Seroquel and Drowsiness: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Jul...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 20, 2024

"My psychiatrist suspects I have cyclothymia, as my mood can shift at the drop of a dime, and I absolutely do not respond in any meaningful way whatsoever to typical antidepressants like SSRIs, SNRIs, etc. I felt hopeless after searching for ~7 years for something that worked. I typically react horribly to antipsychotics, experiencing a severe dystonic effect. However, I haven't gotten that with Seroquel. And, lo and behold, it actually works for my depression. No, it hasn't 'fixed' or 'cured' it, but no one should expect a cure. I actually have the motivation to do things and no longer am held back by constant suicidality and depressive moods. It really helped pave the way to getting my life back. The only side effect, which can double as a benefit to some, I've gotten is sleepiness. Just take it at night/before bed and that's hardly an issue. I take 200 mg daily, but it may functionally be closer to 250 mg due to another medication (Luvox) I take."

• BDP...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 22, 2022

"Seroquel is an absolute game changer for me with my Borderline Personality Disorder. It grounds my thought process, keeps my moods from changing so rapidly. I think clearer, more extroverted, and can function in the world so much better. It does make me drowsy when I take my night dose, but I was having issues falling asleep anyway, so that has been helpful for me. I take 100 mg when I wake up and 200-300 mg at bedtime. I have a 100 mg PRN I can use if I feel an episode coming on. I truly hope it works this well for the rest of my life because the change it has given me is huge."

• rhe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 23, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "I have Chronic Insomnia, Mania from Bipolar Disorder. Seroquel is effective for my insomnia and mania/mood swings. I take my 100mg dose of Seroquel at night at 9pm. I find that taking my dose at this time significantly reduces the groggy side effects in the morning, allowing me to wake up feeling refreshed and well, ready and with the energy I need to start my day. I also do not experience the Seroquel “munchies” that many report to experience. I am not a doctor or a practitioner of health and medicine, therefore, it is not my place to recommend others to take this. It is also not my place to tell others not to take it. For me, it had a very beneficial effect on my life and functionality. My experience has been positive, but it may not be for you. Also, everyone take your meds as prescribed. If you don’t feel a benefit, don’t stop it on your own terms. Express this to your doctor. They know more than you. Set alarms to make sure you take it consistently daily."

• iva...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 26, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Been on Seroquel for some time, and it really helps in managing irritability and wanting to fight with people. I was on 200 mg, it stopped working, so now I'm trying 400 mg, which makes me feel kind of sedated. Think I will try 300 mg, which doesn't make me sedated."

• Mol...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 5, 2019

"I have Asperger's syndrome. I suffer with generalized anxiety, major depression, and paranoia. Seroquel is amazing, I never realized that I could feel this good! Munchies and weight gain are a real concern, but it is manageable. The only downside for me is that I'm so sleepy for most of the day."

• Ter...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 14, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on 11 meds in 5 years. MDD re-diagnosed as Bipolar 1 three years ago. Seroquel works for me. Started on 25 mg q.d. But after psychotic breakout, I am up to 400 mg. Plus 900 mg Lithium. I think we’re getting close to the right cocktail, including Adderall and Ativan when required. No weight gain, but have had eating binges. Makes me sleepy, but I’m okay by 10:00 am with sheer guts and coffee. I am thankful for these medicines."

• Nil...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 20, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "For years, I struggled with finding the right medication to help treat my bipolar disorder. Olanzapine basically turned me into Sleeping Beauty. I take 200 mg of Seroquel three times a day. Keeps me nice and level."

• Ray...
• December 31, 2015

For Schizoaffective Disorder "I have a complicated relationship with this drug. On one hand, I've been on everything for depression (specifically), and nothing helped. I'm talking like 20 medications here, so it's been a rollercoaster. Most antidepressants were useless for me, and the time period for effectiveness is usually over 1 month. Seroquel usually takes 2 weeks to start having an effect. It works for my depression - but I'm sedated and have to sleep a lot. Being a student can make this challenging. Shift work and the like would be hard too. It's my last bet for now because I literally start to crumble to psychosis without it. However, it is debilitating and feels restrictive. Beats the psych ward, I guess. Good luck and keep trying, sometimes it takes a while."

• Ray...
• December 31, 2015

For Schizoaffective Disorder "I have a complicated relationship with this drug. On one hand, I've been on everything for depression (specifically), and nothing helped. I'm talking like 20 medications here, so it's been a rollercoaster. Most antidepressants were useless for me, and the time period for effectiveness is usually over 1 month. Seroquel usually takes 2 weeks to start having an effect. It works for my depression - but I'm sedated and have to sleep a lot. Being a student can make this challenging. Shift work and the like would be hard too. It's my last bet for now because I literally start to crumble to psychosis without it. However, it is debilitating and feels restrictive. Beats the psych ward, I guess. Good luck and keep trying, sometimes it takes a while."

• jus...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 24, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 1 about 8 months ago. My doctor put me on Seroquel 100 mg. I do have to take it at night due to the drowsiness it causes. It has made a dramatic change in the racing thoughts and negative self-image I felt. I've also had a marked change in my insomnia. I was misdiagnosed for a number of years and couldn't understand why the other meds didn't make a difference. I wake up feeling rested. I did have some vivid dreams when I first began taking it. I also get the munchies, but they have subsided considerably in the last month or two and have dropped almost 20 pounds. This is magical as far as I'm concerned! As well as the Seroquel, I also take 20 mg of Lexapro and 600 mg of Neurontin every night. Thanks!!"

• Kat...
• May 8, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "Seroquel helps both manic and depressive symptoms, however, it is much better when combined with other mood-stabilizing medications. Good for providing sleep, but it can be too sedating until you get used to it (just take it consistently and stick with it). Slight raise in appetite for carbs but nothing a healthy diet and exercise can't counteract, which is what you should be doing if you have a serious mental illness anyway. A good first medicine to try, because it's a mood stabilizer (for both types of episodes), antipsychotic, sleep medication, and anxiolytic! It's great for controlling anxiety and making you feel calmer and means you don't have to take Valium or sleeping pills, which can be addictive-whereas Seroquel is NOT addictive."

• Anonymous
• April 16, 2012

For Insomnia "I am 21 and have trouble sleeping, due mostly to my depression and anxiety. I got prescribed Seroquel (50mg one before bedtime) about a year ago, and it has helped me SO MUCH in a couple of ways, INSTANTLY - helped me sleep and stay asleep. At first, a couple of weeks, I was drowsy when I woke up, but after a month or two of taking it, I wake up feeling great. (Makes sleep amazing, and I have the most vivid awesome dreams.) Over time, taking this medication has lowered my depression and anxiety. I have noticed that hard situations and emotions are much easier to handle. I can stay calm compared to always freaking out."

• Hap...
• April 10, 2012

For Depression "After a 6-week period of a severe depressive episode with panic attacks and extreme anxiety, I checked myself into the hospital. The doctor completely changed my meds to Prozac, Wellbutrin, Klonopin, and at bedtime, 10 mg Ambien and 400 mg Seroquel. This combination has worked wonders for me. I started falling and staying asleep for a good 8 hours, my ruminating has stopped almost completely, and my depression has really lifted. I attribute a lot of that to the Seroquel, in that it augments the effects of my antidepressants, stops my mind from racing, and has me sleeping well. The two side effects I've had are grogginess (which has gotten better) and the munchies. I keep fresh fruits and veggies handy at night to snack on instead of junk."

• Anonymous
• January 23, 2012

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Puts me to sleep like turning off a light switch. Which has greatly helped me work and be on a normal schedule. Before, I would stay up for 24-36 hours straight, then sleep 15 hours and then repeat. Been taking it 7 years. Now, when I decide it is bedtime, I take it, and 9 out of 10 times I am sleeping in 20-60 minutes. It works just as well for me at 25 mg or 200 mg....same effect. Personally, 15 minutes after I take it, though, I absolutely will not give my OCD the time of day, not because it goes away, but because if I do, the medicine makes it harder to focus and deal with whatever is bothering me, and it can go on and on worse than normal. And the more drowsy I get, the worse it is to focus."

• jay...
• September 15, 2011

For Depression "I was very reluctant when my doctor suggested Seroquel for my condition. I had been on it before as a sleep aid, and while it did improve my sleep greatly, I was miserable the next day. This time he wanted me on it round the clock, and it has made a huge difference. It would seem strange that something that makes you drowsy would help depression too, but for me, this seems to have been the case. I've had very little depression since we got up to the full dose. I'm now on Seroquel XR 200 mg."

• Anonymous
• June 10, 2011

For Insomnia "I was originally prescribed Seroquel to help me sleep after a traumatic experience and post-traumatic stress disorder. I took half a 25 mg pill. I have also had chronic insomnia for over 15 years, which I manage with Xanax, however, when I experience an increase in stress and anxiety that I cannot manage with exercise and diet, I will add half a dose of Seroquel at night to help me sleep more soundly. I find that I need to take it early in the evening so that I wake up refreshed. It does leave me with a slight grogginess, whereas Xanax alone does not, however, Xanax has a shorter half-life, and there are times when I wake up in the middle of the night. Very happy overall with Seroquel for treating insomnia and glad my doctor had the wisdom to know how to help me."

• Anonymous
• April 16, 2011

For Borderline Personality Disorder "Seroquel changed my life. After roughly 20 years of treatment with medications for borderline personality disorder, I had a new doctor put me on Seroquel. At first, I resented the sedation, but after time, I adjusted to it and the dosage was moderated and timed differently. Ultimately, however, it was the first medicine to thoroughly handle my anxiety and stop my obsessive thoughts in their tracks. The only downside has been the carbohydrate cravings and weight gain, but even those have become manageable with other supplements and medications. The gains far outweigh losses."

• Anonymous
• March 29, 2011

For Depression "I am 49 and have Bipolar II. Been on Seroquel 400 mg for one year. Initially very drowsy, restless legs, dry mouth, and blocked nose, most side effects lifted after 3 months. This medicine controlled my racing thoughts, helped me concentrate (I thought I had ADD). Ironically, despite the drowsiness, it lifted my extreme exhaustion (I used to have weekly Vitamin B injections because I was so tired). I no longer feel drowsy, managed not to gain weight with the help of a dietitian and an exercise program. I do get very hungry but refuse to give in to the hunger. I also take Wellbutrin and Zoloft to help with the depression, tearfulness, and agitation. I would recommend Seroquel to bipolar patients."

• Anonymous
• November 26, 2010

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "After trying nearly every SSRI on the market, I was placed on Pristiq, which improved my condition somewhat, but still left me dependent on Xanax to alleviate my daily anxiety. After a particularly bad stretch, I was also placed on Seroquel XR. It has helped more than I could have ever hoped for. I finally don't have to reach for Xanax as soon as I wake up. It was very sedating for the first week after I started and after increasing my dosage, but this has lessened with time. I do make sure to take it before bed, as it does make me tired as it kicks in, but I welcome this due to my problems with insomnia."

• Anonymous
• September 14, 2010

For Insomnia "I am a 52-year-old female who had sleep issues for many years. I've been taking 75 mg of Seroquel about an hour before bedtime for years. I sleep well and do not feel groggy in the morning. My only concern is that if I don't have it, either because I forgot or didn't return home for some reason, I really don't sleep much. It is not supposed to be addictive, but I think I am at this point, even if just mentally."

• Kno...
• September 17, 2009

For Depression "I love Seroquel! After suffering with insomnia for approximately 30 years and 2 years of depression, I have finally found a medication that lets me sleep through the night. Plus, I enjoy the groggy and relaxed feeling that I have the following day, although my doctor says that a lot of his patients do not like this feeling."

• yor...
• September 29, 2008

For Borderline Personality Disorder "I'm three weeks into taking 200 mg of Seroquel along with my usual Effexor. I was prescribed it off-label to help with the mood swings I get from being borderline. For the first time in years, I am not full of anxiety. I sleep longer, am able to exercise in public without feeling self-conscious, am eating more healthy foods, although still too much of them. The drowsiness was awful initially but has mostly disappeared now."

• woo...
• August 11, 2008

For Bipolar Disorder "In the hospital, I received treatment for a significant manic episode with psychosis. I was on Geodon, but it had stopped working, so I switched to Seroquel. At low doses, it was ineffective, however, now I'm taking 600 mg at night, and it has worked well. At this dose, after a couple of days, I felt like myself again. I've noticed some drowsiness, but in my experience with antipsychotics, it will fade as I become acclimated to it. However, I am extremely hungry all of the time. Hopefully, this will go away."

• ilu...
• October 30, 2007

For Bipolar Disorder "After suffering all of my life with depression and then later in life (20-33) with severe anxiety, insomnia, and a general feeling of restlessness to the point I thought I was going to 'crawl the walls', I was prescribed Seroquel. I quickly found out I had to take my dose at bedtime due to being so sleepy when I took it during the day. Seroquel has been the ONLY medicine that has worked for me to ease the symptoms of my Bipolar Disorder 1. A Big Thanks to Seroquel for making life easier for me!"

• Mae...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 4, 2024

For Bipolar Disorder "This is my second time trying Seroquel. The first time, I had gone inpatient for severe depression and suicidal thoughts. I was started on this medicine at a higher dosage and immediately wanted to sleep every hour of the day. Staff forced me to wake up and stay awake until lights out. I was worse off and demanded something else. Fast forward ten years later, and I wasn't sleeping. I was having a really dangerous mixed episode. I requested Seroquel myself, knowing it had made me drowsy. It was a game changer. I started at 50 mg and now I'm at 550 mg. I sleep a normal amount, my racing thoughts are gone, and I'm in better control of anger. My suicidal thoughts have lessened. I will say that, so far, I have experienced a headache (my dosage was just increased again after waking up every 2 hours), but it was resolved with OTC medicine. It's definitely worth a shot. And if necessary, more than one shot. Things change with bipolar disorder."