Quetiapine and Tiredness: What Users Say

• Mrm...
• August 29, 2019

Quetiapine for Schizophrenia "This drug has really helped me with the voices and the paranoia. I have been on it for nearly 3 years. I have been on pretty much every antipsychotic there is and have been dealing with this illness for a long, long time. The downside is that you will gain weight. I have lost some of it by reducing calories and taking metformin. Walking seems to help too. If you do take this one, stay as active as you can to avoid diabetes because as my psychiatrist told me 'It will happen eventually'. Also, I adopted a vegetarian diet to help lower other risks with this one. The other downside is that it can make you very tired. I take 400mg at night and 75mg in the morning and another 75mg in the afternoon. I still hear voices and don't want to be around other people but it is much more manageable and I can at least have some kind of life. To be honest, I probably would have killed myself if it were not for this drug. I am surprised I even wrote this as I am a very paranoid person."

• jos...
• May 25, 2021

Quetiapine for Depression "I am diagnosed with BPD, severe anxiety, and depression. I've tried multiple antidepressants before, and none of them worked for me. My doctor prescribed me 50 mg of Seroquel XR, and I take it before going to sleep. I have now been taking it for 3 months, and it literally saved my life. I've experienced some side effects at first, but now that my body is used to the medication, I feel so much better. I can go out, see friends, and do a lot of things I couldn't even think about doing 2 months ago. In contrast to a lot of people, I didn't gain weight yet, I even lost some. It also helps my mood swings and my dissociation. The only negative thing I can think of is the tiredness. But, if I get out of bed right away, I'm good for the day. I can recommend not to take it too late because it can make it hard to wake up in the morning. In conclusion, I think it's a great medication, and even if you're scared to take it, just give it a try and let it time to start working."

• Max...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 4, 2019

Quetiapine for Bipolar Disorder "I have bipolar mania with stages of depression. It has been like this since I was very young. It comes along with episodes of mood swings. I am on 25 mg of Seroquel now and have been on both 50 mg and 100 mg. 25 mg does great things for me. No more sleepless nights. No more intense spending sprees. No more major anxiety most of the time. A lot less depression and a lot less irritability I experienced as well. I get tired and a little unmotivated in the morning, but I have coffee and breakfast and I'm good. Weight gain is the other concern but I have controlled it with walking good amounts each day. Well worth a try and definitely something to consider for a bipolar patient."

• Anonymous
• April 23, 2010

Quetiapine for Borderline Personality Disorder "Seroquel has completely changed my life for the better. I was recently diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. It didn't really matter what label the psychiatrist gave me as I already knew and understood my problem to be unbearable pain - regardless of any formal title. I experienced racing and obsessive thoughts, acute paranoia, immeasurable anxiety, and the terrible lows, gripped by depression. Unstable, rapid emotions and was tired, having had to live with this unrecognized illness. I reached a point where not only did I want to die, but I seriously considered taking the life of my child also and had reached a definite crisis. I've been taking it for only three months and I'm unrecognizable to the person I once was. I value life and feel amazing about myself and endless possibilities for the future."

• Win...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 27, 2019

Quetiapine for Schizophrenia "I started 100 mg of Seroquel after Abilify failed at managing my symptoms. On Abilify, I was waking with constant anxiety and restless leg syndrome. Once I started taking Seroquel, anxiety and restless leg syndrome disappeared and I’m feeling the best I’ve felt in a long time. The first week I was tired, but after that passed, it’s been nothing but a sense of inner peace and calmness. So happy I tried this medicine again. I think the dose of 100 mg is a perfect dose for me."

• Wan...
• February 7, 2014

Quetiapine for Depression "I am presently in the hospital and have been put on Seroquel XR. As previously commented, the low dosages cause lethargy and sleepiness. However, I am not nearly as suicidal as I was, I have hope for the future and have not been on it for more than a few days. I am optimistic that once I have reached the proper dosage, I will once again enjoy life as I once did. Paxil, Effexor, and a number of other antidepressants worsened my symptoms over time and/or never did much for the depressive symptoms in the first place. This medicine is worth trying if you are extremely depressed or suicidal."

• sta...
• September 28, 2013

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This medication has significantly reduced my anxiety. I am currently on 50 mg and I am able to sleep longer without midnight interruptions. Before Seroquel, I took 10 mg of Abilify (bad lethargy and restlessness). Life doesn't seem so scary to me anymore."

• Mrq...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 17, 2021

For Depression "Caution! Many reports here are from sub"

• Anonymous
• November 26, 2010

Quetiapine 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."

• Sco...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 28, 2019

Quetiapine "I have never been diagnosed with any conditions for which the drug is prescribed, instead, I have depression. What I found out accidentally when searching for a sleep medication was that after one or two doses, my brain felt calmer, and I felt behaviorally more balanced and less anxious. Although I felt a bit lethargic, dizzy, and unsettled at the initial dosage and when awakening the next day, these symptoms do not occur after 3 weeks of 100 mg at bedtime. I have never been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia."

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2022

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This medicine literally saved my life. All I can say is I have been battling with anxiety for as long as I could remember. At one point, I was dealing with severe depression and extreme anxiety with insomnia. I literally tried all the antidepressants that you could name, and none of them seemed to be working. I gave up hope on medicine in general. Also, I come from immigrant families, so I’ve never had anyone in my family who has relied on medication. And definitely battling my own personal stigmas, as well as cultural stigmas about medication for mental health. All I can say is nobody wants to take medication. I got to a point where it was begging to overpower me. It was overpowering my life with my sleep and everything. I remember taking this medication and actually feeling normal. No more intrusive thoughts. I could actually sleep at night. At first, the side effects were pretty annoying, such as oversleeping, a little drowsiness, and tiredness, but trust me, it gets better."

• Sel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 1, 2021

Quetiapine for Bipolar Disorder "This medicine literally saved my life. I wish I’d known about it sooner in my adult life. I’ve struggled with PTSD, anxiety, PMDD, mood swings, and bad depression for 8 years. I tried every medication out there, and none of them helped. I’ve been on this for almost a year now, and I recommend it to everyone. I cried my eyes out when it hit me just how much this medication has helped. I feel normal now, and everyone tells me this is what it’s like to be and feel normal, and to be happy, to be content with life. I wish I wish I wish I would have known about this years ago. I could have saved myself a lot of heartache. But hey, everything happens for a reason. The ONLY downside is being tired. I have to make sure I have extra time to sleep. And if I forget to take it, or don’t refill my script, I’m not sleeping that night, lol. TRY IT. DO IT. It will change your life. It changed mine."

• Koa...
• October 10, 2014

Quetiapine for Bipolar Disorder "When I first took Seroquel, I had the side effects of a type of motion sickness, as my head would whirl about, and I never knew if I was whirling or if the surroundings were. I didn't want to stay on it, but was advised to give it longer and to change from XR to regular. I did, and after about 6 weeks (from memory), I adjusted to it. Yes, I was so tired. I went from cutting a 300 mg into halves, then to 200 mg, and now to 300 mg again. Seroquel works for me, I've been on it for approximately 18 months or so. I sleep, my mind doesn't race or think or roam. I get a deep sleep. I was advised to get up early and that it will wear off-yes, that happens. But it's not easy."

• Anonymous
• September 24, 2010

Quetiapine for Schizophrenia "Seroquel was a Godsend for me. I've been on it for 7 years, and it's the best medication I've been on for hallucinations and the voices I heard on a daily basis. It does, however, make me extremely tired, so I take it half an hour before I go to bed. I did get a little weight gain, but I would rather have weight gain than hearing voices and seeing things any day. Amazing medication."

• Koa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 8, 2014

Quetiapine for Bipolar Disorder "When I first went on this medication, 300 mg, I did not like it at all. I had side effects of a type of floating - my head wasn't attached to my body - I'd be disoriented, only for a short time, but frequently at first. I don't really remember any other side effects. I wanted to stop taking this. I was on 300 SR, then went to normal Seroquel. Being on standard Seroquel helped. I asked to change off Seroquel and was told it's a good medicine and just give it time - 6 weeks. Wow, I didn't like that idea. I did give it time, I was tired during the day, so I went back to 150 mg. Over time, I've been on 200 mg as well and now 300 mg. I am so grateful to myself for hanging in there. I choose to be on Seroquel, I sleep a deep sleep. For me, I am happy. Very happy."

• Anonymous
• August 19, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been dealing with undiagnosed depression and anxiety for the last year or so, and a few weeks ago, I was finally diagnosed with both, and I was prescribed 50 mg of Zoloft initially, and then 100 mg eventually. While the Zoloft was helping with my depression, it made me unbearably anxious. My dosage was lowered to 75 mg, and I was prescribed Seroquel as well. The combination of both has been very successful. I feel no sadness or anxiety currently, and I take 12.5 mg each of Seroquel in the morning and the evening. I'm a little slow and lethargic, but otherwise have had no side effects, and the lethargy is usually solved by a 30-minute nap. In low doses, I highly recommend this drug."

• DMa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 22, 2017

Quetiapine for Bipolar Disorder "I was recently diagnosed with type 2 BP in July of 2016. I was on Lamictal at first, and it was a nightmare. It kept me from being sad, but I would still get very angry. Seroquel was next, and I was too scared to take it at first, but once I started having a LOT of heated arguments and stress, I finally decided to take it. So far, so good, I only take 25 mg because it chills me out and eases my anxiety. I don't get sad, and I don't get overly mad or excited. The first few days I am tired on the meds, but after a few days, I am able to manage my life. I wish I would have gone to a doctor years ago to get treated because since I was 13, my moods have been up and down. Now I'm as chill as a cucumber."

• Ban...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 14, 2020

For Insomnia "I'm on 300 mg at night. I've been on this dose for 6 years. I tend to have vivid, colorful dreams and then wake up exhausted. Even after the alarm goes off after 7 to 8 hours of sleep, I have to set the alarm for at least another 2 hours. I find that I'm more sensitive to sunlight and my metabolism has decreased. I find weight gain a problem, and my skin has become inflamed with dermatitis. I also have found that if I miss a tablet, I end up having withdrawals. It does help with sleep but has a few side effects attached to it. I was tried on so many antidepressants, but unfortunately, they had an absolute adverse effect on me, so I couldn't take them, and I'm left with Seroquel."

• kim...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 18, 2015

For Insomnia "I have suffered with insomnia since I was a child. Cymbalta worsened my condition to the point of lethargy, and my PCP prescribed quetiapine (50 mg 1x the first two days and then 100 mg 1x per day thereafter) after all other sleep aides failed. The first day on 50 mg, it took about 1.5 hours to kick in. I slept for 4 hours, awoke to crazy vivid dreams and insanely sweet food cravings (caramel, maple syrup), went back to bed, fell asleep, and woke up feeling like a truck hit me. Second day, same cravings and vivid dreams but slept better. After about six months, the sweet cravings went away, but I gained 20 lbs. I've been on quetiapine for over a year, and I cannot sleep without it. For the first time in my life, I sleep a solid 7-8 hours per night."

• Pat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 12, 2013

Quetiapine for Bipolar Disorder "I suffer from mainly depression and anxiety. I have had a few bouts of hypomania. This was recommended to me to help with anxiety and mood swings. Within an hour of taking this medicine, I was always somewhat buzzed and not in a good way. It felt like you had to lie down and sleep, or you would become extremely irritable. The sleep was great on it, however, you wake up in a fog for hours, usually until dinner time for me. It really flattens you out, so you don't feel much, just emotionless and tired. I took anywhere from 50 to 200 mg, and the result was the same. I am off now and trying safer meds. Seroquel wasn't for me, but I'm glad it helps millions, though!"

• Che...
• April 23, 2017

For Insomnia "I am currently on 25 mg taken 2 hours before bed for insomnia. I have found it to be very sedating and sleep for the entire night. On the first night, around the 2-hour mark after taking, I was not able to function properly. Cleaning my teeth and preparing my clothes for the morning was a big effort. Lightheadedness and dizziness. I have noticed others have had intense dreams/nightmares while on this medication, and I did too. The following day, I feel lethargic and drained despite a full night of sleep. I have rated it a 7 because it certainly works to relieve my insomnia, but the cluster of side effects is frustrating. I would recommend trying it for the first time when you have the following days free and are not working and adjusting."

• Gcc...
• May 22, 2020

For Borderline Personality Disorder "I've been on quetiapine for 3 years. I have borderline personality disorder, and I don't think they work for me. I take 400 mg at night, other than making me tired all the time, with no energy and weight gain, I wouldn't recommend them. They come with many common side effects, and prior to taking them, I actually think I was better off. They are very addictive too, I've forgotten to take them on an odd occasion, and the withdrawal process feels like I'm dying."

• Gcc...
• May 22, 2020

For Borderline Personality Disorder "I've been on quetiapine for 3 years. I have borderline personality disorder, and I don't think they work for me. I take 400 mg at night, other than making me tired all the time, with no energy and weight gain, I wouldn't recommend them. They come with many common side effects, and prior to taking them, I actually think I was better off. They are very addictive too, I've forgotten to take them on an odd occasion, and the withdrawal process feels like I'm dying."

• Mac...
• April 23, 2013

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I suffer from O.C.D. and obsessive compulsive personality disorder. I have had it since age 12. I'm now in my 40s. For the last three years, I've been on a high dose of quetiapine, 600 mg nightly. I also take Lustral during the day. They have helped me so much, it's the first time in years I've felt more 'normal.' Before, I was very manic, etc. This has calmed me down a great deal. BUT, I'm always tired, not much energy, my weight has gone up. I used to exercise before but struggle now. BUT I'd rather be like this than manic, panicking, and a nightmare to live with! I'm married with four children. It's a shame they have seen me at my worst many times, which I feel terrible about. But now that I'm on these medicines, I'm a different person."

• Owl...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 30, 2016

For Insomnia "Seroquel did really help me fall asleep in the beginning. Even after that, it helped a lot. The problem is, there's a time period in which the Seroquel works, and you have to fall asleep within that time period, or it's no help that night. I have a lot of trouble because of anxiety as well as general insomnia, and I can't always fall asleep in that time period. My biggest problem with Seroquel is how tired it can make you the next day. I've tried everything-the only thing I've found that works is getting ten hours of sleep."