Quetiapine and Drowsiness: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Hap...
• April 10, 2012

Quetiapine 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."

• GRa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 25, 2018

Quetiapine for Bipolar Disorder "I have been on Seroquel XR for 2.5 years now, with doses ranging from 150mg to 250mg. Currently taking 200mg. It does work, but it works very slowly, therapeutically speaking. The anti-anxiety effects kick in, I would say, in a week or two maximum, and the sleepiness is very intense in the beginning. What I don’t like about it is that you get used to the dose very quickly, and the symptoms return, needing to either up or lower the dose. It’s not a super stable medicine. The first days of upping the dose, you do feel more stable, calmer, peaceful, but a week after, you find yourself asking for more. Now, therapeutically, it brings you back to earth, you know, but it’s not enough. In my case, the lack of motivation is a big thing for me. It was so bad my doctor thought I had attention issues and wanted me to try Adderall, and I said no because I knew it was from Seroquel. Anyway, all antipsychotics are motivation killers and make existing depression worse and trigger ADHD in my case. Good luck."

• Cor...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 11, 2012

Quetiapine for Schizophrenia "I take a dose of 600 mg at nighttime (because it makes me sleep). I wish that I could take less because I don't like that it makes me so tired, but I need it to stay sane. I've been on it for 5 years, and I used to sleep about 12 hours, but now it's down to 9. The good thing about Seroquel is that I have only sleeping as a side effect. I have been on other meds and had everything: dry mouth, blurred vision, drooling, constipation, you name it, I had it. So Seroquel is at least good for that. The only bad thing in the last 2 years I have noticed is overthinking and like a conversation going on in my head, but I can't find a good medicine, and I don't want to increase Seroquel because of the sleepiness."

• Luc...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 5, 2016

For Insomnia "This is the only medication I've taken so far for insomnia that has worked consistently. I take 25 mg a night (or sometimes I just take half a pill - 12.5 mg, because it's so sedating), and about 30-60 minutes later, I'm asleep. I'm a chronic insomniac with bipolar 1, so this medication really keeps me stable by making me sleep. I do feel a little groggy in the morning, though, and this makes me want to eat everything in sight! I've heard it's prescribed off-label to anorexics to make them eat! If you go straight to sleep after taking it and don't get up and eat everything, it's possible not to gain weight at a low dose."

• Luc...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 5, 2016

For Insomnia "This is the only medication I've taken so far for insomnia that has worked consistently. I take 25 mg a night (or sometimes I just take half a pill - 12.5 mg, because it's so sedating), and about 30-60 minutes later, I'm asleep. I'm a chronic insomniac with bipolar 1, so this medication really keeps me stable by making me sleep. I do feel a little groggy in the morning, though, and this makes me want to eat everything in sight! I've heard it's prescribed off-label to anorexics to make them eat! If you go straight to sleep after taking it and don't get up and eat everything, it's possible not to gain weight at a low dose."

• den...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 20, 2022

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Back in 2013, I was prescribed quetiapine. I was coming off, 'cold turkey' benzo withdrawal. I had been on benzos in one form or another since the late 60s. So my psychiatrist, at that time, prescribed it as a low dose of quetiapine. I've been on it ever since. The drug was very effective for helping me sleep. I take 200 mg at bedtime. I also take 50 mg during the day. Occasionally, I will have restless leg syndrome as a side effect. The other side effect is drowsiness, which I only get from the 200 mg bedtime dose. There are possible side effects like an increase in sugar levels and movement disorders, i.e., tardive dyskinesia, but I have my sugar levels monitored, and tardive dyskinesia is a rare side effect. All in all, it works for me."

• tem...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am going on this drug with the dose of 12.5 mg, and it is so effective for sleeping. My purpose for taking this drug is insomnia. I just cut the 25 mg tablet into two halves. The side effect of feeling sedation is prominent for me the next day, I hope I can get used to this effect in a short period."

• Gir...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 3, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on several antidepressants since I was around 35. I am now 63. For the last 15 years, I have been on 400 mg quetiapine for major depressive disorder. I am so grateful that I found the right doctor who knew how to help me. This medication has made me feel normal again. I do take it at night, as it puts me totally asleep within 30 to 60 minutes. Another benefit for me, as I have always had trouble falling asleep. I hope I never have to be taken off this medicine. I know it is not suggested for older adults with signs of dementia, so praying I do not have that in my later years. I really think that this medication should only be prescribed to be taken at night because of the sedative effects of it for most people. Thank you to whomever created this medication."

• qui...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 16, 2024

Quetiapine for Bipolar Disorder "My dosage is 200mg XR at noon. Completely removed anxiety and feel smooth when I go to sleep. I take 300mg Seroquel, and it takes 30 minutes, and I'm knocked out for a good night's sleep. Need time to adapt to it but well worth it. Not for everyone but for me it works! Godsent medicine."

• Lim...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 24, 2020

For Borderline Personality Disorder "I've been using quetiapine for 5 years, and my psychiatrist has told me from the very start I may be on it for many years to come or the rest of my life. I've only just overcome that fact really. From the start, I felt extremely “high” or “sedated.” I was prescribed quetiapine for hallucinations and night terrors. I started on 75 mg, and I'm currently on 250 mg, and over the years, despite the startup side effects from 2-4 weeks, maybe 6 weeks for some people, it is still a brilliant drug for my BPD and PTSD. I still get low points, but I bounce back fairly quickly, and I feel quetiapine has stabilized my mood throughout the years of taking it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 28, 2024

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking quetiapine long term for about 7 years. I was prescribed it for anxiety and insomnia. I began on a high dose but now only take 25 - 50 mg at night. Once I started taking this drug, there was no need for the doctors to try any more antidepressants or other pills. It helps me sleep at night, calms my anxiety, and therefore I am able to tackle my day. I find it quite sedating, so the smaller the dose I can manage, the better. I have tried going off it once, but ended up with horrible side effects such as no sleep for days and itching, crawling skin, intense nausea, and feeling very mentally fragile. Overall, this drug has helped me a lot over the years, and I am able to function quite well on it with minimal side effects - sometimes can feel quite drowsy the next day. I have had restless legs and muscle aches as side effects too, but I have been taking it long term. I would recommend a low dose to someone also struggling with anxiety and sleep."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 28, 2024

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking quetiapine long term for about 7 years. I was prescribed it for anxiety and insomnia. I began on a high dose but now only take 25 - 50 mg at night. Once I started taking this drug, there was no need for the doctors to try any more antidepressants or other pills. It helps me sleep at night, calms my anxiety, and therefore I am able to tackle my day. I find it quite sedating, so the smaller the dose I can manage, the better. I have tried going off it once, but ended up with horrible side effects such as no sleep for days and itching, crawling skin, intense nausea, and feeling very mentally fragile. Overall, this drug has helped me a lot over the years, and I am able to function quite well on it with minimal side effects - sometimes can feel quite drowsy the next day. I have had restless legs and muscle aches as side effects too, but I have been taking it long term. I would recommend a low dose to someone also struggling with anxiety and sleep."

• Bri...
• April 5, 2017

Quetiapine 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."

• Dan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 17, 2021

Quetiapine for Depression "I have been on the Seroquel XR 50 mgs, and it absolutely works better than anything I have ever taken for anxiety. And I've taken every SSRI under the sun, Valium, clonidine, gabapentin, and Vistaril all in the past. This medication is a lifesaver. It does make me feel drowsy 3-4 hours after taking it, so it should be taken around dinner time. My doc first started me on it first thing in the morning, and I was dozing off by noon. But other than that, it has been a lifesaver. Almost no anxiety, I sleep better, my appetite is good, my mood is good and confident. For me, it even helps to relax my muscles. I'm so glad my doc took a chance and prescribed this medication off-label for my anxiety. It has given me a new lease on life."

• Hea...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 4, 2016

Quetiapine for Bipolar Disorder "Although my doctor prescribed it mainly for bipolar depression, he will temporarily increase the dose in response to emerging manic symptoms, especially racing thoughts, agitation, extreme irritability, and delusions. Positive - Significantly (80-90%) calms my thoughts. Helps me fall and stay asleep. Keeps my depression in check. I am now compliant with all of my medications and trust my doctor. Negative - higher doses blunt my affect. I must take my dosage at bedtime because of tremendous sedation, which is when the drug saturation is highest in my blood and brain. If I must get up during the night, for example, bathroom, I'm disoriented and dizzy. I could never take it during the day. Weight gain from 'munchies.' Sex-related problems."

• jha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2020

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I've been on Seroquel for about 1.5 weeks now, and so far, so good. My pdoc added it to my Prozac and Klonopin regimen in order to help my insomnia and augment the Prozac. I was still feeling extreme generalized anxiety during the day, along with panic attacks (which Klonopin tremendously helps). The first few days were sooooooo sedating -- could barely function during the day and slept 16 hours every night. This goes away. Now, I'm finding the medication so helpful. My anxiety is much better, my mood swings quelled, and triggers have a 'dampened' effect on me now, albeit still an effect. I'm on 50 mg. Kind of want to go up to 100 mg. The anxiety is still there, but just muted a bit. No weight gain so far, or change in appetite."

• Anonymous
• February 19, 2009

Quetiapine for Schizophrenia "Pretty good medication for the condition. My thoughts are more straight, and I seem to have less visual and auditory distortions. It is sedating, though, and takes a little time for your body to adjust to it. I take 100 mg in the morning and 400 mg at night, seems to work pretty good in combination with Effexor for depression, and it's decent for mild anxiety (however, if you have major anxiety, it may not be enough on its own)."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 12, 2016

Quetiapine 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!"

• 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."

• Twe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2015

For Insomnia "I have really bad insomnia, which is triggered by my depression and anxiety. My shrink gave me this medicine, and I sleep like a baby. The thing is, I started having these dreams, and they feel so real. But I thought this was only me until I started reading other reviews. I have to have at least 8 hours to sleep, or then I'm rather groggy. I'm happy for the sleep because I was up for 36 hours at a time."

• Ang...
• April 11, 2012

Quetiapine 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."

• Min...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 9, 2023

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking quetiapine on and off for years. I have to say that the drug makes you feel great. I have been taking various doses over the years also because of different life events and tolerances built up. I can sometimes go without taking it for some length of time, but I find that when anxiety gets you down, this drug is amazing at making you feel calm and relaxed. I suffer from quite bad anxiety and this drug takes away all that worry. It does make you extremely hungry, and I now have a large stomach, haha. But it’s great. I currently take 6.25 mg and just enough to get you to sleep and feel chill. At higher doses, you can feel tired and groggy the next day, which is no good for work. Anyway, I approve of this drug."

• Oli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2019

For Insomnia "Was prescribed quetiapine to help sleep while in detox, it replaced Lunesta. I had been on Lunesta, and when that stopped working on 3 mg a night, I then built a very high tolerance (an unsafe amount). Was so frustrated and felt hopeless. Have been struggling with insomnia since February of 2017. My dose of Seroquel (quetiapine) is 100 mg every night, and I sleep like a baby with no side effects, such as nightmares and no morning grogginess. It makes me feel very calm and sedates me, and before I know it, I’m asleep. Doctor says I should lower my dosage to 50 mg a night because of the side effects it can cause, but I tried that, and I wasn’t able to fall asleep."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 30, 2016

Quetiapine 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)."