Can dropping my Seroquel dose cause depression?

Question

Well, here's the story: I was on 30 mg of Cipralex and (originally) 200 mg of Seroquel. I'm also on Clonazepam, but that dosage hasn't changed in some time.

Due to weight gain issues, combined with … a general desire to get off Seroquel (that drug's a *****), I've dropped the Cipralex back* down to 20 mg (I was only on 30 mg for about 2 - 3 weeks) and the Seroquel down to … let's see, 125 mg. The Seroquel used to go (morning, noon, dinner, night) 50, 50, 50, 50, and now goes 25, 25, 25, 50.

OK, that was a lot of information. While I know no one here is qualified to give a "professional" opinion, I was wondering: Are these Seroquel "backlash" effects normal? I was expecting agitation, restlessness, etc., and I'm getting those too, but the increased depression is news to me.

Sorry about the rant. Any at all information would be extremely helpful.

Please also note that I also searched extensively on the forums but was unable to find information that was adequately specific.

Thank you!

* I know one would think the drop in the SSRI would bring back depression, but only 2 to 3 weeks … I don't believe my body would become that dependent in that short a time. That said, I do know that Seroquel can help atypical depression, so … hmm.

Answer 1

yep -get off the computer and tell this to your doctor.

Answer 2

My first question is, does your doctor know you have changed the dosage? I'm not familiar with Cipralex and have only used Seroquel to control manic symptoms. It is reasonable that you would feel an increase in symptoms 2-3 weeks after a medication change even if you have only been on that medication for a short time. Reducing both could bring on a depression.



Edit: You don't mention your diagnosis, but perhaps your depression is just part of a cycle that is normal for you. Being Bipolar, I have ups and downs that no medication has been able to completely eliminate.

Answer 3

You may consider going to the ER at your local hospital. Being admitted to the hospital until they get your meds straightened out can be very helpful. If you prefer not to be admitted it can be helpful to discuss your reactions to the seroquel with a medical professional. The Paxil deal (yo-yo on and off) is bad for your system & can make things worse. If you go on, you need to stay on. Discuss your sleep issues with your pharmacist. they often have good suggestions. My son is currently on Prozac which nabs his anxiety as well as his depression in one fell swoop. so far so good for nearly 2 years. If the seroquel is causing a bad reaction, it's not for you. In the mean time, you need to continue counseling in order to learn strategies to cope with your anxiety. These are valuable to know regardless of the meds you're taking. Hang in there. Good luck and God Bless!

Answer 4

Seroquel is approved for depression. You were probably getting antidepressant effects from it, and the reduction is now causing some depression. I take Seroquel, too. I felt an increase in depression when reducing from 150 to 125 to 100. The decrease to 75mg wasn't bad. Unfortunately, if I decrease to 50mg I start to cycle (bipolar), so I seem to be stuck on it. My guess is that you might need to increase your antidepressant to offset it. ??? Talk to your doc.

Answer 5

are you dropping your dosages on your own? without a doctor monitoring you? this isn't very wise at all. my hubby is on seroquel, has been for 10 years-it is a mood stabilizer, so yes, if you go off it you could cause yourself a lot of problems- let the doctor give you something else to compensate, but don't do this on your own-very dangerous.

Answer 6

most doctors will not agree with you wanting to get off the meds

but there are confirmed reports that people do taper off and get better

some never have been on any and deal with their symptoms

but before going off completely read success stories about bipolar on www.curezone.com - it will confirm it is possible

sometimes it is the drugs that cause suicide

at the same time take very good care of your health, eat healthy, take vitamins and get plenty of sleep

Answer 7

Without being a doctor, you really need to have your doctor to monitor your meds so you do not go into a crisis due to you "adjusting" your meds without knowin what you are doing. People have been known to commit suicide from doing something like this. Call your doctor as soon as you can.