i currently take 75mg of seroquel before bedtime for sleep problems and anxiety. I will be switching due to no coverage for seroquel. What is a logical alternative for me for the treatment of severe anxiety and problems sleeping?
Alternative to seroquel for anxiety and sleep problems?
Question posted by jbarkafski on 1 March 2011
Last updated on 16 November 2018
8 Answers
Azyion2012
1 Feb 2018
That's what I want to know Seroquel makes me put on weight
sjgould106
9 April 2018
Hi Azyion. You gain weight on Seroquel because the parts of your brain affected by Seroquel is also the part that permeates show center for hunger. In fact, they are now starting to give Seroquel to anorexics. A lot of people are given metformin to weaken the signal to that part of the brain, but the caveat is that metformin is rough on your kidneys. It's a trade-off. Good fortune!
Heidi19699
17 Nov 2018
I agree! I am physically active & I can not get the extra 10 pounds off when I started Seroquel. My psychiatrist says it’s common but ummmm. I wonder if there are other options available. Thanks for the comment!
pencap
29 May 2013
jbarkafski
I know you posted a long time ago but it does come generic now. I realize insurance is an issue. Ask for clonazepam or elavil both cheep. I was off my Seroquel for a bit and it was very rough. now Ambien and Seroquel dont put me to sleep so thinking about Trazadone. This too may be inexpensive.
saynotodrugsnow4ever
18 April 2012
I recommend that you and anyone else of drugs go to an N.D. which is a naturopathic doctor and examine the ways that you can naturally deal with Depression,SADD,OCD,GAD, PANIC & ANXIETY ETC... AND all the other labels that have been attached and brain-washed into our minds because the only people sufferring are those of us who are being made HUMAN GUINEA PIGS by doctors,pharmacists, BIG PHARMA, BIG GOVERNMENT etc... i don't trust all doctors ... even though they have taken a hippocratic oath why can't western medicine be combined with eastern medicine in order for us to be tranquil individuals and why are we being made into a NATION OF ADDICTS by government, media... etc. LET US HAVE AN OCCUPY BIG PHARMA,BIG DOCTOR AND BIG GOVERNMENT and rise up against these scoundrels who are taking away our mental and physical health. I am not a naturopathic doctor but I think ayurvedic, chinese as well as natural medicine is the best figther agains disease...
the aboriginals all across the world used nature to cure problems or diseases... this reminds me of LIKOTA... AT THE END OF THE DAY IT'S YOUR BODY MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION... GODSPEED... ciao, good day...
clamcakes
14 Sep 2011
Consider finding a dif. doc. Seroquel really should not be used for anxiety, at least not till other meds have been tried, and should never be used for sleep alone. Its primary use is for psychosis, not anxiety, and has the potential for significant side effects. It also is used for severe anger and mood lability, generally when associated with bipolar disorder. Unless you have failed multiple meds for anxiety and the anxiety is severe, the benefits do not justify the potential side effect risks associated with Seroquel. Umm, another reasonable use in anxiety is use for a month or so while safer medications are tried. Many take a month or so to impact anxiety. The medication will be fairly cheap in about a year, and I am afraid it will be much more widely used despite the significant associated side effects.
ironmaidn
25 March 2011
I used to take seroquel for my moderate to servere anxiety and my insomnia. I used to take up to 250mg prior to bed but it was not working. I began to take a combination of xanax (benzo) and ambien (anti-hypnotic) and that has worked for me the best. However, if you have a history of addiction, this may not be the best alternative for you. There are other anti-psychotic's out there similar to seroquel that may be helpful. If insurance coverage is an issue, ask your doctor for samples if possible? They get a lot of them from pharmac. reps each week. Please work with your medical doctor to determine what works best for you. I wish you all the best and sweet dreams always!
NooneKnows48
10 March 2011
I am also taking Seroquel but I only take it as needed, I am also taking Klonopin, 2mgs twice a day as needed for anxiety and it also helps me sleep at night. I usually take that rather then the Seroquel because it helps more with the anxiety. I only take the Seroquel if I can not sleep after taking the Klonopin. Have you tried that? Hope this helps!
DzooBaby
1 March 2011
There are many good alternatives. Elavil, trazadone and nortriptyline are a few. Lauries advice is very sound as well.
LaurieShay
1 March 2011
Hey jbarkafski,
If the issue is no insurance coverage, you may qualify for pateint assistance program of some type. The manufacturer of Seroquel is Astra Zeneca and can be contacted at: 1-800-236-9933. Give them a call and inquire into patient assistance for this drug. Another site that offers coupons for Seroquel can be found at: www.mahalo.com/seroquel-coupons.
As far as other sleep aids, there are many. Are you only taking the Seroquel for sleep and anxiety or also for the antipsychotic benefits such as for Bipolar Disorder or Schizophrenia? Without knowing this info, it is difficult to make a sound choice. You can go to the blue tool bar above and bring down the menu under Drugs A to Z and click on Drugs by condition, type in insomnia and it will give you a list of many drugs for insomnia, many of which are also prescribed for anxiety. Give it a try.
Some of the options you may consider are the benzodiazapenes such as Ativan or other antipsychotics such as Zyprexa, but you may still have a problem with the lack of insurance coverage.
I highly recommend you contact the manufacturer of Seroquel and see what they say, especially if it is working for you.
Hope you get some help,
Laurie
Related topics
seroquel, anxiety, sleep disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, sleep
Further information
- Seroquel uses and safety info
- Seroquel prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Seroquel (detailed)
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