Sunday, July 20, 2008 need2know asks

Q: Does anyone have an answer to this? Seroquel substitute for sleep?

I have been on seroquel over a year and gained over 15lbs. which is not so bad I understand on this drug ususally worse than that BUT I don't want to wait to get

that fat. I am 5'4 and weigh 183lbs. I am considered obese by my doctors. Also, I have been experiencing hair breakage and hairthinning/loss. I have had a thyroid test quite a few times and it is under control. I don't have to take medication for it but I used to have to back in 2004. I also am getting up after going to sleep like every other hour or on the hour to eat,drink, and crash again. This is so disgusting to me. I am miserable to have to have this enlarged abdomen and so fatigue that I don't want to exercise(no energy) at all. I have called the company(AstraZenica) to ask them questions on how to get off of their medication and tell them I have horrible withdrawal symptoms when trying to get off this drug and can't sleep. They tell me then I must need it. I get so frustrated about these answers. My family doesn't know what I am going thru with this depression of being overweight and hairthinning you can see my scalp and it is going to the back even. I am going to pray right now..................many of you answer this question and I can find maybe an answer. I know that what works for some doesn't always work for others. I am willing to experiment in this case. We are "guinea pigs" anyway with a chemical imbalance or lest say a brain disorder. I am needing something to help my mood and sleep. I suffer from anxiety at times,depression,and a sleep disorder that when I go off of the seroquel cold turkey I don't sleep for a week or so. I need to taper off of this seroquel. Oh what the hell.........just buy a wig and fat clothes. My self-esteem is declining even. Can someone give me some good news? I have an appointment with a doctor to get a referral to another pdoc. Maybe this pdoc if we can find one that takes medicaid will help me find the right cocktail. They may be willing to work with me other than this free clinic where the system is pdoc writes prescriptions and you are in and out in minutes. Therapist tells me she knows nothing about medications. Caseworker tells me it is my medication that is causing my hairloss. Catch 22

Answers (3)

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Nonayourbusiness

7/20/08 6:59pm

As far as the hair loss and other symptoms, have you checked your RX for the listed side effects? I know certain meds will make your hair fall out. I have been on Seroquel in the past for sleep however, I have not experienced weight gain or hair loss with it. It makes me tired as hell and lethargic so I avoid it now.

And as for the clinic and your therapist not knowing anything about meds, wether or not you are at a free clinic most psychaiatrists are done with you in 15 minutes, even it's a private practice. Of course you do need the proper care, do continue to try for a better doctor and therapist. Psychologists usually know very little about meds as that is not their area of expertise.

I hope you can find the right "cocktail" but don't get upset if it takes a while, it took my doctors a few years to get it right, but dont' let that discourage you.

If you can't find any information about side effects, and remember they are different for everyone, talk to your pharmacist.

Donna

12/13/10 8:03pm

I've been on Seroquel for 13 years started small and ended up at 800 mg, because of all the Diabetes scares I'm now on 600 mg. I also started Topamax 300 mg a day thats 3, 100 mg. Topamax is used for migraines and bipolar too, and it's side effect is weight loss. I lossed 30 lbs. I can't say with age I haven't put a couple back on but I'm 5' 4" and I've kept a steady weight of 135 to 140 for years. I also take 3, 1mg of Klonopin with the seroquel at night to sleep.

My problem is I need to find something other than seroquel because of a medical clause called the doughnut hole. My prescription card will not pay for my seroquel because it is not generic yet and I've been out since Nov. cut off cold turkey after 13 years. I could buy it myself but it would cost me $460.00, and then again in Dec. and We're already behind one month on the mortgage. I need to fing Seroquels equal or I'm in trouble, I haven't been sleeping, crying at strange times, losing my temper and I very depressed. My Doc is not the one I started with and shes young and she's giving me a couple of things to try like ambien no way does that compare to seroquel I'm looking for a new Doc and doing some research myself. Well I hope I helped all of you that gain weight you can go up to 400mg of topamax a day. Wish you all well!

Your Bipolar friend

Donna

Mace windu

11/ 9/11 11:19am

Hi there. I understand how you all feel. I'm 16 years old. Been off and on few medicines for 2 years. I am 70 kg, standing at 1.80m. I am currently med free for 6 months. To be honest, it is more challenging living and sleeping without seroquel. However I feel that I am at least in control of my life and moods and can attribute my successes to my own diligence. To face the sleeping issue, I recommend you guys try natural means such as meditation , reading a boring book or listening to soothing nature sounds from your iPod. Let's face it . The main reason we have our moods can be linked to our sleep, or lack of it. Btw, before going on my first dose of lithium at the hospital, I weighed around 62 kg and sported a 4 pack. After 1 and 1/2 years, my weight ballooned to 75kg with seroquel( I stopped lithium after 3 months). 6 months ago, after my granddad passed away, I decided to stop my 400mg seroquel intake totally. Gradually, after exercise, living a balanced lifestyles and trying to maintain my moods, I maintained my weight around 70 to 75 kg range and am still physically fit. To challenge the weight issue, I recommend you guys try adopting a multiple prong approach. Firstly, you must love yourself enough to change for the better. 1. Eat 6 small meals a day instead of 3 big ones. This will jumpstart your metabolism. 2. Sip cold water and unsweetened tea throughout the day 3. Hit the gym and run if you can 4. Lifting weights boost lean muscle mass which helps you burn fat throughout the day. 5. Share your ambitions with your closest kin. They can motivate you continually when u begin to feel down and out 6. Live your life as you would want to live it! Be free and proud of your achievements. 7. Stay motivated and do not expect immediate results Hope this helped. Life is short. But you still gotta plan it. God bless all you. Mace

Q: Does anyone have an answer to this? Seroquel substitute for sleep?

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