... results from taking it. I have been on so many medications for not just insomnia but anxiety and depression. Nothing seems to work right. Help! Any suggestions?
Just got prescribed Seroquel for insomnia. Kind of scared to take it. I've heard good and bad?
Question posted by khucke on 30 April 2011
Last updated on 13 December 2021
28 Answers Page 2
Heytheregirl
23 Sep 2017
I'm Christopher Guerra and I take seroquel I like it I take at bed time it makes me tired and it makes me feel good I am going to quit drinking smoking and drugs and just take the seroquel
Csupe
7 Aug 2017
I take it both for mood disorder as well as crazy bad insomnia. I've tried ambien, lunesta, trazodone, etc... also I've tried all the OTC stuff including Melatonin. No luck.
But Seroquel is my wonder drug! Puts me right to sleep. True, it may make you a bit light - headed in the morning. If it does, just don't get up too quick and allow yourself a little extra time in the morning.
Good Luck
ineedmysleep63
20 Nov 2017
Hi Csupe. Do you take the regular Seroquel or the extended release? What kind of dose do you take? I have taken the regular 50mg Seroquel and the 50mg extended release. They both work well for me, but the regular 50mg really knocks me out.
Thank you!
Csupe
29 Nov 2017
No, I do not take the extended release.
I am currently up to 450mg at bedtime. For her most part, I guess I’m sleeping better. But I’m still waiting for the seroquel to help with the mania.
Csupe
29 Nov 2017
... oh I forgot. - the weight gain is seriously bringing me down. I’m 132. In the last 2 months I’ve gained 18 lbs!
UGH!!
Ginaksm42
16 July 2017
You will love it. I have taken it for 2 years now I don't leave home without it
gmf1313
17 April 2017
I'm sure this is an ongoing concern, I myself began taking this in 2010 for bipolar disorder. You should NEVER take it during the day, and anyone who prescribes it for mornings should not be doing so because of the drowsiness effect. I would question the expertise and credentials of any professional who is not informed enough about this med to know that it creates drowsiness and reduced alertness when awake. I have actually accidentally taken it in the morning and it wipes me out for 4 hours. But this is what makes it great for insomnia, I take one or two doses an hour before I want to go to sleep, or if it's getting too late into the night and I see that I may not sleep I will take one or two at that point. I always get up well rested the next day. I think that timing is the thing, that four hour drowsiness period is perfect as it sits well within the ideal of 7 - 8 hours per night. I have never had any side effects, although I don't know if it has any tangible effect on my bipolar symptoms
MsGomes
28 Aug 2012
Only #Bad is possible weight gain, but it works well, I gained 20pds but I was a stick & lazy. If I had ate ok & somewhat exercise I wouldn't of gained anything! Good Luck!
cleokitten
13 July 2012
Hi there khucke!
I have a loooong history with seroquel - only at small dosages, though. I, too, was prescribed Seroquel for mild insomnia almost 7 years ago after the loss of my brother. I took 150mg, divided into 3 small doses of 50 mg each, to keep me fairly calm throughout the days following Mike's death... not much sleep at that point. After only a few days, I was asked by my doc to try to wait to take the last dose about 30 mins. b4 bedtime - taken along with what were my regular meds, 100 mg/day of Zoloft, & 4mg/day of Lorazepam, (not all at bedtime, of course!).
The outcome was a full night's sleep! About 5 hours the first night. Simply because of the circumstances, I would wake myself up crying and find it hard to return to peaceful sleep. However, once I allowed myself to start the healing process, and realized that I couldn't continue being any good to anyone if I wasn't taking care of myself, I would take the seroquel at a larger dose (per my doc's instructions), 75mg with my 1mg of Lorazepam 39 mins. b4 bed, and ta-da!! I was sleeping like a little baby!
There are some pretty scary things on these medication labels - they must provide every side effect associated with the outcome of numerous clinical & human trials b4 the FDA approves any drug. So, even if only one person had suffered with a certain side effect, then that would need to be published as part of their overall findings! So, it wouldn't necessarily mean that YOU or I would suffer the same thing, per se.
It's used for schizophrenia, (label use), and is usually prescribed in doses of anywhere between 750mg/day up to around 2500mg/day. More or less may be given to different patients presenting with different levels of the disease. So I think that you can be confidant of the histrory of this drug - especially if you're only using it for mild sedation at this point.
I am going thru some sleepless nites once again, only this time, Mother Nature is responsible! Still have the Seroquel on hand for that reason. Oh, byw, did you get the generic for this drug? It is called Quietaipine, and is MUCH less expensive than the brand. Still effective though! Good luck and Sleep Tight! Let us know how you do with this!
Wishing you peace filled days and DREAMS!!
Cleo
will it ever stop?
11 July 2011
Interestingly, I was on 600 mg of Seroquel (for several months) when I STARTED experiencing severe insomnia which went on for several weeks. Have yet to figure out what triggered the insomnia to begin with as it seems unlikely that the Seroquel would have been the culprit. Reading the previous comments, I too was very tired during the day and when I would first wake in the morning, found that it took about an hour for me to really wake up and shake it off. However, while on Seroquel, it seemed to consume my life. By that, I mean that other than going to work, afterwards I felt like doing next to nothing and would wind up going to sleep very early. It was like Seroquel, sleep, work, Seroquel, sleep, work... you get the idea. It also caused a large weight gain or added to the weight gain I likely experienced from other meds taken before going on it, as I do lead a healthy lifestyle.
Aldo123
6 May 2011
Hi there
I've been using seroquel for quite a while now. And I am very satisfied.
I minimized the dosage over a period of time and I am happy where I am!!!
The only thing is to get enough sleep, I prefer to get 8 hours but 7 is still fine.
When I get less it is like a hangover yes, but you will learn over time what you need.
Just make sure you get the right dosage for your situation and body, you will benefit from that. Too much is not good and will make you feel terrible the next day.
Good luck and happy sleeping!!
AnnieBHappy
3 June 2012
Aldo 123 may I ask what dosage your taking? Are you still taking the Seroquel? Are you happy with it? Am taking 50mg SeroquelXR. Did you have any tics or facial twitches develop from taking it? AnnieBHappy and hoping you are still involved with this site...
TereseVanHoy
2 Nov 2016
I am taking 100 mg. seroquel at bedtime. Gays stomach. Bloated. Hard heart pounding. Gas is terrible. Especially after eating. Seems my heart beats hard in my stomach after I eat. Please respond for any help you can give me. It has caused me to not eat m
TereseVanHoy
2 Nov 2016
I am taking 100 mg. seroquel at bedtime. Gays stomach. Bloated. Hard heart pounding. Gas is terrible. Especially after eating. Seems my heart beats hard in my stomach after I eat. Please respond for any help you can give me. It has caused me to not eat much.
Terese
hope316
1 May 2011
I've also been on a lot of medications for sleep, and Seroquel was the one that worked the best for the longest period of time. Since it's also a mood stabilizer, it could also help with your depression, it did for me at least for awhile. Good luck!
Inactive
1 May 2011
Hi khucke. Avid "fan" of seroquel. I was on it for almost five years. It was given too me as an anti-depressant and being an insomniac, it very much helped me with sleeping. My dose was 300mg, which I took in the evening, close to when I wanted to fall asleep. The cost factor, just too much out of my pocket, even after insurance threw in thier payment. There is no generic for seroquel, I think that there won't be for another three or four years. I can honestly say, that its a medication that has been gaining in popularity. The side effects... in my case, very minimal. Weight gain. I countered this by eating my supper, late. Say eight in the evening. I'd take the seroquel, around seven. About 8'oclock I'd get the munchies, and instead of snacking away, I'd just eat my supper. And I do the same thing now, being on mirtazapine (remeron). Basically the routine seldom changes.
The mirtazapine does not give me what I call "comatose" sleep. Seroquel would sometimes give me three hours of uninterrupted sleep. Now, its two hours, here, another one or two there, and thats about my sleep for that night. I think that if you take it, as most people do, say at bedtime, you will be happy if I can use that word, with the results. Give it a chance, its I believe a med that will help you. As you said, you've been on so many other/different types of medication, one more try might just be the one for you.best wishes and heres hoping it works.
AnnieBHappy
3 June 2012
Thanks for the input pledge. I really disliked Remeron. I was happy at first to sleep; but the tiredness and hangover would last the rest of the day. I also put weight on with that one! I find your answers so wonderfully informative!!! I'm trying to gather info re: Seroquel side effects... Wow! you were taking 300 mgs. Wow again!, I sleep the night through on 50; however, I am quite med sensitive!!! Hope you're doing as well as can be: AnnieBHappy
AnnieBHappy
3 June 2012
Hey Pledge, was also wondering... was it mainly cost that caused your decision to quit the Seroquel or is it dangerous to be on for too long? I've read that the chances of tardive dyskinesia rise the higher the dosage as well as length of time taking it. I love it for sleep, but have been worried about having taken it now for close to 1/2 a year... Again any input is highly appreciated! Your posts are always so very insightful and thorough! Thanks, AnnieBHappy
Inactive
3 June 2012
Hello annie. Strictly at the time was cost. I now take remeron, for my sleep and the same warnings apply. People have been on Seroquel since it first cam on the market and are doing very well on the drug. I'd not worry, and that is being sincere. If I thought there you might be at risk, I would say so.
AnnieBHappy
3 June 2012
Pledge: Thank you so much for the reassurances! I feel the Seroquel is helping so much with my sleep, I'm willing to see if this eye tic doesn't remedy itself with time. Could just be fatigue or eye strain (have just started wearing reading glasses) When I looked up eye tics, there are a numer of reasons listed why in general they occur. Don't want to switch too many things at once. Am weaning from the Cipralex for now to end up with Prozac in the morning and Seroquel at night. Will keep an eye on the twitch (really have no other choice; it's right there! ;-) ) and see what comes of it. Thank you so very much for your input Pledge! Have as good a day as you can and may Blue Skies and Sunshine follow you throughout your daily battle! Keep on: AnnieBHappy :-)
AnnieBHappy
3 June 2012
Oh hey, and Pledge, re: 'the same warnings apply' with the Remeron... did you mean that Remeron also poses a risk of tardive dyskinesia? Sorry to be a pest... I have a perpetual curiousity :-) -- at least when I'm feeling better and have the energy -- the return of my avid need for knowledge is usually a good indication that I am starting to feel better!!! :-) I'm hoping this upswing in my well-being isn't a fluke and lasts!!! How are you? Have you improved, plateaued or worsened? Are you managing to manage your challenges? If so, how long did it take you to find your answers for what works? Just, again, curious & caring conversation -- not meaning to pry! Obviously only answer what feels comfortable to you! AnnieB: so very Happy she found this site as now she doesn't feel so darned alone in all of this! Thanks again :-)
Cathleen186
30 April 2011
Hi khucke,
I was prescribed Seroquel a couple years ago for depression and anxiety. So I was taking it in the day. It immediately wiped me out almost feeling drunk but I could've been started on too high a dose. I did not take it for insomnia but can see where it may be very effective. Good luck and hope this helped. Cathleen
Inactive
1 May 2011
HI Cathleen. I can understand how it might have wiped you out. When I was taking it, always close to my bed-time. I could feel it working, oh, just within twenty minutes or so after taking it. The only way I would take it during the day, is knowing I am not going to drive anywhere. It does certainly effect the ... word..motor skills. Mind you, I no longer work, and to be honest, it has helped me, to manage my medication times to suit myself. It gives me options, which I can use, if I so want to. best of wishes.
AnnieBHappy
3 June 2012
We are all so different and respond differently to meds, hey?! I take 50mg Seroquel XR at night for sleep and every night, 'on the dot', it hits me in 2 hrs. I can count on it. If I want to watch a movie at 8 pm, I take it at 8 and in two hours: lights out! AnnieBHappy... speaking of which, I'd better go take my SeroquelXR... (early to bed early to rise... )
Darling Di
7 June 2012
I worked 10 years as a mental health pro with adults with persistent & severe mental illnesses. A lot of my clients were on high, high doses of Seroquel, such as 1000 mg, etc. So when my own md suggested that I try some, I was horrified & shocked,& refused! HOWEVER, as I got into the most difficult period of my life, I tried some for my insomia. It was amazing for me- put me to sleep like clock work, kept me asleep (but if I had to get up for something I was able to without staggering around feeling/acting like I was drugged. It dramatically reduced my anxiety the very 1st day after I began using it & has continued to do so almost 2 years later. I started off low and found what has been the best dosa
Darling Di
7 June 2012
Sorry, my response got posted got before I meant for it to... as I was saying... i started off really low at about 50mg, & I have settled at 150-300mg a night of the XR kind 2hours before I want to fall asleep. It was funny- my MD only had XR samples so he told me to break the pill in 1/2 & take both halves- works great so we didn't try & change it until I recently lived in another state fore several months & a new MD didn't call the rx in right so I got the non XR kind of Seroquel & I took it without realizing what a huge difference it would make- I was staggering & acted like I was drunk because it hit me sooooo fast! Like 20-30 minutes. So just wanted to share that with you. BUT, if you have unusual facial or body movements, toungue thrusting, etc.
PLEASE discuss it with your MD- it could very well be tardive dyskensia (usually associated with the much older anti-psychotics), but still possible & it can be irreversible as others have already mentioned. Just a note- I've literally tried almost every other med for my insomnia but Seroquel for me has been a godsend! I wish everyone well!
AnnieBHappy
7 June 2012
Dear Darling Di! Thank you so very much for you thorough posts re: Seroquel XR. The more info we share with one another; the more empowered we become to make suitable choices for ourselves... we're all different and will respond in different ways to a variety of medications. We must be our own advocates in finding our answers... with each other's insights, input and help, this process becomes both less and less frightening and overwhelming. So thank-you again, the Seroquel XR has worked wonders for my sleep... my very faint eye lid twitch could be caused by other factors (ie, fatigue, eye strain etc) so am hoping it resolves itself at some point and I can continue on with the SeroquelXR 50 mg. AnnieBHappy
mine99
21 March 2019
I HAVE heard of Seroquel for daytime use, but I still fail to see how. I just want to express my admiration for those of you you actually pull off this magical feat.
caringsonbj
30 April 2011
I have this- I have taken Ambien, Restoril, Sonata, Dalmane, to name a few after using one night then I was ready to stop, my body reacts in a different way, I end up waking with a "hangover effect", I just cannot handle that, I average 3-4 hours sleep per night, I've got to where I get the book out and read and I fall asleep, I realize that isn't suggested but I find that I read till a certain time and then I stop, I do not consume food or drinks after 5 PM, I hope you are fortunate enough to find something that will allow you to sleep and at the same time the medications that you are on will help relieve your anxiety and the depression, I apologize for this not getting through to me prior to today, and I am sorry I haven't been much help but just know that you are in my thoughts- just keep on keeping on, take good care!
Inactive
1 May 2011
Hello carinsonbj. My fellow insomniac friend. good to see you :-0). Often, when I'm awake I wonder and say, bet you Billy is up and about! ha! I read two names..restoril and dalmane. dalmane, an oldie, boy its been around it seems forever. And restoril, thats been out some time also. I was on them, at some time. Dalmane I would say, oh twenty years ago.Somewhere in that ball park. And yup, good advice I like that one "just keep on keeping on". Hope that you are enjoying this beautifull day. best of wishes to us all ha!
jerbear458
14 Sep 2018
Dalmane is really long acting and can leave you hung over in the morning. Restoril is more intermediate acting and Halcion short acting which I think would make Restoril the best choice if you are going to take a benzodiazepine
LaurieShay
30 April 2011
Hey khucke,
I haven't actually taken Seroquel but my sister has taken it for insomnia and it really helped her. She takes several sleep medicines which weren't working. Recently she was prescribed Seroquel and she has slept much better. Just be careful if you get up at night as you may experience dizziness and somnolence which after all is the objective.
Best wishes,
Laurie
Inactive
1 May 2011
Hey there Laurie. I'll bet you a dozen doughnuts that your sister gained a few pounds! :-0)
questing
1 May 2011
That prescription did work for sleeping, however I was sleepy through the days following, and finally was very disorented. So I quit. I'm using melitonin or benadryl , if I'm awake more than a half hour. Than I get up and sit in a chair, reading a boring book, untill I feel sleepy. Plus the real key is to move, use enough energy during the day , so that you are tired at night, plus a regular schedule for sleeping & waking up. And No daytime naps. Low light is important, and quiet , no T.V. noises, plus a CD of white noise. These are my methods of getting to sleep. My body needed to be retrained & I'm working hard on it. My pain needed to be addressed also. I do wish you luck, because not sleeping is one of the hardest things to deal with,
AnnieBHappy
3 June 2012
Am taking 50 mg XR Seroquel and haven't gained any weight from it. I sleep well though! AnnieBHappy
Dancarlos
11 Oct 2017
I hope it helps your sister and that she’s able to stay relaxed and find good sleep at night
danny1966
24 Nov 2017
I take 600 mg Seroquel XR each day for mental health issues I also suffer from insomnia which they also prescribe me Ambien CR I take Zoloft for depression and Lamictal as a mood stabilizer yet I still find it very very hard to sleep any suggestions thanks Danny I don't know what happened to the first part of my text but stated that I take 600 mg of Seroquel XR each day for mental health issues as well as insomnia
Jedd
16 March 2018
Actually since i have been taking this medication i sleep well, and actually have lost weight- stress causes weight gain- lack of sleep causes stress- you get the picture. I work out and walk, and i am losing weight.
mine99
21 March 2019
I have to say, well I hope someone can relate; the only time I have a hard time moving around is when I fight it (I'm not the only one).
Doxiemother
11 May 2019
I have been taking Seroquel for a number of years. I was a Hopeless Insomniac since High School. I would go 4 days with no sleep. We tried Everything, nothing worked. Seroquel did not work immediately. It took about a month.
Related topics
seroquel, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, insomnia, generalized anxiety disorder, medication
Further information
- Seroquel uses and safety info
- Seroquel prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Seroquel (detailed)
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