Getting off of Seroquel

Posted by anniegk @anniegk, Jun 8, 2018

I have been on 300 mgs. Seroquel ER for over a year for augmenting my antidepressant which is 45 mgs. Of Mirtazapine. I decided to try and get off of the Seroquel. I was on 300mgs ER (extended release). I titrated down to 250 mg ER for 2 months without too many problems.than i titrated down to 200mgs ER just 5 days ago. My plan is to try to titrate off using ER tablets. My thinking is that perhaps the drug will remove its self from my system more gradually. I have had some nausea and a couple of episodes of diarrhea. I also have a very irregular heart beat and was started on 60 mgs of Propranolol ER (extended release) 4 weeks ago. It seems to be helping my heartbeat. I have wondered if the nausea and light headness is from the Propranolol, a Beta Blocker, or the dose reduction of the Seroquel. I also wonder if the way iam titrating the Seroquel is safe. My doctor says it will only take a couple of weeks...I think that is too fast of a taper after being on a drug for over a year. What do you think?

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Leonard | @jakedduck1 | May 13, 2021

In reply to @osha9 "This is my 1st post on mayoclinic; I'm just venting on the first topic I found..." + (show)

@osha9

This is my 1st post on mayoclinic; I'm just venting on the first topic I found on seroquel.

My psychiatrist had *refused to reduce my dosage from 200mg seroquel on our first outpatient followup appointment?

- At the time I thought it was causing cold intolerance, that would have me waking up in uncomfortable positions from tossing around if my shoulders weren't covered; otherwise with nightsweats. (I no longer think the seroquel caused nightsweats, have done general cancer screening twice that suggested I have leukocytesis, but this would require bone marrow biopsy to confirm leukemia.) That's besides the point

-> My psychiatrist explained that she wouldn't reduce my dosage because I sounded agitated; that the medication was for bipolar disorder.
*But I'm a total peace lover & have never been in a fight, wouldn't hurt a fly

So I played it cool, as a 27year old adult I brought my father to my next appointment.

I don't know why my father flipped sides on me during this next appointment, agreeing with my psychiatrist saying I just need to take the medication.

It seemed like there not even trying to reel-me-in at all. There is absolutely no evidence or history of bipolarism they can place upon me; except that I sounded agitated in this context of being told no.

I have never had trouble sleeping in the past. But ever since I quit seroquel I havent been able to sleep for more than 4 hours at a time.

That was almost a month ago, I really thought I'd bounce back by now.

I just don't understand why my father was so cruel as to side with my psychiatrist, telling me I can go to a different psychiatrist if I want different medication.

^While that is true, I will never trust a psychiatrist ever again. I do infact think I need the medication now, it was very effective.

It just seemed totally unreasonable, I'd almost have to rationalize that my psychiatrist has some prejudice against me. To outright refuse to reduce dosage of medication twice, with unsubstantiated claims - there is enough stigma for bipolar disorder that my psychiatrist should have been proud that I was comfortable reducing dosage.

I have met plenty of actual bipolar people, the kind of people that get really excited for sports &really upset when the ball is dropped.

It's just the way my psychiatrist looked me in the eyes; and my father nodded his head yes. I don't know what to do, melatonin doesn't even make me wink & over-the-counter medications don't seem like a long-term option.

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osha9
Why were you put on Seroquel in the first place? Are you bipolar or have symptoms of Bipolar?
I would never take a Neuroleptic drug for sleep. Seroquel is not recommend for insomnia. I have a friend who is schizophrenic and as a result of using Seroquel has developed Seroquel Induced Diabetes.
I believe that it's too soon to expect your sleep to return to normal. Your sleep may normalize in time using healthy sleep habits.
1.Go to bed & get up at the same time every day.
2. No caffeine 6-8 hrs before bed.
3. Sleep in cool, comfortable, dark room.
4. Don't use computers devices that emits blue or green light, computers, cell phones, TV’s, LED or fluorescent lights. digital clock.
5. Don't use alcohol or tobacco near bedtime.
6. Relax & lower or turn off lights after sundown.
7. Don't eat drink or exercise before going to sleep.
8. Exposure to sunlight in the morning and during the day is helpful.l
Some people here use a magnesium supplement to aid sleep but be cautious on becoming dependant on sleeping aids.
Good luck 💤,
Jake

sears | @sears | May 13, 2021