Question:
Seroquel Question: Is This Right?
John S
2008-11-10 17:49:11 UTC
My doctor put me on 100 mg seroquel, nothing else. i used to be on antidepressants on and off for about a yr or so. what does 100 mg of seroquel by itself usually treat, she didn't really tell me, and shouldnt i be on an antidepresant as well if i have anxiety attaacks, paranoia, and sometimes depression?
Five answers:
Jenny A
2008-11-10 17:57:32 UTC
I was on it for bipolar... it is a mood stabalising drug. I guess she knows best, but if you are unsure then question her. I always give my docs hell with questions about my meds... you have every right to know exactly what you are taking, why, and if there are any alternatives.
Sweets2
2008-11-10 18:20:12 UTC
Hey, John -

depends on your other symptoms. Psychiatric disorders can be challenging to diagnose because a lot of symptoms do overlap, and it can take trying several types of medications in different combinations before finding the right one.

To answer your question -

Seroquel is what is called an "atypical" anti-psychotic- this just means it is the newer generation of antipsychotics, which are supposed to have fewer side effects.

Seroquel 100mg is a low dose.

In practice, here is a breakdown of the ways seroquel can be used and dosed (mgs listed is per day)

50-200 mg - for sleep - off label

25 -50 mg two to three times a day - off label for anxiety

300mg and up - antidepressant dose, anti-paranoia dose (minimum)

400-600 mg - mood stabilization dose - for bipolar

400-900 mg - schizophrenia dose

So as you can see, it is basically has different functions at different levels.

Some people can do just fine on 100mg seroquel and that's it. Depending on how long ago you were put on it, you may need to go up on the dose in the next several days or weeks, due to the sedating nature of the medication (for most people).

Just monitor your moods, and if you start noticing mood swings, increase in anxiety, increase in depression, then that's your body telling you that you need to go up on the dose.

Many people that start taking seroquel will get used to it very quickly if they need a higher dose. There will come a point when you get to a set dose, where you won't need to increase it anymore, and that will be your maintenance dose for the most part.

Everyone's maintenance dose is different, which is why it is best to start low and increase when needed. Starting low also keeps people from being too sedated at first, which can turn someone off from trying a really good medication if the starting dose is too high for that person.

Seroquel is one of my personal favorites - use it all the time.

If you have tried antidepressants in the past with a partial response (meaning you did not get full relief from your symptoms), then this is a good way to "go outside the box" to treat your symptoms.

Personally, I do not always follow the dose guidelines listed above - I have some paranoid/anxious patients who do very well at 200mg at bedtime, even though research says 300 is the minimum. If someone is doing fine at the lower dose for their symptoms, I will not increase it, because then they may get too sedated. Everyone has a different response and tolerance when it comes to medications. Not everyone fits into the "normal" dosing.

I know this is a lot of information. I hope it helps you.

Good luck!!
Lila
2008-11-10 17:58:50 UTC
Seroquel is an antipsychotic it treats the highs of mania and other psychosis. If you have anxiety attacks, paranoi and sometimes depression you very seriously need to see another psychiatrist as this is all wrong. I have been taking seroquel for four years, but also an antidepressant and an antianxiety pill each day. Please see another psychiatrist.
anonymous
2008-11-10 18:16:08 UTC
Seroquel is used as a muscle relaxor and pain medication. Its been within the past 5 years or so that doctors have found uses for it to treat psychosis, depression, anxiety and especially bi-polar disorder. Any and all medications you take or think your should be taken should be discussed with your doctor.
marinecadet
2008-11-10 18:08:20 UTC
is this your psychiatrist? or general practitioner. you should talk to your Dr. about why she put you on this med.



Seroquel is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression).

it is an atypical antipsychotic, to lessen the severity of mood swings, hallucinations. symptoms of schizo can include paranoia, so i could imagine seroquel helping in this department.



Your Dr. knows best, talk to Her.


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