Seroquel for Bipolar Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

• Getting...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 23, 2019

"I was hospitalized 17 years ago with a major manic mixed episode. It was worst thing on earth. Was given 200 milligrams of serequel and it calmed down the demons. Tapered the dose down in months time come and stayed successfully at 50 milligrams for following 17 years. Long term side effects began with bloods changed, elevated blood sugar and triglycerides. Weaned and got off it, took several weeks. Feeling better with more clarity and regular movements now. Those two weeks of getting out of my system caused side effects of weird dreams, body aches and mood swings. Hard time sleeping. Increases over the counter supplements and made sure my life was low key until things settled. I’m grateful for the med. If not for the side effects which would have led to diabetes I would have remained in it. But I believe in the beginning it saved my life."

• shura
• June 1, 2020

"This drug Seroquel made me feel like a zombie. Sure it would make me feel "normal" but it would completely knock me out. I was with some friends and I was going to give them a ride home from my house and accidentally took my medication too early and I literally passed out and they had to get a ride from a friend. I was only at a 50 mg dose. This medication was just not for me. I take Latuda now, which made me really drowsy when I first started taking it but I have since gotten over it."

• Anony...
• May 8, 2021

"I was prescribed Seroquel 100mg as a mood stabilizer (for Dysthymia and Generalized Anxiety Disorder) by psychiatrist to be taken alongside 200mg Wellbutrin daily. It knocked me out the first time I took it and I noticed my blood pressure dropped sharply, but I felt good in the morning. After 3 weeks I started to feel like a zombie and developed severe constipation, then; suddenly, a feeling of internal tremor, so I contacted my Dr to stop. I slept 2 hours a night for about a week; had horrid nightmares, sleep paralysis, and severe mood swings and panic attacks. I was put on Xanax for the panic, but also developed muscle twitching all over my body that continued at night, waking me up. It's now been 40 days since I stopped taking the Seroquel. My mood is okay, but I still have (slightly less) muscle twitches in the day and night. I wonder if I'll ever be normal again. I'm so angry this was prescribed without explanation, for a minor condition when its effect on me has been far more deleterious to my life than my original condition."

• Jendo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2020

"Seroquel is terrible. I felt completely disassociated. I knew words were coming out of my mouth but sometimes had no clue what I was saying. I was only on it for a few month but I called my Dr. in a panic when I’d realized the weight I’d gained. I lost 100 lbs in my 20’s and been able to keep it off give or take 10lbs, I’m now 40 years old and I instantly put on belly/waist weight, a place where I have NEVER have gained before. I know my body well & this was pretty extreme. I went up a pant size in 2 months. I told my dr. And he said it makes you crave carbs but I KNOW it’s more than that. What type of meds make you gain weight in a specific area? After loosing the 10-15 lbs, I am stuck with saggy skin after 3 months! It’s not worth it. It created a whole new set of permanent problems like saggy skin & my confidence with undressing around my husband. Horrible!"

• Koala...
• October 10, 2014

"When I first took Seroquel, I had the side effects of a type of motion sickness, as my head would whirl about, and I never knew if I was whirling or the surroundings were. I didn't want to stay on it, but was advised to give it longer. And to change from XR to regular. I did, and after about 6 weeks (from memory) I adjusted to it. Yes, I was so tired, went to cut a 300mg into halves, then to 200mg's, now to 300 mg again. Seroquel works for me, I've been on it for approx 18mnths or so. I sleep, my mind doesn't race or think or roam. I get a deep sleep. I was advised to get up early and it will wear off- yes, that happens. But it's not easy."

• Tlg...
• March 28, 2015

"I have been on Seroquel for 2 years. It really is a miracle. It has helped with my mood swings and problems sleeping. The only issue has been the weight gain. I've probably put on 35 lbs and I've never had problem with weight gain. The benefits of this medication make up for the weight gain."

• Anonymous
• July 5, 2012

"This medicine is great for sleep and helping anxiety, but if you have responsibilities, work, school, kids, ANYTHING, then be prepared. I am only on 100mg and although I feel calmer and not so irritable, I just feel sort of drowsed and no motivation to do anything, not even simple things like taking a shower or making something to eat. I woke up this morning needing to go to the bathroom and it seemed like an overwhelming task and I was stumbling around like when you are drunk. If you don't have to work or answer to anyone, then it's fine because you can just space out and not have such negative emotions and feel better."

• Poohb...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 13, 2018

"I’ve been on Seroquel for years-150mg at night to sleep. I combine it with 50 mg Trazodone and 0.5mg of Klonopin. I sleep through the night and I can deal with my anxiety and Bipolar 1. Diagnosed 22 years ago and tried just about every other drug suggested. This works-I get 8-9 hours of sleep a night. I’m a bit groggy in the morning but It’s worth it to be stable and functional"

• Happy...
• August 7, 2013

"Seroquel 100mg saved my life. For 9 months I did not sleep because of an anxiety disorder. I tried to kill myself three times. Finally i was given Seroquel and 130mg trazadone. I have been sleeping well and not depressed for ten years. It has saved my life I am so grateful. Did put on 50lbs better that than being dead. Very grateful."

• Tesse...
• June 10, 2015

"After trying the most of medication for my depression/ mixed state, seroquel finally worked out. Made racing thougts go away and my mood is finally back to normal again. Feel happy and relaxed. I also take 150 mg venlafaxine. Best medicine i ever tryed is seroquel. No weigh gain for me. This medicine is a lifesaver for me."

• Koala...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 8, 2014

"When I first went on this medication 300mg I did not like it at all. I had side effects of a type of floating- my head wasn't attached to my body- I'd be disorientated, only for a short time, but frequently at first. I don't really remember any other side effect. I wanted to stop taking this. I was 300 SR then went to normal Seroquel. Being on standard Seroquel helped. I asked to change off Seroquel and was told its a good medicine and just give it time- 6 weeks. Wow, I didn't like that idea. I did give it time, I was tried of a day, so went back to 150mg- over time I've been on 200mg also and now 300mg. I am so grateful to myself for hanging in there. I choose to be on Seroquel, I sleep a deep sleep, for me, I am happy. Very happy."

• Patient
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 12, 2013

"I suffer from mainly depression and anxiety. I have had a few bouts of hypomania. This was recommended to me to help anxiety and mood swings. Within an hour of taking this medicine I was always somewhat buzzed and not in a good way. Like you have to lie down and sleep or you will become extremely irritable. The sleep was great on it, however you wake up in a fog for hours. Usually until dinner time for me. It really flattens you out so you don't feel much but emotionless and tired. I took anywhere from 50 to 200 mg and the result was the same. I am off now and trying safer meds. Seroquel wasn't for me, glad it helps millions though!"

• bipol...
• July 15, 2016

"This medication was a life saver after being admitted in the hospital for being manic an very agaitated was titrated from 50mg to 250mg a day in it has cured my agitation 75% of my mood 50% of my deppression since most antidepressants make me manic I would recommend to anyone who has tried multiple medicines I can finally sleep feel relaxed in not stay angry for hours."

• Baibai
• November 9, 2018

"I struggled with bipolar 1 disorder and before I found this medication I was all over the place. When I was manic I was like supergirl and when I was down I felt so pathetic and worthless. When I first got on this drug my ups and downs got better but they were still problematic. But, it’s almost been a whole year since I got on it and I have never felt more stable so I’d say it takes time but it’s worth it. I’m not at creative as I was when I didn't have any treatment, but I am still passionate (and sane lol) and that honestly makes up for it. And I definitely do not get that low. I have my fair share of struggles but I’ve learned that it’s ok, it’s life, but nothing like the highs and lows I experienced before. It’s a miracle pill for me."

• kel...
• September 16, 2013

"It worked well for sleep but I could not remember eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I woke up with it all over my pillow and cheeks weird.. I felt hung over in the morning. Also was taking Geodon and Effexor. I don't take anything now. It's been 3 years. I'm doing good."

• Leahe...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 4, 2019

"I have been on this medication for years. The only things that isn’t fun is the drowsiness and the increased appetite but this medications side effects don’t effect me nearly as much as other medications I’ve taken"

• Starj...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 8, 2019

"I have been taking seroquel for over 10 years. By far the best stabilizer for me. Previously I had tried several meds. At first my dosage was low, but kept climbing. Dosage went to 800 mgs. I changed my psych doc and she slowly walked me down to 400 mgs. We even went down to 200 mgs. But that was too low. I'm now at a happy medium. I do take lithium as well and zoloft. I have been diagnosed bipolar for 25 yrs, so you can imagine the med changes in the past."

• BiPol...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 5, 2017

"I try to avoid going on these forums because they always give me anxiety about the new medication I am trying out. I have let this forum make me think that side affects were happening to me that really weren't in the past. Seroquel is amazing. I have Bi Polar and Seroquel was not out when I was first diagnosed. I started on it May of 2016 and I have had to increase my dose 100mg since then and it has changed my life. Seroquel has given me the ability to start to live my life more the way I want to live it. I wanted to post that here to not discourage someone who is starting out on it. My psychiatrist heard about this from one of the top Bi Polar doctors in the world speak at Harvard. This drug is wonderful and so helpful."

• DMano
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 22, 2017

"I was recently diagnosed with type 2 BP in July of 2016. I was on Lamictal at first and it was a nightmare, It kept me from being sad but I would still get very angry. Seroquel was next and I was too scared to take it at first, but once I started having a LOT of heated arguments and stress I finally decided to take it. So far so good, I only take 25mg because is chills me out and eases my anxiety. I don't get sad and I don't get overly mad or excited. First few days I am tired on the meds but after a few days I am able to manage my life. I wish I would have went to a Dr years ago to get treated because since I was 13 my moods have been up and down. Now I'm as chill as a cucumber."

• bizzy
• November 25, 2009

"Seroquel worked for me during my rapid cycling last year and really chilled me out very quickly. Only bad thing to say about it is I found the level of sedation far too much, and it left me incredibly "plastic" the next day. Was a bit like a walking zombie, although it got me through the dangerous bit. Also meant as I have great trouble sleeping it helped that side out too, so all in all was very good for me. Came off all medicines 9 months ago. Now only on zopiclone for sleeping. So hopefully no matter how good it is, wont be back on it!"

• Willow...
• April 28, 2017

"So vivid in detail, from some, but, give this medication time. This drug had me feeling some wacked out, like on a boat sensation. Just light headed and motion sickness. I was told "six weeks" so instead of stopping it, which I dearly wanted to - I didn't. And to this day approx four years I thank myself, I didn't.. yes its heavy handed. But now I have nearly no racing thoughts, which drove me to suicidal tendancies, my mind never stopped it was like a TV on in the back ground. Next, sleep, sleep, peaceful sleep, I did crave sugar BUT NO WEIGHT GAIN. This drug is just broadly so good. This drug and a couple others balanced me. The racing thoughts Seroquel number one, but Ritalin was also something I am grateful for."

• diner
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 26, 2019

"I suddenly became manic and would have been hospitalized if it weren't for this drug. They started me at a baby dose but with my emotions on fire they quickly upped the dose to 100mg. I'm 58 years old and following this crisis I was diagnosed with Bipolar II. I'm still agitated and angry during the day an having terrifying dreams due to PTSD. Everything that was buried inside me is now coming to the surface through therapy. They just raised the Seroquel to 300mg. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep. I've lost 5 lbs, when I gave up Trazodone and they put me on Abilify, my appetite was cut in half. I also take Lamotrigine 200mg and Elavil 20mg for migraines and fibromyalgia. To me, Seroquel is a wonder drug. Good luck!"

• Babe
• October 13, 2009

"I am 53 years old and was put on this drug just over a year ago. I was diagnosed with severe bipolar disorder 13 years ago. I knew something was wrong with me when I was 17, but bipolar was not really known back then. This drug is by far the best thing I have ever taken. Don't worry about the weight gain; after a year, it will go away. It is a small price to pay for sanity. Everyone will get the munchies from this. I eat grapes at night; they do the trick. Have some in a bowl by your bedside; this will help keep the weight gain down. Stay away from ice cream and eat yogurt with preserves in it, or just fruit when you get the munchies 1 hour after taking it. I also take temazepam at night, 100mg."

• Nuitd...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 21, 2017

"Very drowsy for the first week of taking it, but once your body gets used to it, it is a great mood stabilizer. I've been on it 6 years and it calms the edginess and irritability with bipolar. Also makes you sleep like a rock. My weight only changed when lithium was added to my meds. No significant weight gain for me. If I go a few days without it, I notice I'm on edge constantly."

• Mike...
• October 15, 2015

"Seroquel is great. Been taking it for seven years. I take 200mg at night for bipolar. It does take time to get used to it. I does cause me to get hungry 30 minute's after taking in it. Just eat a healthy snack. At first I did gain a couple pounds. Searching on line did not help. Everyone's complains how much you need to eat. It's self control. I make sure to exercise everyday. And trust me it's no easy. There's day I have no energy. But I tell my self I have 3 little girl's and have to make sure I do not get fat and unhealthy. I have bad mood swings with out it. It caused me to make it miserable for my wife and kids and coworkers. Driving was a mission everyday."