Getting off of Seroquel

Thoughout my life I would have flashbacks to an traumatic event that happened to me when I was 14. Throughout the years I was interacting with people who were part of my family circle. Whenever I had a anxiety attack or panic attack it had to indirectly/and directly impact my life by my reacting to that event that happened so many years ago. Over time I dealt with those family members and with those issues by utlitizng all the coping skills I could muster. Over the years I would have flashbacks that for some reason I blamed on anxiety. This past December I had alot of events occur at the same time........but one in particular that sent me through a loop. I experienced a manic episode which the dr put down as bipolar. They perscribed Seroquel without really talking to me prior. They were not listening to me when I told them about the event in my life that has been the primary issue in my life. They loaded me up so much on Seroquel I couldn't tell you what town I was in, what day it was............ and he did not tell me any of the really serious side effects. Once I got home.... I was literally a zombie............ as I became adjusted to the drug my mind cleared a bit. I began reading all the side effects..... And I was literally appalled..........that I allowed this dr to perscribe this to me based on his diagnosis of Bi-Polar. His diagnosis consisted of me answering a survey sheet. I questioned him on this...... How do YOU know I have Bipolar....... he said you do and pulled out the survey sheet. Mainly what pegged me as Bipolar was the Manic problem I had in December. I hated the side effects of this drug....and began to insist that I be tapered down. As we were talking and I was trying to get across to him my PSTD issue...he looked at me and said.... wow....... I really do think you have this...... Are you kidding me!! His answer was to put me on another drug. VRAYLAR. This drug was not covered by my insurance as it is a brand name with no generic product available. It would cost me $600.00 a month. Oh but he gave me two months free try............. okay....so I get dependent on this drug.....and after two months....what......... I felt like he was more of a drug dealer than a dr. All I know is I have NEVER been this miserable in my life, pains in my legs, 24 pounds gained, dry mouth at night where I wake up unable to breath, my blood pressue up, my sugar level on the way up. So When I speak of how bad this drug is.........that does not mean it is that way for all. But for me...... this has been a horrendous experience.

From the time I began tapering I have not had any prior symptoms............... the symptoms I am talking about are all pre-seroquel.......many years of attacks brought on by events that was related to a traumatic event in my life when I was a young girl. I am 60 now.

@merpreb your right if you are uncomfortable with a Dr seem another opinion

@colleenyoung- Thank you Colleen for the roll you have within Mayo and our groups. We appreciate you. Jim @thankful

@lla2019 - Oh lla I'm so sorry about your doctor's reaction to you. That's just awful. I'd like for you to read this I you will. It's about flashbacks and makes a lot of sense to me. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conquer-fear-flying/201408/is-what-you-are-feeling-flashback
Do you have a firm diagnosis as yet? It doesn't sound like it and bouncing around from one medicine to another isn't an answer. I can understand why you would have PTSD. This is especially true if you hadn't reconciled with it, which you haven't. I don't know much
about Manic Depressive disorders, and you might also have that but it doesn't eliminate PTSD from your problem.
I congratulate you on your decision t seek out another doctor! Can you get a hold of names from a reliable source?

Has anyone taken Benzopine with Seroquel? It was given to me to stop the side effects of Seroquel. I am now down to 50 mg of Seroquel and .5 of Benzopine.

Hi, @lla2019 - how are things going with taking the diazepam (Benzopine) to stop the side effects of the quetiapine (Seroquel)?

I tapered very showly off Benztropine. I am happy to report I have had some mild withdrawals. Hot flushing of the skin, a little itchiness, a lot irritability.
Today is my first day to withdrawal from Seroquel. I am a little bit nervous but I have tapered from 600mg down to 25 mg.

I am no longer going to the dr who perscribed Seroquel........ which in my mind has been very harmful to my well being. I am quite angry with him for his NOT telling me the long lasting side effects of Seroquel. This drug has made my life unrecognizable. As I lowered the dose I began to feel more like myself. My son told me yesterday that in the past four months this was the first time I seemed to him like my old self. There were times I wonder if I ever would find my way back. I will have about 10 days to see how I am withdrawalling from Seroquel..........before I start with the new doctor.which will involve therapy only. I believe I have PTSD and not Bipolar and that the perscribing dr made a hasty diagnosis without really talking to me first about my experiences. I don't know if I am doing the right thing or not.......... I am going off of gut feelings. I know I could no longer tolerate the person I became on this drug.

I just joined this group. Diagnosed w/bipolar at age 25. Now 64. Have tried many drugs with psychiatrist over the years. Had to be hospitalized this pas July for the first time. Was prescribed 100 mg Seroquel, already taking lamictral and Lexapro, Dr. slowly increased to 400mg. Slowly working down. At 200mg now. Increase lamictral to 400. I have ALWAYS worked my psychiatrist in managing my meds. NEVER on my own. Yes, my libido was gone years ago, buy I have a very understanding husband. Seroquel has increased my appetite, but has made a big difference. Oh, well. Small price to pay. Yes, I have drive mouth, use Biotrin. It is vital to work with your psychiatrist. Someone mentioned hot flashes and night sweats. I appreciate that because I thought I was going through a second menopause-eek!!

Hi, @iowaellen27 - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Good for you for always working with your doctor on your meds. Are you tapering down to a lower dose or tapering off all together to go on a different medication?