What is Seroquel Used for?
I took Seroquel for a short time. I demanded a different medication after taking Seroquel 50 mg and waking up seventeen hours later! This was after I had struggled for a month to get adjusted to 25 mg. After taking the 25 mg before bedtime, I would have incredible difficulty waking up in the morning. I would have to set two alarm clocks, and still I would oversleep to find that I must have turned the alarms off without getting up. My psychiatrist had wanted me to work my way up to taking 300 mg a day, which is not an uncommon Seroquel dosage.
What is Seroquel used for? In my case, I was on Seroquel for bipolar depression, but it is also used to treat schizophrenia. Though exactly how Seroquel works is unknown, it is thought to correct some chemical imbalances in the brain.
Seroquel is used as a short-term treatment for the mania, mixed episodes, and depression associated with bipolar disorder. If used with a mood stabilizing medication like Depakote, Seroquel can be used as a long-term, maintenance treatment for bipolar depression.
For schizophrenia, Seroquel acts as an atypical antipsychotic. This medication can treat some of the symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. Seroquel also helps people who suffer from schizophrenia to feel less isolated and apathetic.
Not everyone has the same difficulty adjusting to Seroquel like I did. I know a few people who take 300 mg or more a day. In addition to the drowsiness that I experienced, if sleeping 17 hours can be called drowsiness, the side effects of seroquel include dry mouth, constipation, upset stomach, weight gain, and increased appetite. Other Seroquel side effects are a sudden drop in blood glucose levels, increased cholesterol, stuffy nose, and difficulty speaking.
A few months after I stopped taking Seroquel, some law firms were advertising about Seroquel’s association with pancreatitis and possibly other Seroquel side effects. It was interesting that a few months after I had tried to take Seroquel that I was hospitalized for a week with pancreatitis. However, I seriously doubt that my pancreatitis was related to the Seroquel since I took such a low dose for a short period of time.
It can be difficult to find the right medication for bipolar disorder. It often takes several attempts for the psychiatrist to find the best combination of medications for the bipolar patient. I believe I will stick with my Depakote and Paxil.
I’m not anxious to try any other medications for awhile, even though my psychiatrist wants me to try Lamictal. I’m sorry but, “fatal rashes” is not an acceptable side effect. Overall, I am happy with the Depakote/Paxil combination, but don’t be disheartened if you have yet to find the right combination of medications for bipolar disorder. I know how difficult it can be, but most people find the medication that works best for them after a few trials.
