Advice on antidepressant medication

[frostifer988]

So yesterday I started a medication called seroquel. I'm diagnosed with disorganized schizophrenia and major depression disorder. But i was wondering what seroquel does to you? i would appreciate any advice. I take it once at night and last night i felt really drugged out. As a recovering addict I dont want to start abusing this. Is there any advice on what I can do to help me with this?

[tiptoes]

I'm on quetiapine (non branded seroquel) as a mood stabiliser and antidepressant. I can't tolerate regular antidepressant as they send me manic but this drug worked wonders at pulling me out of a depressive episode and then stabilising my mood (I'm bipolar).

It is a pretty nifty drug and depending on the prescribed dose it can be used to treat a number of symptoms. It is a little odd in that the lower doses (~<300 mg) are more associated with drowsiness than the higher doses (~>300mg). I've been on it about 18 months, 12 months at my current dose. For me the extreme tiredness and drugged feelings did pass it is hard to say how long it took due to the overlap in my depressive symptoms and the side effects.

[LilMissEmma]

I've been on this for 4 years and I think it helps a bit with my impulsiveness and anger. I have to take it at night because it puts me to sleep.

[LilMissEmma]

Also- it's not an antidepressant.

[frostifer988]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LilMissEmma

Also- it's not an antidepressant.

It's not? From what i've researched I thought it was.

[dixyy]

It's an atypical Anti psych, usually it's used with anti depressants when treating Major DD.

I had the same issue a few years ago however was on it as an anti psych but I didn't tell my GP my worries and I wish I had done, I'd really recommended going back and explaining you don't want to end up on an even slippery slope with abusing these meds. It's the best and most sensible option.
x

[tiptoes]

It is classified as an atypical antipsychotic but it has mood stabilising and antidepressant properties. It is one of the few atypical AP that is licensed for bipolar depression.

[frostifer988]

Alright, thank you guys i think i'm going to talk to my psychiatrist about it, I have a appointment in 2 weeks.

[Ballerina123]

I hope this new medication helps you. It really helped my depression when I was last on it.