Quetiapine and Drowsiness: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Ave...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 5, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This drug has been a lifesaver from my anxiety and insomnia. Maybe there are a few minor side effects, drowsiness being the worst, but I take 25 mg at night and can finally sleep. The first couple of days were pretty rough, heart pounding, and felt like a zombie, but as time goes on, that seems to be subsiding. I have a bit of an eating disorder, and Seroquel helps me with eating. I don't mind gaining a few pounds on this drug, considering I was a 110-pound, 20-year-old man. This drug saved my life, took me out of a deep depression stage, and helped with my anxiety. Other drugs I tried didn't work: Ativan, Xanax, clonazepam, clorazepate, Valium, Buspar, Nozinan, Zoloft, mirtazapine (don't ever take this drug, it gave me seizures), Prozac, and many others. Seroquel has worked wonders for me."

• Ood...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 28, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I'm a 25-year-old woman who is recovering from a hysterectomy, and my psychiatrist prescribed Seroquel - 50 mg at night to help me cope with my GAD before and after my hysterectomy. So far, it's helped significantly with my GAD and PTSD. It is quite sedating, but it's nothing too intense, more so relaxing and definitely helpful since falling asleep was an issue. Now, I sleep through most nights! I've read some reviews, and some people have had terrible luck with this drug. My rule of thumb is always to talk with your doctor and seriously weigh the side effects against your long-term quality of life. Some drugs don't always mix well with certain people, but only you could know that and make that call. For me, this drug is worth its weight in gold!"

• Anonymous
• July 5, 2012

Quetiapine for Bipolar Disorder "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."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2019

For Insomnia "I was put on quetiapine 50 mg to help in my detox from Xanax, which I gained dependence on to fall asleep every night. Quetiapine 50 mg didn't seem to work that well, so we upped the dose to 100 mg, then 150 mg. Currently, I'm sitting at 100 mg at night before bed. I wish the ravenous eating side effect was touched on more often because it's affecting me badly. This pill will kick relatively quick, and you'll know because you'll want to eat everything. I didn't see that pattern right away, but I found myself snacking right before falling asleep and immediately eating breakfast when waking up. Weight gain is a huge side effect. Also, worth the mention is the groggy feeling and cotton mouth you'll have when you wake up."

• Thi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2016

Quetiapine for Depression "I have only been on Seroquel XR for about a week at 50 mg. My doctor prescribed it as an adjunct to Remeron to treat anxiety, depression, paranoia, and insomnia. I also take gabapentin, atenolol, and Xanax. When the Seroquel XR works, it WORKS. I can feel it sedating me two hours after I take it. I've been sleeping eight and nine hours a night, which has not happened in a very, very long time. It's effective at neutralizing both anxiety and depression. BUT... it doesn't last 24 hours for me; it only lasts about 15. Once it wears off, my anxiety and depression return with a vengeance. Makes for a very rough 8 or 9 hours until I can take it again."

• Anonymous
• August 29, 2009

Quetiapine for Bipolar Disorder "I have heard all kinds of bad things about Seroquel, but to me, this medicine has saved my life. I was diagnosed with cyclothymia with racing thoughts and extreme hypomanic phases followed by intense depression. Not to mention, I would get so paranoid sometimes that I couldn't leave the house. I had tried everything including lithium, but then I went to a new doctor. She said I could try Seroquel XR, but I probably wouldn't like feeling sedated. I said, 'Sedated? Fine!' The funny thing is that I have more energy, but it is calm positive energy. I made a huge turnaround, and life is back on track. I thought I had ADHD as well, but now I have great concentration, no anxiety, and can sit still for hours. I highly recommend it if your symptoms sound like mine."

• Koo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 20, 2013

Quetiapine for Depression "I have had bipolar disorder/personality disorder and severe depression for about 30 years and have tried just about every medicine there is. A recent setback had me in the hospital: my doctor decided to put me on Seroquel XR 400 mg along with my other medicines. In the beginning, it seemed to help me, as time went on, my symptoms of low mood, suicidal thoughts, etc. came back. Most important to note was the weight gain. In under a year, I gained almost 50 lbs for no real reason. Extreme fatigue and sleepiness made it hard to get out of bed in the mornings! I am now reducing my dosage to slowly get off it as per my doctor's orders and switching to an alternative. I am hoping this will work."

• Fra...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 5, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've been on Seroquel XR 50 mg for the past 8 months for generalized anxiety disorder and intrusive racing thoughts. Only take it in the evening before bedtime. This helps me sleep through the night and not wake up in the middle of the night with panic/anxiety issues! It is somewhat sedating, and I do have issues waking up in the morning, but coffee helps. I didn't gain any weight on it, as it helps me get going during the day on things that would usually drive me into a panic situation! I actually enjoy going out for walks and socializing now, as opposed to being apprehensive and terrified of (insert intrusive thoughts)! Needs some adjustments occasionally; on weeks I'm doing well, I only take half of the 50 mg dose and do okay."

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

Quetiapine for Bipolar Disorder "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."

• Nix...
• January 18, 2012

Quetiapine for Depression "I've had depression for 12 years, and have been on Paxil for about 10. The Paxil worked for a few years, but the anxiety and depression slowly worked their way back into my life. So, along with the Paxil, they added other drugs (Effexor, Wellbutrin), but they made me even more anxious. I was finally put on regular Seroquel and found it worked for a little while, but I was so tired all the time I couldn't function the next day. I was literally fired from 3 jobs for being stuck in bed and refusing to get up. I was switched to Seroquel XR 100mg last year, combined with the 90mg of Paxil I'm still on, and I've found a drastic improvement in my mood, anger, and anxiety. My only complaint would be how sleepy it makes me in the mornings. A large coffee or a caffeinated beverage does the trick, though, and it's worth the sleepiness to have some peace of mind."

• Mik...
• November 28, 2014

Quetiapine for Depression "I was prescribed Seroquel 100 mg for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and I could only take it for two days. I took it as prescribed before bedtime. I almost crashed my truck several times on my way to work, and I had to pull over on the shoulder to sleep on my way home from work. Day 2 was a Saturday. I slept for 14.5 hours. I can't function at all on this."

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

Quetiapine for Bipolar Disorder "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."

• Bri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 24, 2014

Quetiapine for Bipolar Disorder "I've only been on Seroquel for 2 to 3 weeks, but I have had a largely positive experience. I have had a diagnosis of depression for about ten years and was using Cipralex (Lexapro). I came off Cipralex twice, and both times I became very depressed. Even on Cipralex, my mood was constantly changing, so I went to see a psychiatrist who thinks I may have Cyclothymia or bipolar II, so he started me on 50 mg of Seroquel. Initially, I was very groggy but have gotten over that. I've also gained a stone in weight. But my mood has really stabilized for the first time. I feel happy, confident, and passionate. I no longer have a million thoughts in my head, so I can focus better. Hopefully, this continues."

• dvw...
• April 20, 2012

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "My doctor started me on quetiapine after I had been having anxiety and panic attacks. The first few days I felt really groggy, and they sure make you sleep well. I haven't had any side effects like I did with antidepressants. I just hope they work for me."

• Che...
• April 23, 2017

For Insomnia "I am currently on 25 mg taken 2 hours before bed for insomnia. I have found it to be very sedating and sleep for the entire night. On the first night, around the 2-hour mark after taking, I was not able to function properly. Cleaning my teeth and preparing my clothes for the morning was a big effort. Lightheadedness and dizziness. I have noticed others have had intense dreams/nightmares while on this medication, and I did too. The following day, I feel lethargic and drained despite a full night of sleep. I have rated it a 7 because it certainly works to relieve my insomnia, but the cluster of side effects is frustrating. I would recommend trying it for the first time when you have the following days free and are not working and adjusting."

• chi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2014

For Depression "I take 3x 75 mg throughout the day. I feel sedated on it sometimes, but I can function. I have no anxiety, and depression episodes never get below a point. My mood is way more stable, and I don't ever get the huge downers, but occasionally still get the big highs. Usually, I am just feeling content, which is where I want to be. It has saved my life, and I can now hold down a job and get back to uni."

• Anonymous
• September 18, 2016

For Insomnia "I took this back when I was 15, and it was perfect for my terrible anxiety and insomnia. 25 mg knocked me out completely and put me to sleep. I've been on melatonin for the last few years, as quetiapine made me too drowsy the next day. But recently, I have been back on quetiapine, as I have been finding my anxiety keeping me up at night. I've put myself back on a 12.5-25 mg dose, and it's worked wonders. It feels euphoric and puts me to sleep like a charm. Downsides: I've been feeling so out of it during the day, drowsy, harder to wake, plus I've had a few headaches and stomach upsets. Also, I'm scared I'm going to gain weight, as that is commonly reported. As far as doing its job as a sleeping pill, though, it's incredible."

• shu...
• June 1, 2020

Quetiapine for Bipolar Disorder "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."

• Don...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 27, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This medicine has been just wonderful for me. I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and an anxiety disorder. It really calms my racing thoughts and smooths me out. I have been on many different doses, all the way up to 800 mg. I don't know why doctors sometimes insist on overkill. Anyway, the magic dose for me is 200 mg at bedtime. It keeps me calmed down, and my anxiety stays in check all the next day. I have been taking it for three years, and I don't get the brain fog or sleepiness effect anymore. I use 10 mg of Ambien to help me sleep. It does okay, but the combination doesn't 'knock me out' like it does some people. Overall, Seroquel is great for me, but it is very rough on others. It is worth a try at least."

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

Quetiapine for Bipolar Disorder "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."

• Dre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 26, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "After trying different medications, Seroquel 50 mg just changed my life. It is quite sedative, but I do a lot of sport as well and have a lot of energy. I am stable since 3 years with Seroquel. Life saver."

• fre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 7, 2018

For Insomnia "Seroquel has saved me. I was prescribed Seroquel for my severe insomnia, in conjunction with my long-term depression. I had one issue initially when I started it, if I didn’t take it early enough, then I would have difficulty waking up on time without being groggy. But this subsided after getting up and moving. It did discourage me from taking it regularly. Small doses had strong effects on me, so I started cutting my 25 mg tablets in half. After being on it long-term, it completely changed my sleeping patterns and mood. Now, on my normal dose, I finally sleep through the night and wake up well-rested and motivated. In small doses (10-15 mg), it's effective in relieving daytime anxiety (as prescribed as well), which benefited my generalized anxiety disorder without benzodiazepines. Now I can finally sleep and control my daytime anxiety. If you’re anything like me, even a 25 mg dose can be too strong. Talk to your doctor about dosage. It’s a lifesaver for anyone struggling with severe insomnia and depression."

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

Quetiapine for Bipolar Disorder "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."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 4, 2022

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This is an interesting medication. The first 2-4 weeks can be tricky. I found that it does have a sedative effect and was amazing for sleeping. It did also make me agitated/jumpy if I took a higher dose (weirdly, paracetamol or ibuprofen lowered this effect). Can be helpful to try a lower dose and see the difference. I did feel foggy and had trouble concentrating the first month. Your body does need to get used to it, then I saw major improvements in mood and reduction in depression and anxiety. It is good because it immediately reduces extreme anxiety (compared to SSRIs and SNRIs) and then kicks in to help over the longer time. I would use it in conjunction with working with a psychologist. If you're going through anxiety or depression, this medication is a much better option than benzos or SSRIs or SNRIs."

• hah...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in a residential treatment center. I was dependent on 4 mg of Klonopin a day, and when I started to taper off, the panic attacks and lack of sleep were so unreal. My doctor put me on Seroquel 25 mg twice a day and 50 mg at nighttime. It makes me really tired, so it helps me sleep. I used to wake up groggy, but not anymore. Overall, great medication. I'm now on 50 mg a day as needed and 50 mg at nighttime. Seroquel really helps my panic attacks. The dose I'm at doesn't make me as tired as it used to. I'm on Remeron at nighttime, so the two really knock me out. Overall, great medication. Only side effects: bad dry mouth, sleepiness."