I’ve been on 87mg Seroquel for six months for insomnia. In the last three months I’ve developed a very high heart rate as well as extreme agitation and restlessness. Is this from Seroquel? I suspect it is because my cardiologist suggested I lower my dose to see if my heart rate would improve. It has not but my agitation is slightly less intense. I think I should taper off Seroquel because I can’t live with this agitation anymore. I feel stuck between tolerating the agitation and fear of rapid tapering. What should I do?
Anxiety - Is severe agitation from Seroquel?
Question posted by Kat416 on 5 Jan 2021
Last updated on 7 January 2021
Answers
WildcatVet
5 Jan 2021
Hi, Kat! Tachycardia (rapid heart rate), restlessness, and agitation ARE rare side effects for some folks taking Seroquel. What's surprising is that they would develop so long after you started the medication. Have you discussed this with the doctor who prescribed the drug? Your best course of action may be to stop the Seroquel... and it shouldn't be a rapid taper... and try another sleep aid. Get a professional opinion before you start your taper and don't try to do it yourself or by any suggestions you might find on the internet. Best regards and I hope you're feeling better quickly.
Kat416
6 Jan 2021
Thank you. I am speaking to my psychiatrist on Friday. He thinks I may be developing akithesia and has given me the green light to taper off. Quite rapidly. But I’m afraid to do that.
WildcatVet
6 Jan 2021
Seroquel is not habit-forming but you may experience discontinuation symptoms if you stop abruptly or taper too fast.
AstraZeneca (the manufacturer of the brand name Seroquel) recommends a withdrawal period of 1-2 weeks minimum.
Try not to worry too much... you'll do fine.
Kat416
7 Jan 2021
Thanks for the reassurance. I’ll be speaking to my Psych tomorrow. I want to continue tapering reasonably promptly. Maybe drop a quarter pill every one to two weeks. I’m on 50mg so will take me 10-16 weeks
Related topics
seroquel, anxiety, agitation, heart rate
Further information
- Seroquel uses and safety info
- Seroquel prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Seroquel (detailed)
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