I get the sleep I need and then it is worn off.
freeheeler
freeheeler
I was on seroquel for a while. Sleep problems are a big part of my bp. I had to cut my seroquel dose in half in order to be able to function in the morning. If I could afford it right now, I'd be on a low dose.
deleted_user
deleted_user
If you ask me all this stuff is hard to take. I get every side effect in the book and then some. Seroquel, even a low dose zoned me out on the couch and made me feel like I had the flu. Now tell me, how does that help anything!

We need some better meds and a great deal more understanding of mental illness and pharmacology.
Posts You May Be Interested In
  • GrassIsGreen

    acknowlodging

    Posted by: GrassIsGreen
    Last Reply: GrassIsGreen
    15
    I have been here before, a long long time ago and now I am back.Forgive me for not just saying what I want to say,even under a triple dose of antidepressants it is still raw and seeping and I am hesitant at revealing it as at least under the bandages around my heart I don,t have to look at how raw and wounded.My child was cleaved from my heart by his own actions. my child of ten,turning eleven...
  • irishwriter

    come unwind in the bp lounge

    Posted by: irishwriter
    Last Reply: MayB
    7908
    theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??