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Desperate to be free from dependence on Seroquel for sleep
I suffer from Bipolar 1. Back in 2018 I lost the ability to go to sleep naturally. I was hospitalized twice after being awake for seven days and falling into psychosis as a result. It took 600mg of Seroquel to get me to sleep (which is an off-label use of this antipsychotic.) I have been taking 150-300mg every night since. I am desperate to break this dependence but when I don't take my nightly dose, I don't sleep. The Seroquel has caused me to gain a lot fo weight and I think it actually prevents me from getting into deep sleep. I have tried many of the prescription sleep meds with no success. Can anyone help me find a way to break free? And please don't suggest "Have you tried taking a shower before bed?" Thanks!
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I am no expert, but some of my colleagues prescribe trazadone for sleep. Have you tried that? I'm an OT, so my suggestions would be simple things like sleep inducing meditations, but I'm thinking that's not what you're looking for...
Thanks. Trazadone did nothing.
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1 Reaction@daddyb60
Seroquel as you know isn't recommended for sleep by researchers or the manufacturer.
You were on a hefty dose too. My friend took it and developed Seroquel Induced Diabetes.
I have sleep issues too but don't take any sleep aids. The longest I've been awake is a little over 4 days.
What's the medication plan for your Bipolar after you stop Seroquel? Hopefully that will improve your sleep.
Do you practice all the healthy sleep habits?
Was it in 2018 when you developed bipolar?
Take care,
Jake
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2 ReactionsThanks for your thoughts but not helpful.
I have been on Seroquel for sleep for a long time. What drug or combination of drugs works for sedation? I have tried Abilify but it's not a sedating agent. I have used benzodiazepenes but I found that they work for only a few times and I want to stay away from those. Can anybody make a recommendation so that I can quit?
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1 Reaction@csmiller, I moved your message to this existing discussion:
- Desperate to be free from dependence on Seroquel for sleep: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/desperate-to-be-free-from-dependence-on-seroquel-for-sleep/
I did this so you can connect easily with others who tapered off Seroquel that they were taking to help with sleep, like @daddyb60
You might also be interested in this related discussion:
- Getting off of Seroquel: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/getting-off-of-seroquel/
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2 ReactionsMaybe you can do with less and less Seroquel. Right now I am taking 200 mg for sleep. You might look into some benzodiazapenes but you'll have to switch off around them because they lapse in effectiveness after repeated use. I like them but use them sparingly. Good luch!
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1 ReactionHope you have found a solution! Trazadone has saved me from a decade of intermittent sleep. It took a few weeks before it really got into a flow - but, I’m thrilled not to be up from 2-5 am anymore. Good luck. Sleep deprivation is really hard.
Thank you for pointing out the elephant in the room. I’m surprised the moderator didn’t say something about this since it is so over used in older patients especially and it’s not a sleep medication.
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2 ReactionsI take 250 mg for sleep as I have some difficulty falling asleep. I guess I need sedation. What are some good or better medications for insomnia?