Getting off of Seroquel

Hi @amandajro.
It's difficult for me to pinpoint a cause, because I don't see any meaningful one.
It is true that I feel more confident about my decision to cut some bonds but I'm far from peace of mind, as these people weren't the main cause that I feel depressed and anxious for.
In fact I'm not feeling any less depressed or anxious than in the past. It seems that only my sleep has improved.
In any case, I'll think about it more in these days, perhaps talk to my therapist, and if I happen to have a clearer picture, I'll share it in my next update.

Something I forgot to write in my previous comment is that I've even been able to take naps during the day lately. I even seem to naturally wake up after one hour or two, without the need to set off an alarm. The last time I was able to take naps successfully was about 7 years ago, right before I'd quickly fall into depression.

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I am also tapering off of Seroquel I was on 200mg xr and 200mg at bedtime. I started tapering down the Seroquel at bedtime at 50 mg increments every two weeks. Then I started tapering the Seroquel xr at from 200mg to 150 mg every two months . I am now on 50 mg of Seroquel xr. I also take .5 mg of clonazepam twice a day. I have had some episodes of insomnia so I am now taking 3mg of melatonin at night to help me sleep. The problem is that there isn't a lower dosage after the 50mg of Seroquel xr. Which makes it difficult to taper without any negative side effects. ( for example rebound insomnia). So I guess we are both having the same problem.

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Seraquel comes in 25mg. tablets. I'm on 325mg. seraquel and feel like I can't move or talk After taking it @ HS. I see my Dr. next week and have no idea what to do! I have OCD and do compulsions all nite if i can't sleep. Any suggestions? I'm so scared. Maria.

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@mariajean03 I responded to you in another post. It is important you contact your provider regarding your symptoms right away. I wouldn't suggest weening off medications without a provider. Would you let us know what your provider advises?

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@erikas
I agree with you and the Mayo Clinic Pharmacist that patients shouldn’t get off some of these medications on their own. But realistically what other alternatives would you and your pharmacy staff recommend when physicians are either incapable or unwilling to properly get patients off these medications in a proper withdrawal-free manner. The 6000+ people in the Effexor thread are mostly from patients who have physicians who's responsibility it is to assure these people a safe and withdrawal-free taper. Not to mention all the money they are collecting for causing more misery than help. Obviously they aren't doing their job or there wouldn't be so many heart-wrenching posts. What about all the other patients on all the other websites desperately in need of help. What do you say to them, knowing they are not receiving the help they need which they pay for. What’s the answer if it’s not discontinuation by self-medicating? Please tell us what our alternative is. We'd like to know.
Take care,
Jake

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@erikas
I agree with you and the Mayo Clinic Pharmacist that patients shouldn’t get off some of these medications on their own. But realistically what other alternatives would you and your pharmacy staff recommend when physicians are either incapable or unwilling to properly get patients off these medications in a proper withdrawal-free manner. The 6000+ people in the Effexor thread are mostly from patients who have physicians who's responsibility it is to assure these people a safe and withdrawal-free taper. Not to mention all the money they are collecting for causing more misery than help. Obviously they aren't doing their job or there wouldn't be so many heart-wrenching posts. What about all the other patients on all the other websites desperately in need of help. What do you say to them, knowing they are not receiving the help they need which they pay for. What’s the answer if it’s not discontinuation by self-medicating? Please tell us what our alternative is. We'd like to know.
Take care,
Jake

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@jakedduck1 I know that it's hard to find the right care and the right provider at times. I'm not ignorant to that and it's unacceptable.

I am a therapist and I have plenty of experience with clients and their medication issues indirectly. I have seen people permanently damage their body, mind, and lives by taking or stopping their medications without provider guidance.

A close family member is a provider. As I mentioned, I am a therapist. I have worked in insurance and at the hospital before returning for my Master's in counseling. As a therapist I've worked in residential, outpatient, and in-home. I know it can be difficult to navigate the system but with persistence it can be done.

There are a few ways I have witnessed, guided, or advocated for my clients, so they can take charge of their psychiatric medications management.

1.) Switch providers. Contact your insurance and get a list of providers and specifically ask about telemedicine for psychiatry.
2.) If there are no providers in your area ask to speak to utilization management and get an authorization to see a local provider. This can be a lengthy process but it can be done.
3.) Travel to another city to see a provider.
4.) Get a second opinion.
5.) Contact the office of patient experience. There are specific weaning schedules for medications. Find out what they are and make a complaint if they are not abiding by the schedules.
6.) Contact your local county and ask for an ARMS or adult mental health case manager.
7.) Ask for a health coordinator/social worker at your local hospital.
8.) Ask for help in navigating your mental health via family, friend, or therapist.

These are just a few suggestions. I have yet to see a patient go untreated if they were persistent with the above suggestions. It's frustrating but people don't need to do this alone. Try to enlist advocates and you will eventually get there.

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