I have problems with major depression as well as anxiety and panic disorder. I take Effexor for the depression, and Neurontin and Klonopin for the anxiety. This worked well for a while but lately my panic attacks occassionally break through even this. My doctor suggested a small dose of Seroquel. He told me it is like a tranquilizer. Is this true and how well does this medicine work for anxiety and panic attacks? Also do most people experience weight gain? Im already on one med that made me gain 25lbs that wont budge no matter what I do. I dont want to gain anymore
How well does seroquel work for anxiety and panic attacks, is it a tranquilizer?
Question posted by bethmed on 28 Sep 2011
Last updated on 12 January 2020
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
19 Answers
WildcatVet
6 Dec 2019
Seroquel is an anti-psychotic medication originally approve for treating schizophrenia and Bipolar disorders. Current studies show it's also effective in treating depression, anxiety, and sleeping disorders.
As with all psychotropic drugs there is a chance of weight gain:
"Very common (10% or more of users): Weight gain (up to 45%)"
"Weisler says that in other studies looking at Seroquel for bipolar depression, "we noticed that patients' anxiety levels frequently dropped."
The observation led to a two-month study pitting Seroquel against placebo in nearly 1,000 patients with generalized anxiety disorder.
It's estimated that generalized anxiety disorder affects about 6.8 million Americans, with women twice as likely to be affected as men, according to the researchers.
Symptoms, which can linger for six months or longer, include constant worry and anxiety about things most people take in stride. Sufferers often can't get rid of their concerns even though they realize their level of anxiety is out of proportion with the situation at hand.
By one week after the study started, anxiety symptoms, such as trouble sleeping and relaxing, began to improve in patients given Seroquel compared with those given placebo. That improvement continued over the course of the trial, Weisler says.
So yes it does help with anxiety disorders and their symptoms.
dandylion67
6 Dec 2019
I’ve also heard it’s not recommended for long term use.
Maybe it effects everyone differently I guess
WildcatVet
6 Dec 2019
"(1% to 10% of users) Tardive dyskinesia
"Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a rare side effect that may develop in a small number of patients with prolonged use of antipsychotics. Medications such as quetiapine have been shown to have a lower risk of TD compared to older antipsychotics, such as Haldol (haloperidol). If you develop symptoms of TD, such as grimacing, sucking, and smacking of lips, or other movements that you cannot control, contact your health care provider immediately. All patients taking either first or second generation antipsychotics should have an Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) completed regularly by their health care provider to monitor for TD."
dandylion67
6 Dec 2019
My brother in law was on Seroquel to treat his Chronic Schizophrenia.
Please do a lot of research on this drug as it has some nasty sight effects.
Not really sure why a GP would prescribe it for sleeping disorders.
spirit1val
10 Jan 2019
For me Seroquel is a life saver. I use it at night and it allows me to have a good nights sleep. Yes the downside is weight gain however to me it is worth it to be a little plump. I have had MDD since I was in my teens and PTSD for about 20 years. I take 300 mg of Effexor (2-150 capsules) in the morning for depression Xanax when I feel like a Panic Attack coming on, headache, numb cheek, hurting chest and so on. Rarely but sometimes I wake up unable to move with these symptoms. Naturally I cannot move to get a Xanax so I use breathing exercises. It lasts about a half hour and it depletes me of energy for the next 24 hours. Long answer to a short question, sorry.
spirit1val
10 Jan 2019
I was not told this is a tranquilizer. As others noted it can be an add on drug for depression. I also read that it is sometimes used for schizophrenia and I think bi-polar. To my knowledge neither of these apply to me. It takes a long time to find the perfect fit for drugs that will work for an individual. I am older and I have been on so many different drugs that I can’t count them all. I am good now.
sweetangelwings
22 June 2019
Can anyone tell me if in the morning after taking a 50 mg at bedtime make me feel tired or slow? Please, afraid to start this pill, given to me by Dr. for my insomnia issues I've had for over 30 years, I'm not 62.
sweetangelwings
22 June 2019
just wanting to know if I'll have any tiredness in the mornings when I wake up on 50 mg ? thank you
beckysis1
12 Jan 2020
Was on Maprotiline for 30 yrs. for MMD and anxiety. They no longer make Maprotiline, so I had to stop taking it. Dr. gave me Trintellix, which didn’t work, then Cymbalta, which made me more agitated, now Seroquel (Quetiapine - what’s the difference?) 25 mg. twice a day to replace it. I’m still in withdrawals from Maprotiline, to include, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, agitation, anxiety and depression. Have taken the Seroquel for three days now and haven’t slept. Tomorrow, I start on 50mg. twice a day. I am a basket case. Nothing works right now, and I’m afraid Seroquel won’t either. Will give it a couple of more days to see what it does, but am thinking of changing doctors. Have any of you had luck after increasing the dosage? Any help appreciated and needed. Thanks
Annali03
10 Jan 2019
I took 25 mg for anxiety and ended up with increased anxiety for the first few minutes of taking it. It works well for others but did squat for my severe anxiety and panic. Benzos work better.
richard131
10 Jan 2019
Annali03, I started on that dose and it made me extremely drowsy, but over the weeks I slowly increased the dosage, I'm on 300mg now and it has changed my life. I have got my life back for the first time in decades, I wish I had found this drug years ago.
Annali03
11 Jan 2019
Yeah, it made me drowsy too. You're so lucky you're on 300 mg. It gave me crazy palpitations and I had to pop beta blocker cuz I thought I was going to die of a heart attack. I'm happy you found something that works for you.
spirit1val
8 Dec 2018
I take seroquel at night and love the ability to sleep well. The downside is a weight gain. I finally decided that I would have sleep over a weight gain. I take Effexor in the morning and clonazepam and the Seroquel at night. Have MDD and PTSD and have since a teenager. This combination works best for me. I just go with the flow when I am really down and too much stress causes panic attacks. I can feel them coming and just get more sleep or read a lot. In my opinion there is no perfect drug or therapy but this is the best solution for me.
spirit1val
8 Dec 2018
I forgot to mention that I always carry Xanax with me in case I have a surprise panic attack. The dosage is 2 mg and within a half hour it is gone. I always use deep breathing techniques. If I wake with one where I cannot move at all, I use the breathing techniques and wait and see what happens next. Those are a little scary.
JNapuran
31 Aug 2018
I have taken anti anxiety medicine for years. My doctor once prescribed me Seroquel and I actually didn’t have to take anything else for anxiety/panic attacks. The only thing is I would have to take it about two hours before I went to bed. Forget about taking it during the day. You won’t be able to stay up. By taking it I didn’t need a sleeping pill or Xanax etc as it would last through the whole next day. It did make me a little agitated though. I stopped taking it because it is a very powerful drug. If you have a severe problem and can’t function throughout your day it’s worth trying but otherwise I would stay away from it. One thing I noticed on here is some people say they take up to 600 MG a night? I’m not sure if I’m reading that correctly. I used to take 50 MG and I was out like a light. I can’t even imagine taking that much. I’m shocked that someone can take that much and even wake up.
But I’m sure some people have very servere anxiety/ depression problems. I would say my anxiety and panic attacks and sleep disorders are moderate... I guess. I thought they were bad until I read how much some people have to take. Nevertheless it’s a powerful drug. So take with caution but if you have really bad anxiety or depression where you can’t function try it. Just start with a low dose. Like I said the drug is so strong I’m actually in shock you can even take that much...
Lynn 351
12 Sep 2018
What do you take for anxiety now?
Ray36
28 April 2018
I just started this 2 wks ago for anxiety, and sleep. And it’s been amazing this far. I started with 25 mg, and upped to 50 mg per my dr with no issues. It does sedate me pretty well, and I try to take it at least 12 hrs before I want to get up. I have been waking up and typically going back to sleep after a full 8 hrs of sleep. Dr also has prescribed me .5 mg of Xanax for the overwhelming feelings that I sometimes get. I’m in remission from breast cancer recently, and the anxiety stepping out of treatment has been tough. But I feel my life slowly coming back, and I haven’t felt the room closing in on me hardly since I started this med. I’ve tried antidepressants in the past during tougher times, and always had one reaction or another and was never really successful at finding the right one.
I don’t know if the good nights sleep that it gives me, helps my anxiety like others mentioned above. But if that’s the case, great. I’ll take it!
Bradkling
31 May 2018
Hi all, I have been on seroquel for 8 years... anywhere from 300 - 450 mg at night. It’s been great for sleep up until it wasn’t. I just want to caution people here that if it stops working for sleep, it’s not a nice drug. I Really don’t want to scare anyone by writing this... if it’s working then great. I now have a hard time getting to sleep as I don’t have that knock out punch so-to-speak. And if you’re taking this med just for sleep I would look at your options. It seems to keep me awake now and I have grown a tolerance to it. My Doc says my antihistamine receptors are maxed out because of seroquel.
jmcg
26 Dec 2017
I've been on antidepressants successfully for 25 years to fight anxiety -- Clomipramine, Effexor, Cymbalta, and now Pristiq 100 mg. The Pristiq seems to be about 80% effective, so I recentlyI recently added Zoloft to the Pristiq but that seemed to create heart palpitations and increase my anxiety as a result, so I am weaning off the Zoloft and trying propranolol (beta blocker) to control the palpitations and also reduce anxiety. I'm taking 25 mg of Seroquel for sleep. It works very well: best sleep medication I've ever had. I'm wondering if increasing the dosage of the Seroquel might be all I need to help the Pristiq so that I don't have to take the beta blockers. None of them is giving me any major side effects during the day (as long as I take the Seroquel before bed), but I just hate to be on such a cocktail of potent medications.
Is there anyone else out there who finds Seroquel helpful in reducing General Anxiety Disorder? I'm 62 years old and otherwise in excellent health but for slightly high blood pressure due to the anxiety. Thanks for any relevant thoughts…!
richard131
27 Dec 2017
Hi jmcg
it looks like your already on a cocktail of meds. I replaced one med ( can't remember which) with Seroquel and it changed my life. I have a lot less anxiety and can function much better, taken before bed I also sleep really well. Yes its true you may put on weight, as it increases your appetite
I joined a gym as all food just seems better now as does life in general.
jmcg
27 Dec 2017
Thanks Richard131. That is very encouraging. What dosage Seroquil are you on? Last night I took 50 rather than 25 and I slept like the dead. Feel good this morning.
richard131
27 Dec 2017
Hi JM
I started off on 25 mg and I couldn't stay awake after I took it. I slowly over weeks increased my dosage and now I take 325 mg per day before bed. Sometimes It just about knocks me out but not always. I always sleep really well now and don't wake up through the night. There are 2 types, slow release and fast, sorry I am not sure which one I am on. I am so glad I persisted with Seroquel.
jmcg
27 Dec 2017
Thanks Richard. Wow, 325mg? I didn't expect that. Did you originally start taking it for sleep or for anxiety? My daughter takes it for sleep and as a mood-stabilizer, and I have read that it is usually classed as an anti-psychotic. Since I increased from 25 to 50 last night my palpitations have decreased substantially today and I definitely feel less anxious, though far from perfect. One other question: at that dosage (325) are you functional if you have to get up in the middle of the night for some reason? Thanks. I really appreciate your feedback. JM
richard131
28 Dec 2017
Hi JM,
I work at night and sleep in the daytime, before I started using Seroquel I used to sleep all day, sometimes for 10 to 12 hours. Yes, I had absolutely no life. It took me a while to work up to 325mg but my anxiety almost completely disappeared. I find about 1 hour after taking Seroquel I get very tired but if I fight through it for roughly an hour I am fine and don't feel sleepy. I still have a bit of anxiety and sometimes depression but its so much better than before.
Stayingpositive101
2 Dec 2017
For my wife this even on a low dose caused her to gain weight bit she was mostly bed ridden so cant really say on that if it was the drug. I myself have been perscribed it for me it really didnt do much to be honest but on occasions I found myself to be extreamly hungry while taking it. I had days where I was fine but then this huge hunger set in and I couldnt eat enough. I found myself one day 4 days into taking it eating 7 small steaks by myself and sides and still hungry. Then I was okay for another 2 days and bam that hunger took over. My doctor changed my perscription due to it back to Valium I only needed it at night to deal with the loss of my wife. I have horrible night time anxiety. But to be honest this drug didnt make me sleepy it just made things blurry. I wouldnt recommened much. I was on a low dose maybe a stronger dose would have helped but with the extreme hunger I wouldnt chance it again.
richard131
21 Oct 2017
Wow, 7thtimesacharm 30 years, I thought I had it bad with over 20. Like you I tried just about everything, I don't think I've ever been properly diagnosed. The main thing is Seroquel has saved my life, My anxiety and depression levels have dropped enough so I can lead a fairly normal life. Glad it's having the same effect on you. Isn't it great to rejoin the human race again.
ineedmysleep63
18 Nov 2017
Hi richard131,
Do you take anything else with Seroquel? What kind of dosage are you on? I've tried both the instant-release 50mg and the extended-release 50mg. The 50mg instant-release works well for sleep. I also take Prozac with Seroquel. Thanks for your input
richard131
19 Nov 2017
Im on 125mg of Seroquel, not sure if it is the fast or slow type. I also take 200mg of Epelim per day. Im not perfect but so much better.
7thtimesacharm
21 Oct 2017
I have had problems with mood swings and anger for nearly thirty years. This always made me see myself as "crazy". After a resent hospital admission for hallucinations from extreme stress and anxiety (that's what the psychiatrist said where I was admitted ) I was started on Seroquel. Have been taking it now for over a month. I'm a lot more relaxed now. And I can say this is the first time in my adult life that I don't feel "crazy". As far as complaints about weight gain that people say they can't do anything about. I've had no issue. I was warned about that and made up my mind to counter act it by watching how I eat and taking up a vigorous exercise routine. So far so good. I've been through a bunch of different antidepressants (Paxil, Zoloft and Prozac/Sarafem) that never worked they seem to just mask the problem. This is the First drug that seems to be making a difference for me. Has anyone had similar experiences?
Dmwilliams
18 Oct 2017
Seroquel has been amazing for me I take 600mg at night along with 400mg of lamictal 200mg of Topamax and 3-1mg xanax "yeah I have issues" but I wake up fine evey morning put on my big boy pants and go to work I have bipolar PTSD and other issues from combat but no physical health problems but I am sure it effects everyone different.
richard131
19 Oct 2017
Hi Dmwilliams, Im with you, Seroquel has been a game changer for me. I wish I had found it years ago, it has made such a huge difference. Yes, I have gained weight and it does make me sleepy but I have my life back and I owe it all to Seroquel.
dandylion67
8 Jan 2020
Sorry I know your comment was posted a few years ago.
I’ve tried a couple of the Medications you are on.
Just out of curiosity do you see a Psychiatrist or just a Doctor?
Reason I’m asking is I take Valium 5mg daily for Anxiety & Insomnia.
My Doctor suggested I try to stop taking Valium slowly but it’s almost impossible.
sistergal2
5 Sep 2017
When I finally found Seroquel for bipolar disorder and my sleeping improved dramatically I couldn't be happier! I have gained about 25 lbs since starting Seroquel three years ago but I will always take it because this medicine has improved my life so much! I haven't had panic attacks since starting Seroquel and I really do believe sound sleep improves anxiety. Best of luck to you!
richard131
5 Sep 2017
Hi Sistergal, glad to hear you're doing well with Seroquel. It has given me my life back, I wish I had found it years ago. One advantage of living like a shut-in, I didn't spend much money. Now I spend heaps and really enjoy life.
DonAllen1973
5 Sep 2017
My new psychiatrist tried to switch me to a newer medication because he was much more concerned about the weight gain than I was. I gained 40 pounds, but I am 6'4" and it did not add all that much size to me. I won't mention the other medication by name because I don't want to bias anyone against it. But I had horrible issues return. Once I went back on the Seroquel I balanced right back out. I think it helps more people than one would think. It's just that many people don't post unless there are problems, kinda like Ebay feedback. Oh and I take Lithium as a nood stabilizer. The combination is just the ticket for me.
richard131
6 Sep 2017
Sounds like you're doing well Don, I use epilim for my Bi-polar. Good luck in the future.
DonAllen1973
19 July 2017
Seroquel has been a god send for me in reference to anxiety issues. I take 200 mg of instant release each evening. For me at least it works better than any benzos.
That being said not everyone can take it. It is a pretty rough medication for some. And the weight gain issue is real. Especially night time eating. My psychiatrist said that it acts as a histamine in your guts, which makes you hungry. It of itself doesn't cause the weight gain. It is the excessive eating due to extreme hunger that does. If you truly watch your calories you can manage your weight on it. Like anything else, you have to maintain a calorie deficit to lose weight.
richard131
5 Sep 2017
Hi Don, we are having a little Seroquel fan club here. Its a shame it doesn't work on everybody like it has us, I am finally living a life again. I would rather be fat than have the life I lived before.
Richard.
jerbear458
6 Oct 2018
Seroquel 50mg xr helped me with the flight or fight response better than anything except benzos
Insomniac81
23 Dec 2016
I absolutely hate the drug Seroquel. For one it's not Fda approved for anxiety, or panic attacks, or sleep. I started using this awful drug 10 months ago and I started it for my BPD, and sleep issues; However this devils drug only gave me more problems. Please people watch your heart on this drug. Seroquel has been known to raise your blood sugar in your body and has been linked to diabetes # 2. Thank god I don't have D2, Atleast not yet. My sugar levels were high the last time I saw my doc. This very awful drug once knocked me out for a goodnights rest.. And now it wakes me up with heart palpitations every night. I've had so many scares I'm having a heart attack. My body starts to feel clammy and my legs go numb ringing in my ears. I never had any issues with my heart are ringing in my ears or my chest hurting. Yes I had issues with sleep but I never felt my heart flutter and hear my heart beating so fast before using this awful deadly drug.
It's been a nightmare. Since April 2016, I've been to the ER room a 100 times because I felt I was going to die. I've said my prayers as if was my last day on earth. Please beware and do your research on this before you let it take control of your life. Now I can't sleep and have god awful chest pain and really bad panic attacks. Just be careful folks.
DNLpain
19 Jan 2017
I have what you have a little bit. Palpitations for sure. I hope I don't get diabetes where did you read that? I'm very interested.
richard131
30 Jan 2017
I love Seroquel, Its the drug i have been waiting for now for decades. I have tried just about everything, nothing worked and some had side effects. I have been on Seroquel for 6 weeks now and it has made a huge improvement in my life. I have led a reclusive life for years now, no friends, never going outside unless it was dark and basically waiting to die. Now I am full of life, I go out in the day time, I have a great girlfriend and i am loving life. Yes it does make you sleepy, but just take it before you go to sleep and it puts you to sleep right away. It also makes my mouth a bit dry, but thats all. I fully recommend this drug to any one that has general depression and anxiety.
Chasen
12 March 2017
Had the exactly same thing happen last week.. scared the crap outta me. Full thought i was having a heart attack... then other times ive taken it im fine.. cant work it out.
Kate2018
10 July 2018
Hi there, my doctor wants me to start taking it for anxiety but I'm concerned. Can I ask what dosage you were on when you had all those problems?
Thanks in advance :)
Annali03
11 Jan 2019
I had crazy heart palpitations too. Thought I was going to die too. I had to stop taking it after two days.
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effexor, klonopin, neurontin, seroquel, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety and stress
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