Safe with low dose Seroquel if keeping track on weight?

There is no drug, even aspirin, that's entirely without potential side effects. Seroquel has the potential to cause certain side effects with long term use so your doctor will monitor you closely and want to do occasional blood work to determine that your metabolic levels are normal.
I've been on Seroquel for some time without any problems but I do have periodic med checks and blood work done. I also watch my weight but so far so good.
WC.

Hi again! Hope you all are fine. 2 things that came in to my mind...

1) Is it the weight gain itself that causes the potential rise in blood glucose, cholesterol etc or is it so that there is an increases risk of this because of the meds itself, even if keeping your weight? Weight gain in general is of course no good for your blood levels but all research I read seem to be a bit unclear about if it really is the meds that alter your levels or if it is the weight gain that does it...

2) For me it seems as if Seroquel has a great effect on anxiety, which then affects my sleep very positive. I have not had insomnia issues in my entire life, it is the anxiety for a few years back, in periods, that causes some problem. However then, I feel so my better with 25-50 mg Seroquel daily - is it your opinion that it can help very good for anxiety (a lot of research says so)? I used to take Zoloft for a few months but did not like it, I did not feel "myself". Again, everyone is different and reacts differently... Thanks

It's all too complicated! Yes, weight gain can cause diabetes. But there may be other factors involved. There is a thought that people may have a genetic predisposition to developing weight gain on most antipsychotics... in other words some people will and others won't. There is also the possibility that certain other metabolic changes can lead to insulin resistance in some people.
For us I think it has to be a matter of dietary changes if increased appetite or carb cravings develop and being sure to have the blood work done to monitor glucose and other metabolic levels. And, of course, working closely with your doctor.
BTW, are you taking the IR or XR/XL form?
Anyway, I would also have to say that it definitely has had a positive effect on my anxiety issues... I mean helping to relieve them and I'm certainly sleeping much better.
WC

Hi Wildcat!

Thanks... yes, it seems to be a bit unclear ( i have read ALOT of reports on the issue:-) I take IR version and it works good. I would say that I have 1 hour in the morning feeling a little bit slow but that is it. When I took Olanzapine it lasted until after lunch.

Me too! I feel just a bit zombiefied for an hour or so after I wake up. But it's worth it and a couple cups of coffee usually do the trick.

Have anyone tried XR version compared to IR version? Differences? In Sweden we do not have 50 mg IR version, only XR, so it means two 25 mg for me.

I've been using the XR formulation since I started taking quetiapine (Seroquel). The only real difference is that the XR form is released more slowly and so stays in your system a little bit longer.

BTW, how are you sleeping now? I sleep through the night and no longer feel groggy in the morning like I did when I first started it. Wonderful!
WC

Hi Wildcat!

So you are on xr now? Is it as sedating? Feel more groggy in the morning? In general I sleep very well on it. I think I need to take it on a frequent base though for a couple of months in order to be more "stabile". Now I take it a few days a week and then I tell myself to quit and then I get a bad night etc and it goes on and on. I think it is wise to be frequent for a while since I understand that the anxiety reduction comes over period as well? Not judge myself for taking it for a while... I felt very well back in 2018 after taking Olanzapine for 8 straight months, every night. Made med confident.

Hi again!

So I guess my question regarding these meds also is if they are considered to be good for mood and anxiety taking a low dose periodly, meaning every night for ex 6-12 months? I can read that after a week or so it builds up and has a "positive" effect. I am a bit tired of going up and down and feel it could be wise to try it out, even good days, for a longer period. Doing so I believe that I can feel good/sleep good every day. That is what happened during my 8 months w Olanzapine a couple of years ago, and then I got of it for over a year.

Hi! Do you think xr version is ’better’ than ir version for my purpose? Do you feel any difference?

Take care

I think Seroquel can be taken as needed for sleep because you're looking for the immediate side effect (in this case a beneficial side effect). But for mental disorders it probably needs to be taken on a regular basis.
I take it for Bipolar ll depression so I take it every night long term and I use the XR formulation. When I initially was taking it for sleep only I still took the XR.
Can't say which is better because it depends on what you're taking it for and how you respond to it. My psychiatrist prescribed it that way and she must have had a reason I guess.
Sorry this wasn't of much help, was it?
WC

Hi!

Hope you are fine. I have now been taking 50 mg every night for 3 weeks. I feel really well and no increased apetite, hangover etc. It feels as if it for me has Good effects on anxiety and sleep lounger term and my ambition is therefor to continue. Why let myself feel bad from Time to time if this formula really helps me to a much better life?

Great news!!! I hope your success will continue throughout your journey to health.
WC

Hi!

Just out of interest... Has anyone tried Remeron(Mirtazapine) as an alternative for anxiety/sleep? I believe it has the same potential side effects as seroquel and as long seroquel is working for me I am not changing... just interested:-)

I've never used it but a girlfriend swears by it except for the 15lb weight gain. She says she'll live with it because it works so well for her otherwise.
Like you, I'll stick with my Seroquel.
Take care, my friend!
Wildcat

You are welcome.

Although is not a sleeping pill, it is prescribed off-label for insomnia/sleep disorders at a low dose like you.

And of course what may work for you may not work for other people.

Take care, masso

Hi masso!

Hope you are fine (are u in the US?, I am from Sweden... ). It is nice to hear that you are feeling fine and being able to control Seroquel for over 20 years and keeping weight and also I assume your blood levels. That means that it is to some extent a "safe" drug to use continually if you take care of yourself and keep monitoring your body... Sometimes I believe it is wise for me to use the drug for say 2-3 months in a row to find stability and dont be afraid of doing so. Now I am a lot upanddown on a weekly basis:-)

Take care

I am from Chile.

One must be responsible for oneself, many people have bad experiences not just with Seroquel, but with all sorts of medications, as you know everyone is different and it is a trial an error with meds and the right combination of medications.

Take care, masso