has anyone been put on seroquel (quientiapine) for insomnia/anxiety. really scared about going on it....?

Question

hi psychiatrist wants to put me on seroquel for insomnia and severe anxiety and ? bipolar but really scared it wont help......been told its very sedating and also works for anxiety (severe) and also have questionable bipolar........will be small dose to start with and really need some positive input as so scared its unreal thanks xxxx would rather not hear bad stuff as dont need head anymore screwed up

Answer 1

actually i think that is a good idea. seroquel is non-narcotic and has very few side effects (besides making you tired or sleepy) i have been on it for 2 years but since i decided to get clean and sober i have not taken it. my doctor told me that if i start having anxiety problems to get back on it and that it is safe for recovering addicts to take. it might take a few weeks to get used to it but for the most part i found it quite beneficial. good luck to you!

despite what many others have said here, a benzodiazepine like xanax is NOT a good idea. it is extremely addictive with many side effects! going off of a benzo cold turkey can KILL you!! trust me, i used to be addicted to them and have had psychotic episodes because of them! i am also bipolar and take lithium carbonate to regulate my moods. a lot of bipolar people are more likely to become addicted to substances, so PLEASE stay away from narcotics and benzos!

seroquel in a low dose is your best bet! and if you are ever actually clinically diagnosed with bipolar ask your doctor about a non-narcotic mood stabilizer or antidepressant.

Answer 2

I know you said you wanted positive responses about Seroquel but I can't help but have to say something about it...I was on it years ago for OCD/anxiety and I had some pretty bad side effects including the development of a seizure disorder. Anyone who tells you it's a safe, clean drug is full of it because some people like myself cannot take it and it can make you very sick.

I have had luck on Xanax. It is very effective for anxiety and produces a sedating effect. As long as it's used correctly you do not become addicted to it despite what people tend to believe. There is the possibility of building up a tolerance to it as there is with ANY medication...that's why doctors are often increasing people on their antidepressants. I have never had a bad side effect off of Xanax versus what I suffered through with all of those other meds I tried...

Good luck...

Answer 3

There are lots and lots of medications out there to help. Your dr. is using a popular medication that has shown to be quite therapeutic. You may start with a low dose and then have it inceased according to what the dr. thinks will benefit you most. My bro-in-law takes 600 mg at night. That's a high dose, but he says it has helped. I tried it, but it was too sedating for me. Are you taking any other medications as needed for your anxiety? A benzodiazepine can be helpful. YES benzodiazapines are addictive, but can help you while you are waiting for the seraquel to take affect. I am a nurse and have taken some of these medications for the same reasons. I still have clinical depression and anxiety disorder. My psychiatrist has been great helping me with medications and has referred me to a counselor as well. The combination of the two has been quite helpful. If you have never had an anxiety attack, you don't realize just how dibilitating it can be. Try working and having a panic attack while there. Taking medication for any disorder is always up to you and your doctor. Personally, I thank my doctor for helping me by giving me a benzo to help during really bad times. You may not feel the need for it. This is just a personal opinion.

Don't worry, together you and your dr will find the best medication and dosage for you.

Answer 4

think you should try and decide what you are scared of, is it the side effects of the drug or is it the illness itself. Facing up to an illness is a very scary business and it worries most people. But often finding others that have had similar problems can be very reassuring and helpful. Make one decision at a time. Find out as much as you can about this drug. decide if it may help you and judging by the other answers to your question it sounds as though it might. Ask the dr what kind of side effects you can expect and if you can start on a very low dosage. Take each problem as it arises and remember you can come off the drug if you need to.
Accepting you may need it in the first place could be your biggest problem. accepting any imperfection in ourselves is hard. good luck

Answer 5

I have taken it and it did not give me any bad side effects. Yes he will start you out on a low dose first cause they would reither see if a low dose would help first then putting you on a highter doze. That is normal for a person to be scared at the being of taking any medication, but is is not as bad as you have hear. Like i said i had no troule with it at all, and a lot of people do take that medication. It just turned out after a while it did not work for me, so i am off of it now after, many and many years. So you really do not have to be afraid of it.

Answer 6

Qeiane: I have some clients who take this medication as a sleep aid/relaxant and it works very well for them. However, as with any medication there are side effects. If your psychiatrist recommends this in a small dosage to begin with, it's worth a try.
Sometimes these things are a hit and miss, may have to try various dosages and medications to find what works for you . Good Luck.

Answer 7

hi,i started taking this drug 10 days ago,and believe me i was absolutely freaking out! i was crying to my sisters i did not want to take it...but i eventually did and no side effects besides being sleepy,id advise you to take 1 first thing,even set your alarm and go back to sleep,i take it you've been prescribed 25mg twice daily at the mo? once the dose goes up just talke the majority at night before bed as it doesnt matter what time you take it the drug is still going into your brain,i dont know if it works yet as it takes some time to feel the benefits but i haven't had any bad experience with it..honestly no-one is as scaredy cat as i am! go for it,if it does'nt help..there's always something else out there for you..good luck

Answer 8

seroquel is the best i take 750mg daily high but i need it but try not 2 get high as that trazadone at 150mg daily also helps ask the docs the questions and let them sort you out we r all differant wot works 4 1 person is not the same 4 the next good luck and stay safe

Answer 9

I've been on seroquel for two and I was taking six of them every day. Maybe it's not really addictive but my mind was blowing!

Answer 10

I have read some litterature about panic attacks. But they allways seem to have a more scientific approach and that is nothing I need in my struggle to survive those horrible panic attacks. This is a "hand on" and very practical book. I felt it was written to me. I am sure that you are going to feel the same.

Joe Barry writes exactly how I think. The examples are perfectly described. And the method is genius. I recommend this book and thanks Joe Barry for writing it. It changes your life