Seroquel - Need help!

Hey guys,

I had some events at the beginning of this year that caused me insomnia. Out of desperation, I went to my doctor and got a script for Zopiclone (Lunesta). I used it nightly for 4 months, and then started to get tolerance withdrawal which made me feel like I wanted to end my life.

I was told to quit cold turkey, and went over to using 50mg of Seroquel for the sleep.

I want off of these meds, but I'm afraid of the sleeplessness.

Does anyone have experience with Seroquel, and getting off of it?

Hello 8damien8,

I haven't taken Seroquel yet but I can still share my experience with stopping atypical neuroleptic medications. First of all, you only take 50mg, so that the withdrawal effects will be minor compared to someone who stops taking Seroquel whereas he has been on 600mg. Anyway, never stop Seroquel or any other treatment without asking your physician first. I already stopped taking Zyprexa and Risperdal once, even if I am currently still on Risperdal. I stopped Zyprexa with my doctor and reduced slowly the dose until I completely stopped taking it and I had almost no side effect at all, it has nothing to do with stopping an anti-depressant or sleeping pills, as you cannot be addicted to neuroleptics even though there might be a considerable withdrawal syndrome if you stop taking them suddenly. To sum it up, I had no withdrawal syndrome when I stopped taking Zyprexa, whereas I had been taking a normal dose (15mg). On the contrary, when I stopped to take Risperdal, I did it suddenly whereas I had been taking once again a normal dose (4mg). I felt dizzy all day long, I had nausea, I felt as if I was walking on a cloud but nothing more and I felt like it for one day only. Some people may have much more severe withdrawal syndromes though. Still, I believe that as you only take 50mg of Seroquel and that your doctor will help you stop taking it, you won't have any problem, nothing like feeling to end your life, no worries !

Feel free to send me a private message if you feel like talking.

Hoping this helps,

Matthew_Calloway

I actually took Seroquel 50 mg for sleep this last week during my hospital stay. It made my hands shake real bad though, so the doctor took me off. There was no tapering off, I just stopped and switched to something else. In any case I agree -- ask a doctor before you make any changes.

Big hugs -- Zopiclone tolerance sucks.

I was on Seroquel and had to get off of it because it caused me to sleep for way too long, and way too deeply as well. It was so bad that I had trouble waking up. I'd feel like there was a ton holding me down in the morning. My dreams were so intense that they seriously tortured me. I have always had trouble sleeping at night my whole life, but honestly, I love the night time. So... I don't always want to sleep. But I totally understand what it's like when you really do want to sleep, but nothing you do helps at all. Even if you're immensely tired and exhausted, you just can't sleep. But I really don't know what to tell you, because I have the same issue too (when my intention is to sleep). I just thought it could comfort you knowing that someone understands and was on Seroquel as well. Message me anytime if you'd like-- I surely don't mind

Good vibes to you,
~ Maja