Quetiapine for Depression User Reviews (Page 2)

• Issy
• November 10, 2015

Seroquel XR (quetiapine) "I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 8 months ago (I'm 19), but I do not have that. Instead, I have BPD and depression. I was taking olanzapine, which took away my entire life - I could barely do anything. But for the past 2 days with Seroquel, it has almost the opposite effect. Together with Prozac, I have felt more motivated and less suicidal. Also, I'm able to control my anxiety, and I have more control over my behavior. I also have trouble focusing, but this has helped me focus on therapy a lot more. Sleep is not great, but I'm only on 25mg; I only sleep for about 6-7 hours and then wake up and keep going back to sleep. This is the first drug that's given me hope."

• Mikfr
• November 28, 2014

Seroquel XR (quetiapine) "I was prescribed seroquel 100mg for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and I could only take it for two days. I took it as prescribed before bedtime. I almost crashed my truck several times on my way to work and I had to pull over on the shoulder to sleep on my way home from work. Day 2 was a Saturday. I slept for 14.5 hours. I can't function at all on this."

• Kooshs...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 20, 2013

Seroquel XR (quetiapine) "I have had Bipolar Disorder/Personality Disorder and severe depression for about 30 years and have tried just about every medicine there is. A recent set-back had me in hospital: my Dr. decided to put me on Seroquel XR 400 mg along with my other medicines. In the beginning it seemed to help me, as time went on my symptoms of low mood suicidal thoughts, etc. came back...most important to note was the WEIGHT GAIN. In under a year almost 50 lbs for no real reason. Extreme fatigue and sleepiness-hard to get out of bed in the mornings! Am now reducing dosage to slowly get off it as per Dr.'s orders and switching to an alternative. I am hoping this will work."

• Smittyz
• August 18, 2008

Seroquel XR (quetiapine) "For years I suffered from severe depression. Doctors must have tried every different medicine of this nature in hopes to help me; however, it wasn't until I was given Seroquel that I began to feel better and sleep like a baby. At first, I would sleep 12 to 14 hours after taking the medicine, then I began to get used to it. I haven't had a bout of depression in 3 years. I can sleep again, but now around 8 hours a night. I can honestly say I love this pill. Even with the side effects of hunger, it's totally worth it."

• Paigem
• November 15, 2013

"This is the best medicine I've come across. I was diagnosed with depression at 14, and I'm now 17. I had previously been on Pristiq, Prozac, and Valium. I was put on 200 mg of Seroquel during an inpatient stay at a psychiatric clinic. It's true, there are ridiculous amounts of side effects. For me, I had the hungover feeling, weight gain, a zombie feeling during the day, lack of focus, and a lot of aggression. However, I don't have these side effects anymore through therapy and doing the opposite of a symptom, for example, no weight gain by exercising. I still sleep like a baby, my moods are pretty level, and I feel HAPPY. All I can say is you cannot expect a medicine like this to work overnight and without yourself putting in effort!"

• Global...
• January 25, 2017

Seroquel XR (quetiapine) "I have depression with anxious disitress.My extremely racing thoughts would typically whip me up into a panicky state, sometimes with outbursts of irrational anger. Seroquel XR works fantastically to ease that racing mind, to a more 'normal'and useful pace. Side effects are virtually absent: the XR doesn't floor me like immediate release Seroquel did. I can function and think well. Seroquel XR is a good medicine. It also helps with my depression."

• This...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2016

Seroquel XR (quetiapine) "I have only been on Seroquel XR for about a week at 50mg. My doctor prescribed it as an adjunct to Remeron to treat anxiety, depression, paranoia, and insomnia. I also take gabapentin, atenolol, and Xanax. When the Seroquel XR works, it WORKS. I can feel it sedating me two hours after I take it. I've been sleeping eight and nine hours a night, which has not happened in a very, very long time. It's effective at neutralizing both anxiety and depression. BUT... it doesn't last 24 hours for me; it only lasts about 15. Once it wears off my anxiety and depression return with a vengeance. Makes for a very rough 8 or 9 hours until I can take it again."

• Kiki
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 30, 2020

"I took 400mg/night quetiapine and gained 40 lbs. Gained a ton of weight. withdrawal was awful. By end of the 1st week I was hallucinating due to sleep deprivation. I was so sick. Bad Dr didn’t taper me off. Went back to SSRIs, had 2 failed suicide attempts (SSRI resistant) and a new Dr urged me to go back on quetiapine as it was the only thing working for me. I hated the side effects but knew he was right. Gave it another shot with a new Dr at 150mg/night. He said there ARE WAYS to prevent the negative side effects. Dr said with a proper taper, severe withdrawal won't happen. Life made a complete 180. I take Quetiapine with topamax and Metformin and got in amazing shape! (5’4 110lbs compared to 5’4 160lbs the first time I took it) With a proper Dr I realized how much it helps me. No negative side effects cause we keep my dose as low as possible. There are nights I fall asleep without taking it, and sleep fine— if you’re on this medication having a bad experience you know how rare this is."

• garyb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 10, 2016

Seroquel XR (quetiapine) "I've been on just about every antidepressant on the market and my doctor and I decided to try adjunct therapy with Seroquel to "boost" the effect of the Brintellix I take. I was really pleased to find it has a significant effect on my anxiety, which has always been a major component of my depression. While it didn't get rid of my depression, I feel better overall than I have in ages. Downsides? It's expensive if you don't have good insurance. I get a 90-day supply for $80. It also will knock you the heck out. I have to take mine before 6 p.m. or I will have great difficulty in waking up (even with an alarm). It has a heavy sedating effect."

• Midni...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 23, 2013

Seroquel XR (quetiapine) "I have been on a few antidepressants for 11 years with only fair results. My Doctor started me on some Seroquel XR 200mg at bedtime over the last few weeks. This medication not only has helped me with the terrible side effects when you come off many of the typical SSRI but I am sleeping and my depression has improved from a 2 out of 10 to 7 out of ten. Sometimes, SSRI medication side effects are stated as minor but they can be very severe at times. More Doctors should know about Seroquel XR and the great results when stopping antidepressants."

• Arri
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2015

Seroquel XR (quetiapine) "My experience on Seroquel nearly cost me my job as it turned me into a ZOMBIE!. Since going off the drug I am fully functional. My head is clear and I have energy to do things. I cannot believe my Dr prescribed me an antipsychotic drug such as seroquel. Colleagues observing me thought I had undergone a major personality disorder. I have been off it for a month now and not missing it one bit."

• Tano
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 12, 2020

"I struggle with insomnia, depression and a multitude of other things and I’m still sort of figuring out how to deal with and treat them. I started seroquel at 25 mg about 8 months ago and just increased my dose to 50mg. It mostly helps me sleep but occasionally I won’t sleep at all. I stopped having nightmares/ I haven’t had sleep paralysis since I started. My mood is also significantly better. I have strong laughter and I cry in reaction to things (like a sad movie) in a way that feels healthy. I used to either not cry at all for months or cry by myself for hours. I also used to have what I describe as customer service laughter. I still get panic and anxiety attacks and this isn’t a cure all, but it feels really good to be able to laugh."

• Nix
• January 18, 2012

Seroquel XR (quetiapine) "I've had depression for 12 years, and have been on Paxil for about 10. The Paxil worked for a few years, but the anxiety and depression slowly worked their way back into my life. So, along with the Paxil, they added other drugs (Effexor, Wellbutrin), but they made me even more anxious. I was finally put on regular Seroquel and found it worked for a little while, but I was so tired all the time I couldn't function the next day. I was literally fired from 3 jobs for being stuck in bed and refusing to get up. I was switched to Seroquel XR 100mg last year, combined with the 90mg of Paxil I'm still on, and I've found a drastic improvement in my mood, anger, and anxiety. My only complaint would be how sleepy it makes me in the mornings. A large coffee or a caffeinated beverage does the trick, though, and it's worth the sleepiness to have some peace of mind."

• Anonymous
• September 30, 2008

Seroquel XR (quetiapine) "My 16-year-old daughter has been in and out of the hospital for a year and 8 months with a lot of ups and downs. She was given Seroquel XR, and she is like a new person. She has gained weight from it and wanted to be taken off of it, but as the doctor started taking her off of it, she did not like what was happening to her and said, 'I would rather gain weight and be stable than skinny and angry and sad all the time.'"

• chick...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2014

"I take 3x 75mg throughout the day. I feel sedated on it sometimes but I can function. I have no anxiety and depression episodes never get below a point. My mood is way more stable and I don't ever get the huge downers but occasionally still get the big highs. Usually I am just feeling content which is where I want to be. It has saved my life and I can now hold down a job and get back to Uni."

• Jackson
• August 17, 2019

"I had psychotic depression. As a means to clear my though process and eliminate recurring, disruptive and false thoughts, a 200mg dose of quetiapine alongside 150mg of sertraline has been nothing short of miraculous. My thoughts are clear and unobtrusive, my mood is stable and my mind once again feels like my own. Clarity of thought once seemed impossible to me, I saw it as a privilege not something I could achieve. Quetiapine has changed that."

• Hang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2012

Seroquel (quetiapine) "I have been suffering with severe anxiety and depression after developing panic attacks. I have always suffered with generalized anxiety but have not had panic attacks for over 12 years. I haven't taken any medication during that time. I was driving home one evening and out of nowhere a severe panic attack hit me and left me immobilized on a bridge where I just froze. Fatigue, anxiousness, guilt and dread. While I am receiving help from a counselor and my GP, I have been taking Zoloft 100mg in the morning and 50mg of Seroquel. Seroquel has helped me considerably. I take Seroquel at 6pm which usually helps me fall asleep by 9.30pm and wake around 7am. This reduces the hangover effect. I am feeling better since taking Seroquel."

• RaceO...
• January 22, 2010

Seroquel (quetiapine) "I was prescribed one Seroquel 25 mg tablet at night for manic depression and insomnia. I couldn't be happier, my anxiety and depression were significantly reduced. My energy and mood dramatically improved, and I get great sleep every night. I wake up refreshed and ready to start my day. Also, it gives me the most vivid, wonderful dreams of all time. Taking this along with therapy from a psychologist is highly recommended for a successful outcome."

• Nounou
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2019

"I'm on quetiapine at a dose of 25mg only. I was extremely depressed. My depression is lifting, I can sleep and participate in activities again. Only drawback is weight gain, about 5lbs in 2 weeks. Major hunger pangs."

• Indian...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 25, 2013

Seroquel XR (quetiapine) "I have been on 400mg of Seroquel XR along with my antidepressant for more than 1 year. Initially the medicine worked great for my Stress, Delusions and helped me sleep well in the night. Lately the anxiety has returned and I have severe anxiety during the day time. In the night I pass out so don't feel much in the night. However this medicine has caused me gain a lot of weight. I would say I have gained about 25 pounds since starting the medicine."

• Shombie
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 21, 2019

"On quetiapine for deprssion and I slept all night, but stayed in bed all day, depressed. My life fell apart. I gained 60 lbs., my health deteriorated, I became hopeless, stopped eating well or taking care of my family and neglected responsibilities. I'm on Topamax now and I am so much better!"

• Emma
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 30, 2013

Seroquel XR (quetiapine) "I was put on 25mg of Seroquel at age 15 due to major depression. I agree with the previous comment made, even on such a low dose I also feel I'm in a chemical straight jacket. I have trouble thinking straight, I can't concentrate for over 15 minutes, my sleep is average - it's extremely hard to wake up. I also find I'm so much more angrier and impulsive, I stutter and can't form words, as well as shaking uncontrollably in my legs when I get anxious. I also get headaches or even at least twice per week. However, my family and close friends have noticed a considerable improvement in my mental health eg suicidal thoughts have almost stopped completely and an increase in more 'happy Emma days'. Such a strong, powerful and dangerous med"

• Bear
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 3, 2019

"At first I was relieved as anxiety symptoms like the feeling I had an apple stuck in my throat subsided immediately. Long term though was negative improvement for my low mood. It caused a decrease in my mood. I could not experience the feeling of joy. I could not cry either. I felt restrained chemically. I was prescribed this drug for more than 8 years and my diagnosis was only major depression and general anxiety disorder."

• dev
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2019

"I went on Seroquel for psychotic depression. I also suffer from ADHD and I'm on stimulants. I've been on it for a few months now and I've just started school, and the brain fog has really been screwing me over academically. Other than that, it's helpful but far too sedating. I've done horribly in all my assessments despite studying because it's like my brain isn't working. My teachers are all concerned about my performance. I take a dose of 300mg. I haven't had much weight gain but I feel really stiff all the time. I've constantly been late to school and passing out because of this med, so I can't even show up to school. It works pretty well but it's way too sedating and neutralizes all my thoughts. Switching from XR to IR somewhat helped but I'm still having a ton of issues."

• Tom...
• June 13, 2015

"I have been struggling to find a medication for my simple depression for about a year in a half now, basically tried all ssri's and s couple of others, I am now on 40 mg of prozac ( which I feel like I don't need) and 150 mg of regular seroquel before bed, the xr made me really tired and moody, plus the expense was outrageous, but trying the regular I finally feel myself again, although its my first day taking it I feel balanced out and basically normal again. Ps if your struggling out their keep fighting! God put the hardest problems on us for a reason!"