Seroquel For Treating Mood Swings For Those With Complex Trauma - Is It Effective?

[Queen Boudica]

The other thing it seems many of the sufferers prescribed Seroquel I read about in other threads actually did have sleep problems and the Seroquel offered helped them sleep. So just maybe improvements in mood that my psychologist claims he has found with other patients could be because they had sleep problems before and that would effect mood stability. Me on the other hand I don't have problems sleeping. I collapse on the sofa.

 

[Queen Boudica]

Actually no. I should not agree to anything until they look at pre-menopausal stuff. I am having hot flushes. I am 50, average onset is 51. menopause causes, mood swings, depression. You know that is the problem, if you have MI they just ignore any of the other health issues.

 

[Queen Boudica]

What is usually true is that you won't be taking a dose that they have any data on. The side effect info will relate to a dosing range.

Hey @joeylittle that is why that link I posted previously is good it points to the PBS evaluation of seroquil versus lithium for treating depression. The trial involved low doses yet there were significant side effects their main concern being the 7% weight gain in patients over just 6 weeks.

 

[Queen Boudica]

More info, which there you go no checking out. Seroquel lowers the seizure threshold so should be taken with precaution when taking other drugs such a bupropion, i.e Zyban. No-one informed me of that one either.

 

[anonymous]

Hi @Lizio

I have been on seroquel and it was the first med I have ever been put on, in my life ! I'm also in Venlafaxine. I have put on like 25 odd kilos. It makes me groggy in the mornings and I still have nightmares most nights. I have been on it for over maybe 18 months...... My memory has been affected as well. Really I have no idea how long I've been on it. I would have to look up Doctors appointments I'm guessing about that long. It has helped to take the top off my paranoia, but in saying that it is still driving me crazy :( I have tried to come off it and had a major meltdown and had to go back on it, only lasted three weeks. I know another person on here that's on it and they like it, but makes them groggy as but they are still on it. I'm sorry I'm not a lot of help.

 

[Queen Boudica]

Thanks anonymous. That is a big help.

I have definitely decided I am never taking Seroquel continuously (at least not if I have any choice). I don't need groggy, I have to be alert and on my feet for my kids. I don't want anymore weight gain. I have been prescribed a very low dose, to take a 1/4 tablet if I am really bad. That should not be addictive, or cause weight gain and I would only take it in dire emergency.

 

[Lucycat]

I have been taking Quetiapine for my CPTSD for the past 5 years and I have found it incredibly helpful. I started off taking it 3 times a day and now have just the minimum dose - 25mg at night only. The thing to remember about weight gain as a side effect is that drugs don't actually cause weight gain - they cause an increase in appetite, so it can still be within your control if you are able to fight that.

Taking a quarter of a tablet is ineffective (unless you get larger tablets where you are). The lowest effective dose is 25mg which is why that is the size of the smallest tablet. At one time I tried to take halves and my T said it was a waste of time. Either take it or don't, but do not try splitting pills that are not designed to be split is what he told me!

I particulary found the quetiapine helpful with stopping nightmares and bad dreams. It is very effective for anxiety and I always carry one with me. I work full time and have no problems with drowsiness after getting accustomed to it over the first few days.

 

[Queen Boudica]

I don't have a real problem with nightmares and bad dreams only occasionally. I sleep fine. I wouldn't be able to control the eating. When I am being told that a triathlete went from size 10 to 20 and that tells me I wouldn't stand a chance. I already am body dysmorphic. I overcome it with clothes and makeup and hair but to put on anymore weight whilst I am already obese. No. There are alternatives. I will try 1/4 then 1/2 then maybe full 25 mg in emergency. Everyone's tolerance is different. I know my body and I have struggled with weight for years. Sure if you are a disciplined person who can resist food and exercise maybe but I'm not. So that is what I know and feel and i am not going there.

 

[PTSDbegone]

I have been on 400mg of seroquel for some time now. I haven't noticed a change in my mood at all. The side effects subsided pretty quickly for me. I am also on 3 other medications and haven't had any weight gain. I have actually lost 20 pounds in the past 6 months or so. Not intentionally. I think that the weight loss is due to excessive vomiting caused by another medication I started. I am so tired of this medication roller-coaster.

 

[Queen Boudica]

Thanks @PTSDbegone. And thanks to everyone who has replied. I did see a psychiatrist yesterday. She is not for meds for complex trauma. She says mood stabilisers, antipsychotics are a complete waste of time for it. And she agreed with me, no antidepressant will stop my depression whilst I am in the situation I am in. She did recommend more exercise. I trust this psychiatrist, she has years of experience, she is a top psychiatrist and she does not see med reps or have an sponsoring from them.

The Zyban helps a bit with the anxiety, and gives me more energy. That is fine. You are right @PTSDbegone. It is a medication roller-coaster and it is almost impossible not to get on that roller-coaster because of all the pressure, and God forbid if you have a crisis and end up in hospital. Seroquel might work for some, because maybe it is right for their particular brain chemistry. I don't know. But I'm not going there, from the info I've found out.

I do need something in emergencies, when I am really bad. But to take Seroquel continuously, all I can see is I would be hooked on something. That is my choice. But actually biggest thing that helps me is that I have to be there for my kids. That has driven most of my push to recover.

 

[joeylittle]

I'm really glad you saw a psych who engaged with your wants and needs - it's more than time for you to get that kind of support, @Lizio.

 

[PTSDbegone]

Thanks @PTSDbegone. And thanks to everyone who has replied. I did see a psychiatrist yes...

I am starting to wonder if it's possible to not react to medication? I assume I should be feeling something, or notice a difference of some sort on the seroquel. Good for you though. Different things are going to work for different people. Exercise is so important, and also a healthy diet helps as well when it comes to stabilizing mood.