Seroquel and Drowsiness: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Me ...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 18, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "Seroquel has been a lifesaver! I have taken it for over 10 years. I take 800 mg at bedtime. I cannot sleep, and my mind does not stop when trying to go to sleep. I also use a weighted blanket and a noise machine. This past month, I went down to 600 mg to try to lose weight. It was a rough month, but I finally made it with a few anti-anxiety meds, which I am off of now. Hopefully, I can continue on 600 mg for a while. I don't feel groggy when I wake up, either by alarm clock or on my own. Seroquel is not for everyone, but give it a try."

• Alt...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 17, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I use this drug in a low dose, 25 mg, to help me sleep. I am diagnosed BP1. It makes me tired enough to get to sleep. I do not feel extremely tired, but if I lie down and close my eyes, I fall asleep quickly and usually can stay asleep for 7 or more hours. Some days, I do feel very groggy, but it is worth it to me. I drink very little alcohol - one beer every two weeks or so, but if I drink the beer close to bedtime, the combination makes me extremely tired. I have gained 15 pounds since my last bipolar major episode (severe M followed by severe D in fall 17 to winter 2018). All the gain happened on olanzapine (discontinued), but either lithium or Seroquel seems to have made it tough to take some of that weight off."

• fly...
• August 21, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "Diagnosed bipolar II early 2017, age 29. A combination of 100 mgs of lamotrigine + 20 mgs Lexapro worked better to stabilize my moods/reduce my anxiety than anything ever had before, I was happy. Partner and I decided I was in a good place to start planning for a baby, however, my psych warned of the possible risks of conceiving on lamotrigine, so I began a 12 mth period of transitioning to Seroquel, which is considered lower risk during pregnancy than lamotrigine. Transitioning between drugs was going to be destabilizing - I was prepared for that. What I wasn’t prepared for was getting to a point where I should have “stabilized” on my 200 mgs of Seroquel, and to be more depressed, more tired, more overweight, less motivated, more aggressive/irritable than I had been in a very long time. I gained 10 kgs in a year, my appetite was HUGE, and I could barely function due to heavy sedation. Back on lamotrigine now and feeling much more like my happy self again."

• Anonymous
• June 12, 2009

For Bipolar Disorder "Seroquel has helped me a lot in the crisis days. However, I have gained a lot of weight and get drowsy easily. I would recommend it if you are really agitated and full of anxiety and have racing thoughts."

• Anonymous
• March 31, 2010

For Bipolar Disorder "I am a 49 yr old male - after a confusing and distressful life for myself and family at the age of 35 yrs and a 3 mth stay in the hospital, I was diagnosed as being bipolar. I have taken different medications over the last 14 yrs (Seroquel, Tegretol, etc.) and after my most recent manic/depressive episode, started taking Seroquel. I take 300 mg at night and at present am quite stable with mood, thoughts, and sleep patterns, though I do feel lethargic, drowsy, and being on 'auto pilot' during the day and suffer aching limbs. This, however, is a small price to pay for actually feeling like a normal part of society for the 1st time in my life."

• Anonymous
• June 10, 2011

For Insomnia "I was originally prescribed Seroquel to help me sleep after a traumatic experience and post-traumatic stress disorder. I took half a 25 mg pill. I have also had chronic insomnia for over 15 years, which I manage with Xanax, however, when I experience an increase in stress and anxiety that I cannot manage with exercise and diet, I will add half a dose of Seroquel at night to help me sleep more soundly. I find that I need to take it early in the evening so that I wake up refreshed. It does leave me with a slight grogginess, whereas Xanax alone does not, however, Xanax has a shorter half-life, and there are times when I wake up in the middle of the night. Very happy overall with Seroquel for treating insomnia and glad my doctor had the wisdom to know how to help me."

• Dou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 4, 2021

For Schizoaffective Disorder "If you are forced to pick an antipsychotic, then take this one. You can sleep through the hospital or jail time when you take Seroquel extended release. Avoid aripiprazole, Haldol, paliperidone, and all the other ones. Seroquel is the least worst of all antipsychotics, it doesn't block dopamine as much as all the others. Sedation is pretty heavy, so take it at nighttime."

• 411...
• June 23, 2011

For Insomnia "I have been taking Seroquel for a while now. Aside from being extremely hungry when I wake up, groggy, and the weight gain, it is a really good sleep aid. I am currently on 200 mg. Not only am I less stressed and anxious, but it slows me down to a point where I can actually think clearly rather than having racing thoughts, and it tones down the late night activity greatly. I still work out and am very active, but it is a lot less extreme thanks to Seroquel."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 15, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "My liver has always looked fine on ultrasounds. Since I've been taking Seroquel (4 years), my liver is enlarged, fatty, and dense. However, I have been on various antidepressant meds for 35 years, and the liver has to process this every day. It also made me drowsy. Don't know if Seroquel made my liver this way or just all the years on meds. I am currently coming off Seroquel and onto Lamictal and Rexulti. Fingers crossed! Good luck to you all, it's a very tough condition to live with!"

• Ano...
• March 9, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "I used to seek out and attempt to prolong manic highs, to the point where I was nearly oblivious to anything outside of the experience of the moment, and I was able to put off duties and worries comfortably in my own psychosis. The antidepressants I had been taking prior (sertraline, Wellbutrin) seemed to exacerbate my manic highs. Seroquel has taken the edge off of the manic episodes and allowed me to deal with quitting other medicines. It is highly sedating, however, I would say it has a very minimal effect on cognition. I was far more concerned with my thought processing while under the influence of two antidepressants and Vyvanse for suspected ADD."

• Hot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2021

For Schizophrenia "I was prescribed this first in 2008, then again in late 2012, early 2013 when I was 15. I took the smallest dosage both times for schizophrenia and depression, and I felt like so bad on this! I was insanely sleepy, dozing off in class, at lunch, in public. I gained so much weight, and my stomach was literally a bottomless pit! Otherwise, it got rid of my symptoms such as mania, anxiety, paranoia, and anger, but still. I’m on something way better now."

• lis...
• September 1, 2010

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been diagnosed with bipolar type 1 for 7 months now and have been taking Seroquel along with another drug. I take 300 mg twice a day of Seroquel and find it extremely wonderful. I find it keeps my manic and psychotic symptoms at bay, however, they're not totally eradicated but minimal and helps with my insomnia very much. For me, I've only found that it made me drowsy for the first 2 weeks of taking it, some dizziness, and it gives me dry mouth enough to be irritating but manageable. As for eating, I haven't noticed any real big change, I've kept a stable weight and even lost some (healthily) when I do get munchies for sweets or otherwise I just have crackers or some fruits and veggies around and try to keep a balanced eating scheme."

• Mae...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 4, 2024

For Bipolar Disorder "This is my second time trying Seroquel. The first time, I had gone inpatient for severe depression and suicidal thoughts. I was started on this medicine at a higher dosage and immediately wanted to sleep every hour of the day. Staff forced me to wake up and stay awake until lights out. I was worse off and demanded something else. Fast forward ten years later, and I wasn't sleeping. I was having a really dangerous mixed episode. I requested Seroquel myself, knowing it had made me drowsy. It was a game changer. I started at 50 mg and now I'm at 550 mg. I sleep a normal amount, my racing thoughts are gone, and I'm in better control of anger. My suicidal thoughts have lessened. I will say that, so far, I have experienced a headache (my dosage was just increased again after waking up every 2 hours), but it was resolved with OTC medicine. It's definitely worth a shot. And if necessary, more than one shot. Things change with bipolar disorder."

• Liz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 27, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I have a child on Seroquel. We've tried Abilify, Risperdal, and Geodon to no avail. Seroquel seems to keep her psychotic symptoms at a whisper instead of shouting in her head. My husband has also used Seroquel for his schizoaffective disorder. He switched to Risperdal because the Seroquel was sedating when ingesting over 50 mg, and he needed doses during the day. Our daughter is on an average of 500 mg a day with no sedating effects whatsoever, and we're wondering if she just does not do well on this class of drug since 600 mg a day is the highest she can safely go for her age. Nothing seems to keep her psychotic symptoms completely in check, particularly her paranoia."

• Anonymous
• April 3, 2010

For Depression "Diagnosed with fibromyalgia several years ago but am highly functioning with Ultram (tramadol) and Flexeril. Added 25 mg of Seroquel for insomnia, and I can finally sleep through the night! Because I am so groggy in the morning, I cut them in half on work nights and enjoy the whole dose on Friday and Saturday nights. No side effects after a few weeks (other than the grogginess). I am hopeful it will also help with my depression from dealing with chronic pain."

• Jin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "I was prescribed 50 mg Seroquel along with increasing my Prozac dose to 60 mg for major depression. It was nice to fall asleep so quickly with taking Seroquel. The last 3 weeks of taking Seroquel have not been good. Although I fall asleep quickly, I constantly wake up every few hours, which causes major daytime sleepiness, and in the last 3 weeks, I have not gotten more than 3-4 hours of sleep. Last night, I decided to stop taking Seroquel, and I actually managed to get 5 hours of sleep. Progress! I’m disappointed it didn’t work for me since it was causing these other issues. Plus, I am pre-diabetic, and it runs in my family. No more for me!"

• SJa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 16, 2021

"I have been on 400 mg Seroquel with 1 mg of clonazepam and 900 mg lithium for MDD. The Seroquel works after about 40 minutes for me, and I instantly feel drowsy and feel the need to go to bed. I take 375 mg venlafaxine in the morning, and Seroquel helps me wind down after being on such a high antidepressant dose during the day. Recommend if your antidepressants keep you up at night!"

• ano...
• April 17, 2011

For Insomnia "I am in treatment for Lyme disease, and the antibiotics, as well as the infections, cause insomnia, depression, anxiety, and racing thoughts. I used herbs to quiet my mind so I could sleep, and they were successful for a couple of years, but finally, I needed something stronger. I take just half of a 25 mg pill an hour before I want to fall asleep. It works very well, but I do feel groggy in the morning. At first, I even had trouble talking, as my speech was slurred."

• Ter...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 14, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on 11 meds in 5 years. MDD re-diagnosed as Bipolar 1 three years ago. Seroquel works for me. Started on 25 mg q.d. But after psychotic breakout, I am up to 400 mg. Plus 900 mg Lithium. I think we’re getting close to the right cocktail, including Adderall and Ativan when required. No weight gain, but have had eating binges. Makes me sleepy, but I’m okay by 10:00 am with sheer guts and coffee. I am thankful for these medicines."

• Anonymous
• April 26, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "So far, so good. I have been on Remeron (30 mg) for 3 years. It stopped being effective almost a year ago. Since then, I have tried many other things. Finally, my doctor suggested Seroquel (100 mg at bedtime), in addition to the Remeron. I noticed the difference almost immediately-within 24 hours. Severe depression symptoms have eased off, and also less anxiety. Unlike others, I have had no grogginess with it so far. So, while it's early in the game, Seroquel looks to be good so far. Will post an update as my treatment time continues."

• Anonymous
• November 14, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on Seroquel (along with a myriad of other psychiatric medications) for 10 years at a dose of 600 mg at night. For a while, I would get so sedated that while sleeping, I would stop breathing and jump awake feeling like I was drowning. While the medicine has been very helpful, I am starting to titrate it down in the hope of losing the 15 kg that I put on when I started it. I now find it impossible to sleep without it, so I'm coming off it very slowly hoping that my other medicines will keep my mood balanced. Overall, a really good medication."

• BDP...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 22, 2022

"Seroquel is an absolute game changer for me with my Borderline Personality Disorder. It grounds my thought process, keeps my moods from changing so rapidly. I think clearer, more extroverted, and can function in the world so much better. It does make me drowsy when I take my night dose, but I was having issues falling asleep anyway, so that has been helpful for me. I take 100 mg when I wake up and 200-300 mg at bedtime. I have a 100 mg PRN I can use if I feel an episode coming on. I truly hope it works this well for the rest of my life because the change it has given me is huge."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 4, 2022

For Schizoaffective Disorder "In my experience, Seroquel literally saved my life and helped control the symptoms of schizophrenia correctly when the dose was increased to 400 mg. I felt more like myself again and far less paranoid. My downsides include drowsiness, tiredness, and dry mouth, so drink more water than usual."

• Vkk...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 12, 2022

For Schizophrenia "I took Seroquel/quetiapine for 7 years, and it works like magic. Made back normal. I had no more delusional thoughts, no more paranoia, and no more fearful feelings. My life was the BEST. However, BOYYYYY, the side effects are serious. I took 800 mg at night before bed, and it knocks you OUT! I used to sleep to like 4 pm on it, if not MORE. Had me sleepy ALL the time. And I didn't mind that, but what I didn't like was that when I would take it, my heart would beat so fast I would feel like it would explode, and I used to feel really high and like I was catching an episode of psychosis, so I would just hurry and go to sleep (as if the medicine didn't make me sleepy anyway, lol), and these side effects never let up over the seven years, but it was a miracle drug. I'm no longer on it because I got pregnant and was afraid to take it, and it stopped working once I started taking it again. So now I'm on Invega Sustenna injection, but I would kinda recommend, and the reason I say kinda is because of the side effects."

• Anonymous
• May 17, 2010

"Our mom has been on Seroquel for just over a year. She was diagnosed with Sundowner Syndrome and hallucinates, becomes very fearful and afraid. This has helped a great deal. We have had to increase the dosage a few times. It has never made her sleepy, however, when she does go to sleep, she gets good rest."