Seroquel for Bipolar Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

• 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 a problem with weight gain. The benefits of this medication make up for the weight gain."

• Tes...
• June 10, 2015

"After trying most of the medication for my depression/mixed state, Seroquel finally worked out. Made racing thoughts 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 tried is Seroquel. No weight gain for me. This medicine is a lifesaver for me."

• Rhi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 22, 2019

"This was my experience... I have been fighting mental disorders since age 14. During the 40+ years, I have been prescribed tricyclics, typical antipsychotics, SSRIs, SNRIs, and Benzos (diazepam when 16 years old). I chemically blew out my brain, specifically the serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways, by doing LSD from 1978 through 1981. It was the '70s. So now at the edge of 60, I have horrible reactions to psychotropics. Seroquel paralyzed my arms and legs after my nightly 1 to 3 hours of sleep, such that I had to lay there until I could use my left arm to pick up my right arm. Then with both free, I used them to get my legs going. I took it for about 4 years, with the above side effects plus the helicopters whizzing through my brain and body. To me, it is a nasty drug. I finally got sick of it, tossed the remaining pills, went loopy. My partner thought I was going to die. I lived."

• 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."

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

"When I first went on this medication, 300 mg, 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 disoriented, only for a short time, but frequently at first. I don't really remember any other side effects. I wanted to stop taking this. I was on 300 SR, then went to normal Seroquel. Being on standard Seroquel helped. I asked to change off Seroquel and was told it's a good medicine and just give it time - 6 weeks. Wow, I didn't like that idea. I did give it time, I was tired during the day, so I went back to 150 mg. Over time, I've been on 200 mg as well and now 300 mg. 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."

• eve...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 26, 2024

"Seroquel truly changed my life for the better. I was on max doses of 3 drugs and still in a deep depression. (I am bipolar, with more depressive episodes than mania). It felt hopeless and like I'd hit a brick wall. Psychiatrist recommended Seroquel as they said it's best for bipolar severe depression. Once I was at the right dose, it was like a switch flipped. I could hardly believe the difference: I was pulled out of my depression, anxiety diminished, could finally sleep at night. I haven't had a depressive episode in over 2 years on Seroquel and I have never been in remission this long before. I was afraid it would make me sleepy; it only makes me tired at bedtime and I sleep soundly at night. I'm fine the next morning. My only critique would be weight gain. I lost some weight and gained it back. But, I will take stability and having gained weight over being thinner and unstable. Don't believe the horror stories: everyone is different. It changed my life."

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

"I’ve been on Seroquel for years-150 mg at night to sleep. I combine it with 50 mg Trazodone and 0.5 mg 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."

• Hap...
• August 7, 2013

"Seroquel 100 mg 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 130 mg Trazodone. I have been sleeping well and not depressed for ten years. It has saved my life, I am so grateful. I did put on 50 lbs, but better that than being dead. Very grateful."

• Bai...
• 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 as 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 okay, it’s life, but nothing like the highs and lows I experienced before. It’s a miracle pill for me."

• DMa...
• 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 25 mg because it chills me out and eases my anxiety. I don't get sad, and I don't get overly mad or excited. The 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 gone to a doctor 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."

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

"I have been on this medication for years. The only things that aren't fun are the drowsiness and the increased appetite, but this medication's side effects don't affect me nearly as much as other medications I've taken."

• bip...
• July 15, 2016

"This medication was a lifesaver after being admitted in the hospital for being manic and very agitated. Was titrated from 50 mg to 250 mg a day, and it has cured my agitation 75%, my mood 50%, and my depression. Since most antidepressants make me manic, I would recommend it to anyone who has tried multiple medicines. I can finally sleep, feel relaxed, and not stay angry for hours."

• BiP...
• 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 effects were happening to me that really weren't in the past. Seroquel is amazing. I have bipolar, and Seroquel was not out when I was first diagnosed. I started on it in May of 2016, and I have had to increase my dose by 100 mg 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 bipolar doctors in the world speak at Harvard. This drug is wonderful and so helpful."

• Pat...
• 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 with anxiety and mood swings. Within an hour of taking this medicine, I was always somewhat buzzed and not in a good way. It felt like you had to lie down and sleep, or you would 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, just 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, but I'm glad it helps millions, though!"

• Wil...
• 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 lightheaded 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, approximately four years, I thank myself I didn't. Yes, it's heavy-handed. But now I have nearly no racing thoughts, which drove me to suicidal tendencies. My mind never stopped, it was like a TV on in the background. 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 of others balanced me. The racing thoughts, Seroquel number one, but Ritalin was also something I am grateful for."

• shu...
• 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."

• Jen...
• 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 months, but I called my Dr. in a panic when I’d realized the weight I’d gained. I lost 100 lbs in my 20s and have been able to keep it off give or take 10 lbs. I’m now 40 years old, and I instantly put on belly/waist weight, a place where I have NEVER gained before. I know my body well, and 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 makes you gain weight in a specific area? After losing 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 and my confidence with undressing around my husband. Horrible!"

• Sta...
• 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 mg. I changed my psych doc, and she slowly walked me down to 400 mg. We even went down to 200 mg. 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 years, so you can imagine the med changes in the past."

• Rom...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 5, 2012

"After later years of my adolescence and early adulthood, I was finally diagnosed (bipolar) and prescribed Seroquel along with lithium. Not only did I finally feel a sense of peace within myself, but I found that I no longer engaged in the reckless activity that I seemed to have no control over. This behavior, which caused so much grief and upset, nearly caused the breakdown between my family and nearly destroyed myself. It does not get rid of my depression completely, but they are not as bad, and I find I can cope, whereas in the past, I couldn't. I find that it's best to take it before bed as it makes me very drowsy, which I find a good thing because, in the past, I found it very difficult to sleep. Hope this helps."

• Bab...
• 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."

• 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 hungover in the morning. Also, I was taking Geodon and Effexor. I don't take anything now. It's been 3 years. I'm doing good."

• din...
• 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 100 mg. I'm 58 years old, and following this crisis, I was diagnosed with Bipolar II. I'm still agitated and angry during the day and 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 300 mg. 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 200 mg and Elavil 20 mg for migraines and fibromyalgia. To me, Seroquel is a wonder drug. Good luck!"

• Mac...
• January 8, 2014

"I take Seroquel for bipolar. I had side effects when first taking it, such as couldn't wake in the morning and sluggishness. It took me a couple of months to get used to it. Now I take it at about 10:30 pm, asleep within 20 minutes, and up at about 8:30 am, well rested. It has been great for my mania, which can last weeks at a time. I feel so normal again. I take 100 mg a night with 600 mg of Tegretol, you just have to give it time to do its thing, the side effects go away. I have no weight gain at all on Tegretol, it's the opposite, I'm losing weight."

• Blu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 15, 2012

"Seroquel makes me feel like I'm on a level playing field again. I don't feel like my thinking's distorted, and I don't cry uncontrollably like I have all of my life. I have gained weight, but I'm fixing to start taking Topamax to counteract that. If the Topamax doesn't work, I will still continue to take Seroquel. I rather gain weight and be able to cope with life 100% better than I did before."

• Blu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2023

"This happened a really long time ago, in September 2008, when I was 14. I was recently diagnosed with bipolar and was always angry and crying, so I got prescribed this, but I only took it a few days because I fell down the stairs! Anyway, I had this intense, restless, cold feeling in both my legs, couldn’t stop moving, I couldn’t keep my eyes open, I gained 45 lbs, and I had no personality. My psychiatrist took me off when she found out what happened to me."