Seroquel XR User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)
Seroquel XR has an average rating of 7.1 out of 10 from a total of 228 reviews on Drugs.com. 62% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 19% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Seroquel XR
- Mus...
- August 17, 2017
For Bipolar Disorder "I have been taking this drug for a year and a half, and it has changed my life. I've tried various drugs and lifestyle treatments over 5 years of great instability and desperation, going between breakdown after breakdown. Finding the right dose and preparation (slow release) has not only lifted me from crisis but improved my well-being to an all-time level. (It took a little while to adjust.) In particular, it guarantees me a good night's sleep, and I can up the dose slightly if things slip. It has done wonders for my anxiety and given me the stability to really be what I want to be. I feel it is important to note that the drug is one part of the picture, and mindfulness, exercise, social/professional support, etc., are important where possible."
- Cur...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- May 20, 2021
For Bipolar Disorder "I have been taking 800 mg Seroquel XR since 2012. I used to hold down two jobs. I have always worked since high school. I have no children, but was very close to my big family and involved in all events. Back in 2012, I had a hard time getting to sleep. The doctor put me on Seroquel, said I was bipolar. I have never gotten mad at anyone and get along with everyone. I’m not an angry person. After taking this drug for a while, it changed my life and ruined my relationship with family and friends. I became a zombie, I never answered my door, and all I did was sleep. I missed out on many family events. Now my family is in my life and asks me what is wrong with me. I can’t stop moving my head from left to right. My doctor hasn’t done any blood work on me for several years, but he still has me taking these pills. I can’t function anymore. The list goes on. I love life and always lived it until this drug came into my life."
Frequently asked questions
- Does Seroquel (quetiapine) help you sleep?
- What drugs cause tardive dyskinesia?
- What are the strongest sleeping pills?
- Tom...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- January 29, 2018
For Depression "First, I'm not schizophrenic, nor have I been diagnosed as bipolar. I take this for drug-induced anxiety. I was initially given Seroquel XR because I exhibited rapid speech and a disorganized thought pattern during my continual intoxication by kratom. Kratom is a 'natural,' legal substance with opioid and stimulant qualities. Well, I noticed right off that Seroquel XR calmed my racing thoughts. I saw this as a benefit, but the next move was for me to quit using kratom. I got help for that via SUBOXONE, which I'm still on. My whole life and way of thinking took a sharp turn for the better. I remain on the Seroquel XR, along with the SUBOXONE. When I questioned the continued need for Seroquel XR, my doctor simply said, 'Look, you're doing great. Why change a thing?' And he's right. So Seroquel XR remains a part of my daily recipe for success."
- can...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 14, 2021
For Bipolar Disorder "I’ve been on it for about a month to treat my bipolar disorder at a very low dose. It’s worked wonders. I genuinely feel for the first time in my life “well adjusted.” I’m much less anxious, and when I am anxious, it’s just for a short time, not the entire day or days at a time. I also sleep much more soundly, am less susceptible to becoming overwhelmed by small tasks, my thoughts are generally more pleasant (there still are rough moments and intrusive thoughts, just less often now), and have had more “good” days in the past month than in the whole past three years. My only side effect has been dry mouth."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- may...
- May 9, 2013
For Bipolar Disorder "I take this medication for Bipolar II, and it has been amazing at stabilizing my moods. I no longer feel filled with rage and irritability and no longer have issues with impulsive thoughts. The big problem that I am having with this medication is horrendous weight gain. I exercise at least three times a week and eat well, yet I have gained 20 kg (44.09 pounds) in the 8 months that I have been on this medicine. Another issue I have is vivid dreams. But I think this is just a sign of getting deep and sound sleep-something I could never achieve prior to taking this medicine. It is amazing but a nightmare all rolled into one."
- Bri...
- April 5, 2017
For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on this for about 2 months, and I've recently been getting extremely tired all day long (even if I take it way earlier the day before). The drowsiness is so extreme that I can't even watch a show. I'm literally struggling to stay awake all day because I feel like I just want to sleep my life away. My depression has been through the roof as well! And to top it off, the weight I have gained since I have been on it has been insane. I constantly want to eat all the time! I have gained at least 20-30 pounds in the past month or two! I am definitely going to tell my doctor I want off of it ASAP! I can't take it anymore."
- sic...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 26, 2015
For Depression "Hate this med. Constantly sick on it. Stomach pain, severe diarrhea, passing out, severe dizziness, and unable to wake up. Hungry for food all the time. Nasty taste in mouth. Thirsty all the time. Can't motivate myself to do anything. This was on the lowest dose available. Won't take it ever again, don't care what my doctor says. No way."
- Anonymous
- November 14, 2009
For Insomnia "I completely support the first review. I have had insomnia for many years and tried everything from herbs to drugs. And only this could help and provide a good rest during the night. I have already taken this medication for over 5 years, about 25 mg, not more. It is enough to get 8 hours with no dreams sleep!"
- Ale...
- November 6, 2017
For Depression "I've been on this for 4-5 years, and it is my rock. It literally helps me so much, I couldn't have made it through high school without it. Honestly, it's what helped me through my suicidal phases. I still get them, but it's not as intense, and I don't try to act on it anymore."
- hap...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- November 10, 2013
For Bipolar Disorder "I took regular Seroquel, which did help somewhat. I would rate that at a 4 out of 10. I found out about Seroquel XR when people told me to see a pdoc, this was in 2007 because I was bipolar 1 and couldn't get it under control. On my first visit with the pdoc, I told her my situation, and after my visit, she gave me 2 samples of Seroquel XR, which had only been out for 4 months at that time. It has been a huge help with mania and depression. I take 800 mg at bedtime. When I wake up, I take 400 mg Lamictal, that helps a great deal for me with the racing thoughts and impulsivity, along with 2 mg of clonazepam, which has been a lifesaver. It took many years in and out of the psych hospitals to finally get it right."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- July 9, 2012
For Paranoid Disorder "Seroquel XR worked for me better than the Seroquel. From my understanding, the XR is an extended release vs. the regular Seroquel. My paranoid thoughts have completely gone away, except for the normal paranoia that everyone has of people sometimes talking about them. It also gives me a lot of energy during the day, and I do not have to take naps. I have tried Abilify and other medicines, but none seem to work as well as the Seroquel XR."
- Jen...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 12, 2016
For Bipolar Disorder "OK, it's only early days, day 4 to be exact on 50 mg morning and night. It's amazing! After reading all the horror stories of the tranquilizer effects, zombie-like states, and cravings. It's an understatement when I said I was petrified what effect this would have on me. First day, within an hour of taking it, I slept for six hours, woke up feeling fine, refreshed even. Then dosed up in the evening at 9, again, asleep by 11, slept like a baby. 7 am woke feeling energized, lighter, happier. No drowsiness or brain fuzz! I feel so much more positive about life in general. I feel so blissfully normal! Day 4, still napping within 4 hours of dose for 2 hours max, but I could push through it. And still sleeping all night!"
- Ang...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- August 23, 2016
For Bipolar Disorder "This med is pretty wonderful for my bipolar mania and my bipolar depression. Only setback is the sedation, but at the same time I've always struggled with anxiety, so this side effect is okay with me as it helps the anxiety. Really saved my life."
- 55 ...
- October 17, 2009
For Depression "It seems to be very helpful for my depression, anxiety, adult ADD, and overall mood. Seroquel XR also seems to have no noticeable side effects, and I sleep great. I've been taking 2 of the 300 mg, in the evening, now for 2 months."
- Ang...
- April 11, 2012
For Depression "Was taken off Geodon because of nighttime anxiety and put on Seroquel XR. I feel so unmotivated. Sedated. I no longer feel better by afternoon when it's time to take it again. I dread the next dose. Haven't felt this depressed in a while."
- Bel...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 22, 2015
For Major Depressive Disorder "Absolutely amazing drug. Has quite literally saved my life. Pity I need to lie to the Australian government about having bipolar to get it prescribed. No doubt this is stopping many thousands of Australians from getting access to it. Seriously. I went from suicidal for several months to absolutely normal in one dose. One dose. Talk to your doctor about this if antidepressants are not working for you. Understand it may require you to lie about having bipolar."
- B30...
- May 13, 2017
For Bipolar Disorder "Seroquel XR has changed my life for the better. I am currently on 400 mg once daily. (I also take Klonopin before I go to work.) For the last 6 months, I have not had to call out sick from work, which was a monthly occurrence before Seroquel. I have not had to take a leave of absence in the last year. I used to have to take 2 six-week leaves a year. I feel much more positive about my job and my life in general. It has been a game changer for me. The only downside is the weight gain. It seems to slow your metabolism down and increase your appetite after taking it, making it difficult to lose weight. I am currently not overweight, so the weight gain is a small price to pay. I do have to exercise regularly and watch more carefully what I eat."
- Eey...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- March 21, 2015
For Bipolar Disorder "I was recently diagnosed with bipolar and began taking 25-50 mgs a night to aid insomnia because, at the time, I felt relatively well. I appear to be one of the few to embrace the side effect of increased appetite, when I'm manic, depressed, or even the slightest bit anxious, my appetite disappears. I can go weeks without feeling the need to eat, and I love eating! I used to smoke a lot of pot to help with my appetite and racing thoughts. I'm now taking 150 mg XR at night as I'm currently having a mixed episode. It helps quiet my mind and slows me down a little, but I don't feel in any way zombified. At night, soon after taking, I get sleepy, but that's about it!"
- Ano...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 30, 2016
For Depression "It was mainly prescribed as a sleep aid, in addition to its antidepressant qualities. I was on regular Seroquel and now on XL as I have trouble staying asleep. It's slightly better. I'm getting 6 hours of sleep a night. I am not usually groggy or snowed by this, maybe once per 30 doses. I'm okay with it. Only downside is cost (XL is brand)."
- Arr...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 11, 2015
For Depression "My experience on Seroquel nearly cost me my job as it turned me into a zombie! Since going off the drug, I am fully functional. My head is clear and I have energy to do things. I cannot believe my doctor prescribed me an antipsychotic drug such as Seroquel. Colleagues observing me thought I had undergone a major personality disorder. I have been off it for a month now and not missing it one bit."
- Pho...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- July 19, 2021
For Schizophrenia "Seroquel XR saved my life. But, at a heavy price. Numb, zombie-like existence, no emotions, flat affect, morbid obesity. It takes hours and multiple cups of coffee to wake up... etc. But it has kept me safe by keeping me out of the psych ward."
- Joe...
- July 16, 2016
For Bipolar Disorder "First of all, let me start by saying that I hear that this is an expensive drug because of how new it is. Luckily for me (perhaps, lol), my insurance considers me catastrophic due to my checkered past, and pays the entire price because they want me to take this medication and stfu, lol. Since taking Seroquel XR, my life has improved so much, and I really have never felt more stable in my life. I've tried anticonvulsants and other antipsychotics, and they have not worked for me. This medication really does, to my surprise! The only downfall is that I've gained 10 pounds taking it, but any antipsychotic will do that. Strongly recommend Seroquel XR!"
- sen...
- March 23, 2011
For Bipolar Disorder "I suffer from bipolar 1, OCD, very severe anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. I had been in a mental hospital and had taken so many medicines. I could never stop thinking to the point where I stayed awake all night. Mood swings, temper, just raving mad, waiting to be set off. Some medicines worked for a short time, and others just didn't work. So my psychologist put me on Lamictal, but it works very slowly and you have to start it on a low dose and work your way up. I had taken it before, but my other doctor left and every other doctor wanted to put me on Lithium, but I said no because I have lupus. But when he put me on Seroquel XR, well, that's when things began to look a little bit brighter. It does make you sleepy, but it's a great medicine, at least for me anyway. Hope this helps."
- Thi...
- October 13, 2016
For Bipolar Disorder "My diagnosis is bipolar I. I have been on Seroquel XR for 3 years now. I have been stable for one year, which is amazing. I am very lucky that this medication works really well for me. For the first few months or so, it increased my appetite, and I was fairly sedated throughout the day. As I adjusted to the medication, this wore off. I now function better than I ever have. Suicidal thoughts are pretty much all gone, and when they do come, they pass. I have not had any depression and only slightly concerning elevated moods (which happen rarely). This drug prevents me from psychosis, and for that, I am extremely thankful. I am on 600 mg once at night. UK resident."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.More about Seroquel XR (quetiapine)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Generic availability
- Support group
- FDA approval history
- Drug class: atypical antipsychotics
- Breastfeeding
- En español
For Bipolar Disorder "I was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 with psychotic features 3 years ago, but always dealt with grandiose thinking, mild delusions, and a good deal of depression. After self-medicating for two years, I had a mental meltdown, and after spending 2 months cooped up in my apartment, anorexic, dying; I decided it was time to see a psychiatrist. The medications I was prescribed ranged from mood stabilizers to antipsychotics, benzos, sleeping pills, many I was allergic to, like Depakote and Trileptal. Anyway, at first, I tried the regular Seroquel but gained 40 lbs in one month and slept 14 hours a day. Switched to Seroquel XR, not as tired, lost 20 lbs, appetite/mental noise decreased, panic relief, strong sleep aid, life manageable; they are expensive. HIGHLY recommend."