Seroquel XR for Bipolar Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• Bri...
• April 5, 2017

"I have been on this for about 2 months, and I've recently been getting extremely tired all day long (even if I take it way earlier the day before). The drowsiness is so extreme that I can't even watch a show. I'm literally struggling to stay awake all day because I feel like I just want to sleep my life away. My depression has been through the roof as well! And to top it off, the weight I have gained since I have been on it has been insane. I constantly want to eat all the time! I have gained at least 20-30 pounds in the past month or two! I am definitely going to tell my doctor I want off of it ASAP! I can't take it anymore."

• can...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2021

"I’ve been on it for about a month to treat my bipolar disorder at a very low dose. It’s worked wonders. I genuinely feel for the first time in my life “well adjusted.” I’m much less anxious, and when I am anxious, it’s just for a short time, not the entire day or days at a time. I also sleep much more soundly, am less susceptible to becoming overwhelmed by small tasks, my thoughts are generally more pleasant (there still are rough moments and intrusive thoughts, just less often now), and have had more “good” days in the past month than in the whole past three years. My only side effect has been dry mouth."

• Thi...
• October 13, 2016

"My diagnosis is bipolar I. I have been on Seroquel XR for 3 years now. I have been stable for one year, which is amazing. I am very lucky that this medication works really well for me. For the first few months or so, it increased my appetite, and I was fairly sedated throughout the day. As I adjusted to the medication, this wore off. I now function better than I ever have. Suicidal thoughts are pretty much all gone, and when they do come, they pass. I have not had any depression and only slightly concerning elevated moods (which happen rarely). This drug prevents me from psychosis, and for that, I am extremely thankful. I am on 600 mg once at night. UK resident."

• Ang...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 23, 2016

"This med is pretty wonderful for my bipolar mania and my bipolar depression. Only setback is the sedation, but at the same time I've always struggled with anxiety, so this side effect is okay with me as it helps the anxiety. Really saved my life."

• B30...
• May 13, 2017

"Seroquel XR has changed my life for the better. I am currently on 400 mg once daily. (I also take Klonopin before I go to work.) For the last 6 months, I have not had to call out sick from work, which was a monthly occurrence before Seroquel. I have not had to take a leave of absence in the last year. I used to have to take 2 six-week leaves a year. I feel much more positive about my job and my life in general. It has been a game changer for me. The only downside is the weight gain. It seems to slow your metabolism down and increase your appetite after taking it, making it difficult to lose weight. I am currently not overweight, so the weight gain is a small price to pay. I do have to exercise regularly and watch more carefully what I eat."

• Joe...
• July 16, 2016

"First of all, let me start by saying that I hear that this is an expensive drug because of how new it is. Luckily for me (perhaps, lol), my insurance considers me catastrophic due to my checkered past, and pays the entire price because they want me to take this medication and stfu, lol. Since taking Seroquel XR, my life has improved so much, and I really have never felt more stable in my life. I've tried anticonvulsants and other antipsychotics, and they have not worked for me. This medication really does, to my surprise! The only downfall is that I've gained 10 pounds taking it, but any antipsychotic will do that. Strongly recommend Seroquel XR!"

• Eey...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 21, 2015

"I was recently diagnosed with bipolar and began taking 25-50 mgs a night to aid insomnia because, at the time, I felt relatively well. I appear to be one of the few to embrace the side effect of increased appetite, when I'm manic, depressed, or even the slightest bit anxious, my appetite disappears. I can go weeks without feeling the need to eat, and I love eating! I used to smoke a lot of pot to help with my appetite and racing thoughts. I'm now taking 150 mg XR at night as I'm currently having a mixed episode. It helps quiet my mind and slows me down a little, but I don't feel in any way zombified. At night, soon after taking, I get sleepy, but that's about it!"

• sen...
• March 23, 2011

"I suffer from bipolar 1, OCD, very severe anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. I had been in a mental hospital and had taken so many medicines. I could never stop thinking to the point where I stayed awake all night. Mood swings, temper, just raving mad, waiting to be set off. Some medicines worked for a short time, and others just didn't work. So my psychologist put me on Lamictal, but it works very slowly and you have to start it on a low dose and work your way up. I had taken it before, but my other doctor left and every other doctor wanted to put me on Lithium, but I said no because I have lupus. But when he put me on Seroquel XR, well, that's when things began to look a little bit brighter. It does make you sleepy, but it's a great medicine, at least for me anyway. Hope this helps."

• txf...
• March 9, 2010

"Seroquel XR has been a blessing for me. I currently take 600 mg at night. I have suffered from terrible insomnia, but with this medicine, I actually get some sleep at night. As far as anxiety goes, it works wonders for me. It totally wiped out my anxiety, and I was able to get off of Lithium. In my opinion, it works wonderfully for mania, but I wish it helped a little more with my depression. I take 10 mg of Prozac to boost that. I did gain some weight, but the benefits outweigh this problem. Overall, I think it is a wonderful medicine. I would recommend it highly."

• Dai...
• April 6, 2015

"At first, I hated this medication. It made me really tired, with feelings of non-reality and weight gain. The doctor who put me on it said to wait and give it a chance. I'm glad I did. I use it to sleep at night. At some point, I will reduce it, but it's great for now. I have very restful sleeps, but I am unable to remember my dreams. I am bipolar, and although I am on other medication for it, I believe that Seroquel has been key in my mood stability. I take 100 mg every night and 25 mg PRN for anxiety if needed. Although I get tired on it, it does slow down my thoughts."

• mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2012

"I have had a negative experience on Seroquel. I do not want this to deter anyone from taking it, as everyone's reaction and experience on this medicine is subjective; I just want to put this out there for anyone who might be experiencing similar symptoms and reactions and may be hesitant to say it and to just relate my own experience. I am bipolar II and have untreated ADHD due to the ADHD medicines causing manic episodes. I started Seroquel 2 months ago when I was having a bout of insomnia. I should state that I was on Wellbutrin, Lamictal, and Paxil, and was feeling good. I was productive during the day and upbeat. I was prescribed Seroquel for the insomnia and taken off all the others except Lamictal. I am now a 'zombie', depressed, sleepy 24/7."

• Cye...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 8, 2015

"For years I took Seroquel in various doses throughout the given day. I was prescribed Seroquel XR about 3 years ago for anxiety and bipolar I. Since then, it has been very effective. I did not gain weight at all. The only drawback is it does cause dizziness and sleepiness. Therefore, I sometimes opt to take it later than prescribed, 7:30 PM instead of 6."

• Anonymous
• August 25, 2011

"I used to be so paranoid I couldn't even sleep at night. I would go into manic episodes and be in la-la land for days until this wonderful pill came into my life. I have never felt better. I just never felt so good, I'm happy."

• van...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2016

"Have been on Seroquel XR 25 mg (once before bed) for about 6 months now, and my life has completely changed for the better. Yeah, the weight gain is a pain, but it's a small price to pay for normality. Social anxiety/severe insomnia has not been an issue for months!! I'm finally myself again. Have tried other antipsychotics, but nothing works as well as this one. Only downside is an insatiable appetite - but you can minimize weight gain by substituting with fruits, etc., which is what I'm currently doing."

• Pat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 29, 2017

"I don't understand all the negative reviews. For me, this pill has worked well. It's calmed me right down and has been blissful at moments. It's expensive, unfortunately. As for weight gain, I've noticed that it's pretty neutral... Granted, I'm weaning off of Zoloft as well, so who knows, but I find with medications with 'weight gain' as a side effect, just trying your hardest to eat a well-balanced diet will prevent it. It's too easy to give up and say, 'Oh well, I'm gonna get fat'-it's very much not the case. Don't give up. If you're bipolar like me, there's a chance you can do a lot with your brain, so give it a shot and take your life back. I think much more clearly and am more productive. The overwhelming tiredness subsided after one week."

• tra...
• January 29, 2021

"Took Seroquel XR for 11 months for depression, bipolar 2. Had a rare side effect. This drug causes tooth caries and gum disease. I had to have all 24 of my teeth pulled out. It was devastating. Also, difficult to convince the doctor of the problem. Luckily, I read the packet inserts."

• sho...
• April 9, 2016

"I was prescribed Seroquel XR for bipolar depression. My doctor started me on 50 mg, and I am gradually increasing the dosage. It's been about 4 weeks, and I am currently taking 200 mg. I will agree that it has helped the hopelessness feelings and suicidal thoughts, which is a plus, but the zombie-like feeling and dry mouth are tough. I have a job that requires constant activity, it's hard to keep up. I have to definitely slow down. My doctor advised me that these side effects are all normal and eventually I will get used to it. Can't wait for this to happen."

• Ano...
• June 6, 2016

"I really noticed a negative difference when comparing the XR version to the regular Seroquel. It took longer to kick in and made me so drowsy at work that I felt like I was drunk. I think I was taking 100-200 mg. When I went back to regular Seroquel, 100-200 mg put me to sleep fast and made a difference in stabilizing my mood without me feeling too drowsy to function the next day."

• Nes...
• March 15, 2017

"I'm 24 yrs old, have severe RA and have been taking Seroquel XR at 300 milligrams a night for nearly a year. I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 years ago but had so much trouble finding a psychiatrist who was caring enough to listen to me (like a psychologist and work as a psychiatrist, pill pusher) so my diagnosis went treated and untreated on and off for a while. But since I've been seeing my doctor regularly and she seems to genuinely care, I've trusted her judgment with her diagnosis and what she thought would help me most. Besides the weight gain, honestly I feel much more stable, and I can deal with the world around me as I see it and haven't had any serious depressive episodes or hypomania. This medication has worked wonders for me."

• Bef...
• February 7, 2019

"I've taken this medication in the past. I required a higher dosage because I was feeling paranoid. A few months ago, I weaned myself off of it, but I took other medications. I started to lose weight, and I was feeling healthy physically, but mentally my mind was active. I don't feel paranoia like I did in the past, but lately I'm taking a low dose of 150 mg compared to 600 mg several months ago. If I take it too soon before bedtime, I tend to feel groggy in the morning, and it takes me 9 hours of sleep. It can cause weight gain and diabetes. Make sure you have your blood sugar monitored every 3 months. Eat small snacks, fewer carbs, and exercise. Healthy sleep makes you happy."

• KoR...
• February 3, 2011

"I had a 'nervous breakdown' in November of 2009 and ended up in a psych hospital where I was promptly given Seroquel, among other medicines. The Seroquel was amazing. I felt like someone switched the on button in my brain and I finally woke up. When I got out of the hospital and sought out a new psychiatrist for treatment, he took me off of the Seroquel because I am diabetic. After a year of unsuccessful treatment with other medicines, I begged to be put back on the Seroquel because the depression was unbearable, and I wasn't responding to other medicines. So he agreed, and once again that switch has been flipped on and I feel 'normal'! I am only on 300mg. I have to take it early because it knocks me out. In the morning, I am very dizzy and have slurred speech."

• cul...
• September 27, 2010

"After much trial and error with other medications, I am pleased to find that Seroquel XR really helps. I take 500 mg per day. Started at 200 but worked my way up until I felt better. Wish I had discovered this years ago."

• Bip...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 9, 2024

"I've been on Seroquel on and off for over 16 years. My doctors would switch me to other drugs that didn't work as well. I've been on Seroquel XR 400mg for a little over a year and I have never been more stable. I'm able to hold a job, I have great relationships with my children, and my anxiety has been at an all-time low. The only downfall is that I can't sleep a wink without it. I had surgery recently and was told not to take the Seroquel with the pain meds they send me home with because apparently they interact. I didn't take it for 3 days, and apparently my body was super dependent on it because I literally couldn't sleep a wink for those 3 days. It was hell!! So I finally took it on the 4th day and I slept like a baby for 12 hours. Other than that one instance, I love Seroquel as it's the only drug that truly worked for me."

• Lon...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 18, 2017

"I was taking 300 mg of Seroquel XR for 6 months. The best part was being able to get a good night’s sleep. I had only been getting 2-3 hrs of rest each night. My mind would race and it was a struggle to stay in bed. I would get up and start cleaning. Additionally, I would spend hours creating plans to organize my life. I had not actually followed any of those plans, and I was depressed. I took Latuda for a short period, but it made my inability to sleep worse. That’s when I was switched to Seroquel. I loved the way it helped me feel normal. The bad - I gained 30 lbs in 6 months. I asked to be taken off and started taking Geodon. Once again, I cannot sleep. I am going to ask to go back to Seroquel XR and focus on following a healthy diet."

• bab...
• June 29, 2009

"I think this is one of the best medications out there at this time. It has really changed me 100%. I have bipolar, and I can't tell you how happy I am. I have also been on regular Seroquel, and there is no comparison, XR for me works far better than the regular."