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Quetiapine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder User Reviews

Brand names: Seroquel, Seroquel XR

Rating: 8.7

Quetiapine has an average rating of 8.7 out of 10 from a total of 52 reviews for the off-label treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder. 77% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 4% reported a negative experience.

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Reviews for Quetiapine

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • lor...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 11, 2019

"I started taking Seroquel about a year ago to help with insomnia caused by OCD and anxiety. It helped me incredibly. I took either 25 mg or 50 mg each night to help me sleep. It has helped so much with my OCD and taken the edge away from my anxiety. I used to get very fixated on intrusive thoughts to the point where I couldn't sleep, but with this medication, I can actually slow my thinking down, rationalize, and calm down. I just want to say, if you’re struggling with OCD and anxiety and cannot sleep, please reach out for help. Sleep deprivation can worsen your symptoms and thinking! Please reach out for help if you are struggling with any kind of mental health issue."

10 / 10
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171 Report
  • Jja...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • September 14, 2020

"I suffered from severe OCD for 30 years. After trying everything, my doctor put me on a combination of quetiapine 100mg a day and Prozac 40mg a day. It has given me my life back. The OCD still lurks in the background, but now I can make plans, I sleep well, and I can have fun. My only regret is the waste of so many years of my life when there is a drug combo that works. I'm in the UK, so fortunately, our meds are free."

9 / 10
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110 Report
  • ADe...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • March 20, 2019

"I started on Seroquel in January 2013 after a hospitalization. My treating psychiatrist prescribed it after I discussed my challenges with ruminating thoughts, going back to my early youth. What a godsend this medication has been for me. No more thinking about the same thing, over and over and over again. Even though Seroquel is used off-label for rumination, it really has improved the overall quality of my life. So for those that suffer with ruminating thoughts, please know there is hope!"

10 / 10
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138 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • hbu...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 23, 2018

"I take Seroquel for anxiety/OCD, which is rather severe, and I never thought I could feel as good as I do now. I was always scared of Seroquel because of the potential weight gain, but I find my appetite is actually less now! My head is clear, my thoughts make sense, I literally cannot ruminate no matter how hard I try. It's very bizarre but it's incredible. I feel like I have a life now. The only reason I didn't rate it a 10 is because it gave me headaches/muscle tension in the beginning, but that's slowly fading which is great. Don't be scared of Seroquel, it might save your life."

9 / 10
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141 Report
  • Sha...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 30, 2018

"The quetiapine completely took away my intrusive thoughts. I couldn't talk to people as the intrusive thoughts were always there. I couldn't listen to music because the intrusive thoughts would come, and couldn't go out with friends. Now, this medication has changed all that. I was battling this for years, and they finally put me on the right medication."

10 / 10
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116 Report

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  • luz...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 15, 2021

"This drug is the only drug I have ever taken that helps my massive anxiety and suicidal depression. I believe I am a high-functioning borderline, and I was spinning out of control after a traumatic breakup with my partner. This drug saved my life! It worked immediately, the first night I took it. It took away all my suicidal thoughts that were completely overwhelming me — likely saving me from a stay at a psychiatric hospital. It has also helped eradicate obsessive thoughts about my ex-partner and the compulsion to contact my partner. I feel calm and relatively reasonable. I’m an attorney, and I can now focus on work so much better! Before, I was simply overwhelmed and could not focus enough to comprehend documents and client comments/emails. I don’t know how this drug works, but what a godsend! I’m on 50mg nightly. I am so grateful!"

10 / 10
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64 Report
  • San...
  • October 19, 2008

Quetiapine "I suffer from extreme anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. I was prescribed Seroquel 25 mg (one in the morning and two at bedtime). This medication has done wonders for me in a very short period of time (one week). In low doses, Seroquel is effectively taking the edge off life, and I'm a much happier person. It's like a miracle drug for me, and I can't imagine going back to life without it."

10 / 10
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145 Report
  • Mis...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 1, 2018

"I have been on quetiapine for just over a month. It was prescribed for me by a psychiatrist as I have OCD. The outcome has been amazing, I cannot believe that it seems to have taken 'the edge off' the severe anxiety I had as a result of my OCD. I don't feel spaced out, but there is a feeling of 'numbness' I guess is the only way that I could describe it in my head. My psychiatrist has increased the dosage from 75 mg to 100 mg, but I think I may just stay at 75 mg as I don't want to feel 'out of it.' I would recommend it to anyone who has severe OCD. Prior to taking this medication, I was at rock bottom, unable to get dressed and had no appetite. I feel as though I have got my life back. I would prefer not to be on medication, but it is the best option as the alternative is feeling so low and depressed as a result of the anxiety caused by my OCD."

10 / 10
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58 Report
  • Del...
  • January 24, 2009

Quetiapine "I was diagnosed with OCD, and the doctor put me on Zoloft. For some time, I was okay, then started getting side effects. I went back to the doctor, and he gave me Seroquel. Instantly after taking the first dose of 25mg, I started to feel a lot better, like a new person. It really helped me sleep well without fear in my thoughts, so I really give a BIG 10 for this drug for helping me live a normal life."

10 / 10
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106 Report
  • Joh...
  • April 27, 2016

"This is hands down the best drug I have taken for my OCD. The first dose had a dramatic impact on me. I take 50 mgs one hour before bed and I sleep a solid 9 to 10 hours every night. I got up the next day and had so much energy that I was looking for something to do while on vacation. This drug is awesome!!!"

10 / 10
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67 Report
  • CRB...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • April 27, 2024

"Omg!! I wish I had this growing up! OCD thoughts where you can’t stop thinking of one thing or everything from the day. This works! My brain finally turns off at night and it’s a game changer. I thought I had insomnia. Nope, I had OCD thoughts of specific things that just randomly happen in life. And you can’t stop thinking and fall asleep. I love you Seroquel."

10 / 10
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12 Report
  • pif...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 9, 2024

"Oh boy. I love this drug so much. It's amazing how much it takes the edge off my anxiety. I was initially put on it for insomnia, but I noticed quickly that my mind overall became more stable. Pleasantly surprised! I feel much more organized in my thoughts. Even if ruminating may happen, there is little to no anxiety accompanied. Sometimes I ruminate out of fascination just because I'm awestruck by how little these things matter now! I suppose there is somewhat of a numbness going on, but in contrast to Zoloft, I feel joy. I can still be sad. I look forward to life. I feel normal. I'm numb to dumb anxiety and guilt. This is how I'm supposed to be."

10 / 10
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11 Report
  • Tif...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • December 5, 2023

"So, I take Seroquel off label for MDD and insomnia (not approved for insomnia anymore, but it still helps me). My psychiatrist and I, this year, decided to increase my dose to 100mg at night. It took about 1 week for the effects to take place, but after that week, my mind was at ease in a way I had not known was possible. I had been using therapeutic techniques to handle my OCD symptoms. When I realized I was feeling such immense relief from my intrusive thoughts, I did some research and found this page. I had grown so accustomed to living with my OCD and the intrusive thoughts, I didn't realize how much it had been impacting me until I felt relief. One of the biggest issues I had with OCD was relationships. My relationship OCD is gone. I occasionally have symptoms relapse when I'm stressed, but it's nothing like it used to be."

10 / 10
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16 Report
  • anx...
  • June 20, 2015

"I was on Seroquel for a long time, and then I overdosed on it and was taken off. For the next 2 years, I suffered from horrible anxiety, paranoia, OCD, panic, etc. and ended up in the hospital twice for very long stays (2 months). I had ECT, and nothing seemed to help. Finally, my therapist suggested to the psychiatrist that he put me on Seroquel. It is like a miracle drug! I no longer have anxiety and OCD."

10 / 10
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67 Report
  • Pop...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 28, 2021

"This medication has saved my life. I was suffering from OCD and depression, it was a terrifying combination, as I couldn't stop thinking about how terribly depressed I was. I take 150 mg at night, and my symptoms are pretty well managed. I also take venlafaxine 300 mg alongside."

10 / 10
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31 Report
  • Ram...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 20, 2021

"In 2015, I was on Lithium 900 mg and Quetiapine 600 mg. I had these strange superstitions along with these vicious and intimidating thoughts. When I told my psychiatrist about this, the first thing he did was to stop Quetiapine. Then he introduced Olanzapine, which I found very helpful in the beginning when it was on a low dose. But when the dose increased, Olanzapine could do very little to stop my OCD. I became dumb and dormant. I quit football. For the next 5 years, I was on a high dose of Olanzapine, sometimes more than 15 mg. I could do nothing about my future. I had no goals. All I was doing was eating fast food. But in April 2021, I decided to quit Olanzapine and start Quetiapine after consulting my doctor. I started decreasing Olanzapine by 2.5 mg and increasing Quetiapine by 50 mg. On decreasing Olanzapine to 2.5 mg and increasing Quetiapine to 350 mg, I got great satisfaction. My will/drive was increased, OCD symptoms were completely gone, I also started playing tennis and my short-term memory improved."

10 / 10
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32 Report
  • jon...
  • August 31, 2016

"Excellent even at 12.5 dose, need to split a 25mg tab in half, which is nearly impossible with some generics. I wish they'd make a lower dose. Have never taken a stronger dose for fear of over-sedation, though I get accustomed to the low dose quickly. A godsend. I highly recommend it."

10 / 10
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53 Report
  • vst...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • April 3, 2021

"This is the only thing that is able to keep my thoughts under control. I don’t believe that OCD will be under control with this medicine only because in many cases these conditions are followed by depression and anxiety. I also take Fluoxetine and Pregabalin. I feel a huge relief that allows me to function and learn what my therapist says. True lifesaver combo."

10 / 10
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28 Report
  • Mac...
  • April 23, 2013

"I suffer from O.C.D. and obsessive compulsive personality disorder. I have had it since age 12. I'm now in my 40s. For the last three years, I've been on a high dose of quetiapine, 600 mg nightly. I also take Lustral during the day. They have helped me so much, it's the first time in years I've felt more 'normal.' Before, I was very manic, etc. This has calmed me down a great deal. BUT, I'm always tired, not much energy, my weight has gone up. I used to exercise before but struggle now. BUT I'd rather be like this than manic, panicking, and a nightmare to live with! I'm married with four children. It's a shame they have seen me at my worst many times, which I feel terrible about. But now that I'm on these medicines, I'm a different person."

10 / 10
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59 Report
  • Vik...
  • December 4, 2008

Quetiapine "Seroquel has made a day-and-night difference in my life. I have huge anxiety issues and OCD. I've been taking 200 mg/night for a few years now. It's not for everybody with OCD, but it has been a lifesaver for me."

10 / 10
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69 Report
  • Idk...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 31, 2019

"Struggling with a lot of insomnia due to OCD and anxiety, I oftentimes have trouble falling asleep. But this medication lets me get 8 hours of sleep every night, which allows me to cope with the anxiety and OCD. It really helps with unwanted OCD thoughts, lets thoughts come and go better. It doesn’t completely get rid of my very general daily anxiety, but it helps me sleep, which is very important to me!! Also, I’ve experienced no weight gain, the only side effect would be if I take it late, 12 AM - 1 AM, at night and have to get up early the next day. I do feel a little drowsy for a bit."

10 / 10
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30 Report
  • Pou...
  • July 21, 2018

"I was surprised that other people say how this puts them to sleep, as it did the exact opposite to me. When I first took it, I started feeling very disoriented and anxious, and after barely falling asleep, I soon woke up with a panic attack. I continued taking it because the doctors pressured me, but the more I took it, the harder it was for me to fall asleep, and I started having very painful heart palpitations one hour after I took the quetiapine. I noticed that it has a mood-stabilizing effect and also suppresses OCD. After a few days, all my obsessions and intrusive thoughts greatly decreased. After a few months of taking it, I even started taking some other pills for sleep because quetiapine ruined my sleep, but it did make me more stable during the day. The side effects I had are: insomnia, feeling tired in the morning, heart palpitations (which greatly decreased the longer I took it), and hunger for carbs. As a sleep aid, I give it a 1/10 - it's awful and even ruins my sleep, as a mood stabilizer, 7/10, and as an anti-OCD, 8/10."

6 / 10
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31 Report
  • Acc...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 27, 2019

"I have taken 100 mg Seroquel for depression before (a few years back), and now I take 25 mg quetiapine (generic) along with escitalopram 20 mg for depression and intrusive thoughts. It helped with my intrusive thoughts, I didn't have to do my mental compulsions as much and reduced my feelings of guilt. Does make me wake up later than usual and also shakiness after taking it at night. I didn't gain weight on the medication, however, I do keep up with exercise as usual."

8 / 10
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27 Report
  • Igg...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 9, 2019

"I have been on slow-release quetiapine for about 2 months for OCD. Completely removes rumination right up until a couple of hours before the dose. I sleep really well, but if I take it after 4 PM, I have trouble rising for work, and I am in a fog most of the next day. A real help, and I am so much more focused, others have noticed. Highly recommended."

9 / 10
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25 Report
  • Anonymous
  • April 20, 2021

"For 3 years, I was suffering from severe anxiety and OCD. Previously, I'd had 'classic' germ OCD, but this time it was primarily obsessive thoughts. It was the worst period of my life, leading to severe depression, etc. Two SSRIs and SSRI + Risperidone + exercise + therapy did not work. Finally, a doc added 100 mg Seroquel to SSRI instead of Risperidone, and this changed everything. It empowered me to take control of my thoughts. Adding exercise, my life changed from extreme misery to a normal and happy life. Med. literature does not show Seroquel as a useful addition to SSRI for OCD, and it does for Risperidone. This may be true for germ OCD. For me, it was the complete opposite. The doc who gave me Seroq. said that for me, with elaborate, obsessive, in retrospect absurd thoughts about how things go wrong in the future, risp. belongs to the trash bin, and Seroq. is likely helpful, which it was. If this is your case, talk to your doctor."

10 / 10
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17 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.