Desperate to be free from dependence on Seroquel for sleep

In regards to the discussion “Desperate to be free from dependence on Seroquel for sleep”, this discussion originally started 2 years ago but has recently generated a lot of comments.

Quality sleep is important for a healthy body. Just like eating and exercise, it takes time to develop habits that promote quality sleep. Some of these habits may include exercise earlier in the day and avoiding strenuous activity before sleeping. Gentle stretching or various types of yoga might help. Follow a healthy diet throughout the day and avoid heavy meals late in the day. Sometimes a small snack is helpful before bed or a soothing decaf beverage. A warm bath or shower can be relaxing before bed. Avoid suspenseful screen time and reading. Meditative devotionals or poetry may be better. As a Christian believer I like prayer, Psalms and Proverbs. Learning relaxation breathing techniques and positive imagery techniques can be helpful.

Unfortunately some people are unable to achieve quality sleep using just the above methods. At times a medication may become necessary. That is when a medical professional provider is absolutely essential! The provider can consider all the options, the patients’ medical history including other conditions/ medications that may affect the situation, interactions etc.

Each person should be treated as an individual. There is no such thing as “one size fits all” for treatment especially mental health treatment. Sometimes a curious thing occurs when a medication classified as one thing actually has an effect on something else. This could be a really great result or a really terrible one. It is the Dr.’s job to consider the benefits and risks of what s/he prescribes. The patient’s job is to ask questions until s/he understands the benefits & risks and is satisfied with the proposed treatment. If s/he becomes dissatisfied with a treatment the provider can help with weaning off of it and switching to something else. Sometimes after being on a particular drug for a long time the body becomes too accustomed to it and it is no longer effective. The Dr. can monitor for these problems and make necessary adjustments.

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My experience lately over the past year is that doctors are busy and don’t always take the time to review your current medication before prescribing or deleting a medication. In 3 occasions the doctor did not review current medications. I now make sure that the doctor reviews my medications. Write down your questions or concerns before you see a doctor so you get the most out of your visit. Research the side effects before you start taking medication. An example…. I went to my general practitioner complaining of a cough with no other symptoms. I was sent for lung cancer testing who sent me to a pulmonologist who prescribed steroids to a diabetic. I was taking Lisinopril that has a common side effect of a cough. I stopped taking it and the cough disappeared

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Unfortunately, and I’m speaking about myself, benzodiazepines like klonopin, adavan, Xanax, and other benzodiazepines are extremely difficult and may be even be dangerous to get off of. It sometimes takes up to a year to wean off. Withdrawal symptoms are a nightmare. In my opinion, they should be removed from the pharmacies who fills them through your doctor.

Don’t start them is my advice as I’ve been on klonopin (Clonazapan) for years and I’m not able to wean off of. Adavan (lorazepan) is a little bit easier to wean off of. I can't speak about Xanax as I've never been on it.

I take 150 mg of Seroquel at bedtime for sleep and it is working. It makes me fall asleep during the day as well. I need to taper down. I’m also on lamictal in the morning and I don’t know what it’s for.
I recently had a genetics test and results will be discussed at my next psychiatrist appointment. Some say it doesn’t work. Others swear by it so we’ll see how it goes. I’ve also gone from 186 to 207 lbs in 4 months.

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Seroquel is for sure a weight gainer! I'm down from 300 to 100mg. and lost 5 pounds. I'm also worried about Kolonopin and Gabapentin. Can't think clearly @ all. Afraid to decrease Gabapentin for foot pain. I have OCD and afraid won't sleep and do compulsions all nite. What are these Doctors thinking? They aren't.

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I have the same problem and honestly, I still take seroquel for other things (unipolar depression adjunct) but there was a time I did not need it. What I did need was ramelteon AND trazadone. It helped a lot.

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In regards to the discussion “Desperate to be free from dependence on Seroquel for sleep”, this discussion originally started 2 years ago but has recently generated a lot of comments.

Quality sleep is important for a healthy body. Just like eating and exercise, it takes time to develop habits that promote quality sleep. Some of these habits may include exercise earlier in the day and avoiding strenuous activity before sleeping. Gentle stretching or various types of yoga might help. Follow a healthy diet throughout the day and avoid heavy meals late in the day. Sometimes a small snack is helpful before bed or a soothing decaf beverage. A warm bath or shower can be relaxing before bed. Avoid suspenseful screen time and reading. Meditative devotionals or poetry may be better. As a Christian believer I like prayer, Psalms and Proverbs. Learning relaxation breathing techniques and positive imagery techniques can be helpful.

Unfortunately some people are unable to achieve quality sleep using just the above methods. At times a medication may become necessary. That is when a medical professional provider is absolutely essential! The provider can consider all the options, the patients’ medical history including other conditions/ medications that may affect the situation, interactions etc.

Each person should be treated as an individual. There is no such thing as “one size fits all” for treatment especially mental health treatment. Sometimes a curious thing occurs when a medication classified as one thing actually has an effect on something else. This could be a really great result or a really terrible one. It is the Dr.’s job to consider the benefits and risks of what s/he prescribes. The patient’s job is to ask questions until s/he understands the benefits & risks and is satisfied with the proposed treatment. If s/he becomes dissatisfied with a treatment the provider can help with weaning off of it and switching to something else. Sometimes after being on a particular drug for a long time the body becomes too accustomed to it and it is no longer effective. The Dr. can monitor for these problems and make necessary adjustments.

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Glad to hear you were able to accomplish that goal. Out of curiosity do you recall your dreams if you dream?

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My PCP only gives 10 minute appointments. I spend more time giving my vitals to the nurse (or assistant). He doesn’t give me enough time to discuss any issues I may have. He talk’s over me and says “yeah yeah” when I start mentioning my health issues. Then he quickly cuts me off during mid question and shakes my hand and runs out of the exam room. As far as Seroquel is concerned I take 25 mg in the morning and 150 mg at night for sleep. They work and I don’t know if they’re considered Benzodiazepines like my Klonopin.
I need a new PCP

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