Seroquel and Insomnia: What Users Say

• ins...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 10, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "Took for bipolar. Good side effects: more or less consistently put me to sleep every night. Bad side effects: gained roughly 20 lbs 6 months in, had a difficult time getting up every day, needed more sleep than usual. It helped for a while, but it mostly made my episodes less severe, did not effectively stop or prevent them."

• Rhi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 22, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "This was my experience... I have been fighting mental disorders since age 14. During the 40+ years, I have been prescribed tricyclics, typical antipsychotics, SSRIs, SNRIs, and Benzos (diazepam when 16 years old). I chemically blew out my brain, specifically the serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways, by doing LSD from 1978 through 1981. It was the '70s. So now at the edge of 60, I have horrible reactions to psychotropics. Seroquel paralyzed my arms and legs after my nightly 1 to 3 hours of sleep, such that I had to lay there until I could use my left arm to pick up my right arm. Then with both free, I used them to get my legs going. I took it for about 4 years, with the above side effects plus the helicopters whizzing through my brain and body. To me, it is a nasty drug. I finally got sick of it, tossed the remaining pills, went loopy. My partner thought I was going to die. I lived."

• Jax...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I was on this med in 2010 for a year. The dose went from 25 mg up to 400 mg. The first few weeks were very difficult. It knocked me out cold and I had such a blocked nose I could hardly breathe. I toughed it out and my depression lifted. I stopped taking it because of a really bad blocked nose. I have just had a major depressive episode (2015) with insomnia. I was prescribed 100 mg. It worked within 24 hours. I was able to sleep for 9 hours and feel refreshed and energized. The depression and anxiety have improved dramatically. This time I'll stay on Seroquel."

• Anonymous
• February 12, 2010

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "The side effects that most complain about are what I love most about this medication. I am a 5'9" male in the Army that had lost weight all the way down to 128 lbs and was sleeping 3-4 hours a night on average. I have been on Seroquel for 4 months. I weigh 165 lbs now and sleep 8-9 hours a night."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 23, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I’ve had many problems with the wrong medications making me more unstable, including restlessness. My Seroquel dose was raised very quickly to 250 mg in the hospital, then overmedicated after. But now, after working with a doctor for a long time, my doses are between 75-125 mg and have been life-saving to calm me down and help me sleep and think clearly after having very bad insomnia caused by anxiety. Ignorant doctors call this a sleep dose, but it has many mood-stabilizing benefits for people sensitive to medications. I also take Lamictal in the morning and Gabapentin at night. Klonopin, as needed, has been life-saving."

• Anonymous
• April 27, 2008

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on Seroquel for 4 months now. I have terrible insomnia and racing thoughts because of my bipolar disorder. This drug worked wonders for me, and now I can finally sleep at night without my mind racing for hours."

• fre...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 27, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "Took for bipolar disorder (for the depression). In small doses, this caused me to be too sleepy to function. When I took a large dose at night, however, it knocked me out, and I was good the next day. This really did help with the depression and mood swings. However, it caused significant weight gain. I had to stop taking this when a job had ended and I no longer had insurance. I fought insomnia for around 6 months, but after that time, was finally able to sleep again, and the weight came out. I would recommend this for someone who really needs it, but not until other medicines have been tried first with no success."

• JJJ...
• February 23, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I have found Seroquel to be very helpful in my life. I was on high antidepressant medicines but gave those up. The Seroquel helps me lead a normal life by allowing me to sleep and calm down after long working hours in a high-demand job. I take 100 mg before dinner, which helps my appetite also. I would not take Seroquel during the day, as I feel it would inhibit my ability to communicate at work. From what I've read, some interpolate the effects of the medicines in differing ways, but I can honestly say it has saved me from a very dark place. Expensive but worth the cost."

• Par...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 18, 2017

For Schizophrenia "Out of all the antipsychotics I have taken, Seroquel makes me feel the most normal! I was put on Geodon originally in 2012 when I had my first psychotic break. The Geodon made me gain 60 lb, eventually caused insomnia, binge eating, and heavy drinking. Drugs like Fanapt and Latuda made me more depressed/mind rush. I was put on Seroquel in 2015. My binge eating disorder continued, and I gained 40 lbs that year :/. It made me feel a million times better than Geodon, though. I was able to stop popping Xanax and Klonopin every day. I eventually stopped binge eating in October 2016 and lost the 40 lbs. Currently, I take 600 mg of Seroquel and 100 mg of Zoloft, and 0.5 mg of Xanax at night as needed to quiet my thoughts."

• Rot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 6, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I tried this medication a few years ago and could never get the dose correct. It was either too much or not enough. I recently tried it again and only took it for a week before the doctor took me off. I was taking this medication for bipolar disorder and insomnia. 30 minutes to 1 hour after taking this medication, I would have constant dry mouth and my legs would twitch, RLS. Constant tossing and turning because of my legs and having to drink water because of the dry mouth, finally passing out hours later and feeling like rubbish the next day."

• Aub...
• September 23, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been taking this for a few weeks, and I think I've already gained 10 pounds because I am hungry 100% of the time. I've had insomnia for all 20 years of my life and have yet to find a medication that makes me sleep until this one, and on the 50 mg dose. That would be amazing if it did not make me sleep for the rest of the day too. It shuts me down to the point where it is harder than normal to breathe. I've been staying with it in hopes that I would improve, but all I've noticed is that I am more irritated by even the smallest things."

• MG ...
• March 30, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety 5 years ago. I was so stressed about work, even though I liked my job and wasn't stressed about it for years before. Had continuous trouble sleeping more than 4 hours a night, sometimes less. I went off work for two months due to stress, anxiety, and depression. My doctor prescribed 25 mg of Seroquel and 20 mg of Cipralex for depression. I take both at night, an hour before going to bed. I saw a psychiatrist for about two months during the time I was off work. I didn't get off the couch basically all day for about a month. Started to sleep better and feel a bit better after a few weeks. I sleep perfectly now and haven't had any real problems the last five years."

• who...
• February 10, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "My doctor told me basically nothing else has worked, so what do you want him to do? The Seroquel seemed to help at first, but I gained weight quickly, and people are always asking if I'm expecting because I look maybe 5 months pregnant. I have paranoia problems as well with anxiety. I have suicidal thoughts throughout the day, but I don't share that with my doctor because I don't want to get put in a hospital, so I keep that to myself. I'm extremely depressed, and it doesn't help me sleep. I can't sleep because of the thoughts going crazy in my head, so I have to take Ambien. I'm sick of all these medications. I also take Wellbutrin for depression and Xanax for anxiety. The Xanax helps, but when I try to pull back from using it, my body jerks. I know I need help."

• OnT...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 28, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "Where do I even start? Been fighting my crazy mood and bipolar disorder since I was an adolescent. Was prescribed this years back, and slowly I saw my life start to tangle up. Mood problems got worse, could not feel much remorse or feelings, just dampened emotions that got harder to control. I strongly believe this medicine harmed my mental health during one of the times the brain develops significantly. Been off for exactly a year and still recovering. Finally, I can sleep through the night after about 10 months, but still dealing and slowly on the way back from a miserable journey of anxiety, insomnia, and instability. Mood should arguably be stabilized, not muted and worsened by this medication. Be safe."

• Mat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 25, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "Been suffering with moderate/major depression with periods of extreme anxiety and daily thoughts of specific suicidal thoughts for 7 months. Suffered really rough initial side effects with Lexapro and endured this medication for 4 months up to 30 mg. Felt worse than ever at this dosage, and so I sought help from a private practice. He immediately told me to lower my dosage to 20 mg of Lexapro (to eventually taper off completely) and put me on 300 mg Seroquel, 200 mg at night and 100 mg in the mornings. The day after, I woke up with new hope and a sense of calmness. I no longer felt suicidal. Thus, the conclusion is that I'm probably Bipolar Type 2, meaning antidepressants are not right for me. Seroquel always makes me sleep every night, all night! :)"

• Blu...
• March 22, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "Been in therapy with a counseling psychologist for just over 3 years. Diagnosis from consultant psychiatrist - complex PTSD, bipolar type 2, and fibromyalgia. Been on sertraline 200 mg for 2 years. Ate diazepam 2.5 mg like smarties after a relationship with an antisocial personality disordered man. Been taking quetiapine since December '15 and slowly moved up to 125 mg to increase to 200 mg. Was taking 7.5 mg mirtazapine for sleep though have now removed it due to increase of quetiapine and weight gain. Overall I'm feeling much calmer, more rational, less reactive, and more confident talking to people. After intrusive thoughts, cognitive dissonance, depression, anxiety, insomnia, crying, dissociation, nightmares, etc. I'm happy!"

• Bip...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 14, 2022

For Bipolar Disorder "I had depressive episodes all my life (I'm 55) and was diagnosed with bipolar II about 9 months ago. I have had insomnia all my life, but it became severe and unremitting about a year ago when I became severely depressed/anxious. Started on Lithium and then 25 mg Seroquel and went up to 100 mg Seroquel. It never helped my insomnia or my mood and caused constipation. I was on it for about 7 months. Big issue - now trying to get off and having major withdrawal problems. Mild insomnia, excessive sweating, severe abdominal pain. Something new every time I lower the dose by 12 mg. I recommend staying on this drug only if you see significant progress. I wish I had been taken off sooner."

• Sha...
• August 22, 2011

For Depression "I was diagnosed with mild bipolar disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety. Most of my adult life, I had insomnia. I use Seroquel 50 mg once a day and Celexa. The Seroquel stopped the racing thoughts, generalized anxiety, allowed me to sleep well at night, and I'm able to think things through rationally. Seroquel is the best medicine for me. I love it. I used to only take it at night as I would fall asleep immediately, but now I'm able to take it during the day."

• peo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 13, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "Seroquel, 50 mg nightly in addition to Lithium (2 x 200 mg) and Cipramil (20 mg), a dream combo for me. Stops the racing thoughts and knocks me out cold for 8 hours/night. Slight weight gain of maybe 2-3 kilos, but hardly noticeable. I'll take the extra weight over hypomania and insomnia any day."

• Anonymous
• December 4, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been taking Seroquel 200 mg for over a year for bipolar disorder. After years of taking antidepressants, I couldn't figure out why they weren't working. I was having really bad manic episodes that would last days to weeks, in which I was staying up for days at a time, spending money I didn't have, and had extreme OCD. My anxiety and mood swings were spinning out of control, and I was failing as a mother. I started therapy and Seroquel and noticed an immediate difference in my manic episodes and insomnia. I gained weight at first but have since lost it over the course of the year. I am taking Adderall during the day, and I am back in college, working as a full-time accountant and am able to relax at night with my family."

• FOU...
• December 26, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I was on numerous different bipolar medications, but this one was the worst! This medicine landed me in the hospital. I had pain in my right waist when I urinated. My creatinine levels were high and I picked up a lot of weight. I wonder if some of these reviews weren't written by the company itself. It seems there are lots more people struggling with these meds. I weaned off it, but now it seems I have bad withdrawals, blood pressure problems, headaches, fainting, dizziness, severe insomnia, heart palpitations, red spots on my skin, and my insides feel like they are shaky! I would never, ever recommend this."

• Liz...
• April 8, 2016

For Schizophrenia "I complained to a friend of insomnia, mainly stress-related. She offered a Seroquel on the promise that it would relax me and put me in la-la land. I will never again take medicine that is not prescribed for me! For the first time ever... I heard voices starting at 2 a.m. I heard two men arguing on the other side of my closed bedroom door, loud enough to wake me, but I couldn't make out what they were saying. I was too afraid to look because I knew no one was there. Then around 4:30 a.m., I heard a baby crying nonstop, this lasted until 7:00 a.m. I sat up for hours listening to what it feels like to be going insane! Never again!"

• hap...
• July 23, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been taking Seroquel for 18 months and have gained about 30 lb. I take 200 mg at night and find I feel as if I am starving and eat crazy amounts of sugary food that I crave. I find that when I wake, my eyes have a haze over them for a half hour or so. If I miss a dose, I cannot sleep no matter how much I try. I get a clenched jaw and grind my teeth when I miss a dose. I was in prison and sometimes was not given the opportunity to take it. Those nights and days were long. I will say that it helps slow the mind down and it is amazing to get to sleep. With that said, after taking it, I was ready for bed in about 20 min whether I wanted to sleep then or not. When I tried stopping, I did not sleep right for months."

• Nin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2022

For Bipolar Disorder "As a teen, I was on a lot of mood stabilizers. I stopped taking them before as a child. Cut forward 10/13 years, I've been really struggling to control my thoughts and mood, so I sought out help, and they put me back on Seroquel. To my surprise, the medicine had me pretty sedated the first 3 days or so and is slowly building up in my system. I feel so much better, my mood is not constantly up and down, I don't have racing thoughts, I don't feel suicidal. I was iffy about getting back on it just because I remember, as a teen, trying to get off it and the sleepless nights, however, I am very pleased with this drug right now. This is a fast-acting drug that saved me a trip to the psych ward."

• Too...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "Of all the meds I’ve taken for my bipolar, Seroquel is the best with the least side effects. I’ve been on Abilify, Depakote, and another one can’t remember the name. Horrible side effects: severe blurred vision, rash, panic attacks, restless legs, insomnia, gastritis, blood in stools, and more. Seroquel is working for me, and for that, I’m very grateful."