Quetiapine and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Lam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2023

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was prescribed this medication in early sobriety from alcohol, and it helped tremendously with the insomnia, anxiety, and generally crazy busy thoughts that cannot be shut off once the brain has stopped receiving its alcohol, yet hasn't yet compensated naturally with the right chemistry. It slowed me down, calmed me down, and allowed me to sleep deeply and fully in a time where, for a week or two, there's just no such thing as sleep for many people who decide to get sober. I've been to detox. They load you full of Valium for a week, then cut you loose. They might as well just be serving cocktails. Quetiapine gave me the relief I needed from the difficult symptoms of early sobriety and the jump start into a much healthier life."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 4, 2022

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This is an interesting medication. The first 2-4 weeks can be tricky. I found that it does have a sedative effect and was amazing for sleeping. It did also make me agitated/jumpy if I took a higher dose (weirdly, paracetamol or ibuprofen lowered this effect). Can be helpful to try a lower dose and see the difference. I did feel foggy and had trouble concentrating the first month. Your body does need to get used to it, then I saw major improvements in mood and reduction in depression and anxiety. It is good because it immediately reduces extreme anxiety (compared to SSRIs and SNRIs) and then kicks in to help over the longer time. I would use it in conjunction with working with a psychologist. If you're going through anxiety or depression, this medication is a much better option than benzos or SSRIs or SNRIs."

• AVR...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 21, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This Seroquel 25 mg a day saved my life. Experiencing extreme anxiety and panic attacks to the point I lost my sanity. The neurologist administered it to me, and it works like a miracle. I lost hope at that time and thought that I would be mentally ill forever, but luckily after taking this drug, I snapped back to normal again. Experiencing those side effects and also aware of the danger of this drug, but that's not a problem for me as long as it keeps me from going crazy permanently. The effect of this drug may differ for everyone because we have different case scenarios. But in my experience, it worked."

• Reb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 22, 2019

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I was on this medication, quetiapine, a couple of years ago, and it ruined my life. I wasn't diagnosed with anything at the time, I now am diagnosed with PTSD and ASD, and I'm so glad I got off them. Quetiapine made me hallucinate and made me extremely paranoid that people wanted to hurt me. I don't have any of these thoughts anymore, thank goodness, but I still have a lot of anger about the drug. If you are being put on it, like any drug, ask lots of questions and just start with the lowest dose. Be careful with this drug."

• Muf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2021

Quetiapine for Bipolar Disorder "This is horrible, with extremely serious side effects. I got anxiety, shaking, face twitching, and stuttering like never before. I won’t ever take it again — you cannot pay me enough to get back on it!"

• Pou...
• July 21, 2018

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I was surprised that other people say how this puts them to sleep, as it did the exact opposite to me. When I first took it, I started feeling very disoriented and anxious, and after barely falling asleep, I soon woke up with a panic attack. I continued taking it because the doctors pressured me, but the more I took it, the harder it was for me to fall asleep, and I started having very painful heart palpitations one hour after I took the quetiapine. I noticed that it has a mood-stabilizing effect and also suppresses OCD. After a few days, all my obsessions and intrusive thoughts greatly decreased. After a few months of taking it, I even started taking some other pills for sleep because quetiapine ruined my sleep, but it did make me more stable during the day. The side effects I had are: insomnia, feeling tired in the morning, heart palpitations (which greatly decreased the longer I took it), and hunger for carbs. As a sleep aid, I give it a 1/10 - it's awful and even ruins my sleep, as a mood stabilizer, 7/10, and as an anti-OCD, 8/10."

• Cra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 8, 2014

For Borderline Personality Disorder "I have been on Seroquel for about 2 months because I suffer from BPD, bipolar disorder, and depression. As I am still building up to find the right dose for me (currently at 200 mg), I have to say that the positives of this medicine are so much more than the negatives. I used to break out in anger fits to the point where I couldn't stop the anger and had to be held down. I would break into a crying fit seconds after being in a happy mood. Starting the Seroquel, within a week, my depression seemed to lower, my extreme paranoia disappeared, and my anger subsided. I have discovered (after reading another review on here) that after alcohol drinking, I get crying fits and anxiety attacks for a few days. I am excited to feel 'normal' for once."

• Hed...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2016

For Borderline Personality Disorder "Quetiapine turned my anxiety into anger and severe suicidal ideas. Anxiety turned into anger and made me act badly toward my family. Although I stopped quetiapine 4 months ago, and these symptoms have mostly disappeared, I still have to deal with child protection services and similar legal issues. If your doctor prescribes this, be VERY careful and notice any sign of negative change."

• Yom...
• December 9, 2018

For Insomnia "I have been taking 25 mg at bedtime for insomnia for just over a year. It has helped me improve my life significantly. I get to sleep and sleep well for a good 7 hours. I no longer wake up with spinning, anxious thoughts and worries. I have tried cutting my dosage in half, but 12.5 is not enough. The anxiety began waking me up and plaguing me upon rising, so I remain on 25 mg and am grateful for the stable health benefits."

• Ano...
• November 11, 2010

Quetiapine for Borderline Personality Disorder "I am 4 weeks into taking 25 mg of Seroquel, and I noticed the difference almost straight away. I can think so much better because my anxiety is reduced enough for me to think in straight lines again. I am nowhere near as paranoid and a bit less dissociative too, which is all really good. I was also prescribed Cymbalta for depression but have just ditched that because I was too fearless and suicidal on it. While Seroquel is not touching my depression, I noticed that after taking it, I felt that I gained a degree of self-control back, which helped me to start to use basic life skills that I have learned, which help me to deal with some of the BPD approaches to life's problems. Seriously, I find Seroquel, even at the low dose, to be excellent."

• Jak...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 16, 2019

Quetiapine for Bipolar Disorder "Seroquel has been life-saving for me after being on the wrong medications that made me more unstable, so I ended up being in hospitals for years. Now, at 125-150 mg of Seroquel, I’m able to get rest and have reduced agitation and anxiety, and am finally stable. I have also been put on higher doses, which felt uncomfortable, but the right dose has been life-saving."

• Kim...
• August 8, 2013

Quetiapine for Bipolar Disorder "This medicine worked at first, but after taking it for a few (2) weeks, I developed anxiety and panic attacks. I've had panic attacks in the past but not like these. I wasn't afraid of anything specific; it was like a constant fear. Also, my heart would race so bad. I am being weaned off this and switching to Zyprexa."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 11, 2019

For Depression "Found quetiapine very helpful as a sleep aid for my daughter at a low dose, but as I increased the dose, it made her anxiety and depression worsen. This is our seventh medication. I am now proceeding with pharmacogenetic testing through saliva in hopes that through testing her DNA, we can find an appropriate medication match for my daughter. Hope this helps someone out there."

• zai...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 6, 2014

Quetiapine for Schizophrenia "I've been on Seroquel since being diagnosed (now 18 months). Started taking 50 mg but now I'm on 100 mg. I've got to the point on this medication that the side effects are too much. Constantly tired. Feel very vague. My memory is terrible. I'm starting to forget about things I've already done. Still very paranoid. Also, I'm still having panic attacks. So for me, it's time to move on and try something new (Olanzapine)."

• Z B...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 26, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Helped me sleep when even benzos and Ambien didn't. Also helps with my lack of appetite. I did gain 45 lbs the first few months, but eventually, I lost the weight. I actually liked the weight gain, I've been underweight my whole life. As far as anxiety, I'd say it helps me relax but doesn't slow my mind down like the Xanax I used to take. Still, mildly effective for anxiety. Download card from website, 30-day supply with no insurance will cost $11, without card, $77. Big difference."

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

Quetiapine 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."

• Ang...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 22, 2018

For Depression "I have had depression on and off for the last 30 years of my life. I have been on many different types of antidepressants, but it never worked well, and I got all sorts of side effects like anxiety and a jittery feeling in the body. My depression gets worse when I don’t get enough sleep or can’t fall asleep for a few days. Three years ago, my doctor prescribed Seroquel medication to me, and it really helped me. I started with 50 mg, and now I am taking 150 mg: 50 mg of the XR and 100 mg of the regular release for the last few months. This combination helps me fall asleep and go back to sleep when I wake up. This has no side effects on me besides feeling great in the morning."

• Ang...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 22, 2018

For Depression "I have had depression on and off for the last 30 years of my life. I have been on many different types of antidepressants, but it never worked well, and I got all sorts of side effects like anxiety and a jittery feeling in the body. My depression gets worse when I don’t get enough sleep or can’t fall asleep for a few days. Three years ago, my doctor prescribed Seroquel medication to me, and it really helped me. I started with 50 mg, and now I am taking 150 mg: 50 mg of the XR and 100 mg of the regular release for the last few months. This combination helps me fall asleep and go back to sleep when I wake up. This has no side effects on me besides feeling great in the morning."

• Jul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was prescribed Seroquel 50 mg XR, one pill at bedtime to augment my antidepressant. I only took it for three nights in a row. The anxiety was unbearable after taking the medication. I slept throughout the days and forgot appointments, forgot to take other medication, forgot to eat. The only moments I could keep my eyes open, I was in panic. Horrible drug."

• Ang...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 23, 2016

Quetiapine 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."

• Mee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 7, 2015

For Borderline Personality Disorder "I stayed in my own little comfortable world, as I called it, because I was paranoid, had bad compulsions and habits, hypochondria. Every day was a struggle, and I would cry randomly. I did not consider myself depressed because I was such a happy girl, even though at a split second I would turn into something else and would have no emotion for anything. Sometimes I would have bad anxiety due to giving myself all of this stress, and I couldn't eat, and then I became sick, and most of the time with that came no confidence. Sometimes I had many flowing ideas and such creativity. I was diagnosed recently with hypomania, BPD, and a bit of skitz. This med has helped so much, but if you have symptoms of bipolar, do not take anxiety medication... you’ll feel terrible."

• In ...
• July 22, 2019

Quetiapine for Bipolar Disorder "Female, 22 years old. I was given Seroquel for what was thought to be psychotic depression. I was given 50 mg to take at night. The first night I took the med, it absolutely knocked me out, but before I actually fell asleep, I felt super anxious and had shock-like sensations through my body. It made me actually want to fight the medication because I did not like the way it made me feel. So the next night I went down to 25 mg, side effects weren’t as bad, but I still felt very anxious. Then, the next morning when I woke up, I noticed I felt super angry. My first thought as soon as I opened my eyes was that I just felt so angry, and I’m not usually an angry person. I also drooled on myself so badly that my shirt was soaked the next morning. I didn’t feel well rested, I tossed and turned and remembered doing things in the middle of the night that I knew weren’t dreams (all of these happened both nights I took the Seroquel regardless of reducing the dose)."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 27, 2017

Quetiapine for Schizoaffective Disorder "I was prescribed 800 Seroquel for my therapeutic dosage. Many years later, I decided with my pdoc to try 600. I felt more balanced, more centered, and attuned-with the same effectiveness of the med. Later, while in a combination of other meds, I took the courage to play around with 300/400 mg of XR, and, to my surprise, I still got a precise dosage-no racing thoughts, sound sleep, no anxiety, much attenuated paranoia, and an awesome antidepressant effect with half of the original 800."

• jes...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 4, 2022

Quetiapine for Bipolar Disorder "Overall, this medication saved my life. Very helpful for getting a good night's sleep. Before Seroquel, I was diagnosed but unmedicated and having violent/manic outbursts and insomnia that made work, school, and relationships almost impossible. I started on 100 mg but was still having psychotic and manic episodes where I thought people were out to get me and getting obsessive over people, ideas, new hobbies, and impulsive spending and other actions. I am now on 300 mg/day and feeling mostly stable with small upwellings of anxiety and mania, but considering a switch to another antipsychotic as I have gained almost 50 pounds on this medication. IMPORTANT: You do not need to pay $100s to see a psychiatrist if you have a general practitioner. Any medical doctor can diagnose you and write an Rx. Please don't suffer while waiting to be seen by a psych!"

• Dou...
• July 12, 2015

For Depression "I'm 38, have struggled with depression, and been suicidal, searching for help since I was 13-14. Finally found a psychiatrist who understood. She prescribed 100 Seroquel daily and ECT. Only had 3 out of 4 ECT treatments. That, together with Seroquel, I have never felt better or more stable in my life. Still have issues with anxiety when writing essays. Was prescribed a 25 mg tablet to put under my tongue. It works great. I had trouble at first with medication as I was taking it morning and night. I would be falling asleep at pre-start meetings at work. I now take it nightly before bed. I sleep great and wake up refreshed. This drug works. You just have to work out the right time to take it."