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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Sugarpuss on January 17, 2004, at 7:27:35
Today my psychiatrist prescribed me Seroquel, 25-50mg as a sleep aid. In the past I have tried Ambien, Sonata, Restoril, and Desyrel all with little to no success.
I'm curious as to what others have experienced with this medication as a sleep aid. I'm particularly curious about side effects and drug interactions.
I am diagnosed with (among other things) a panic disorder and I'm very much a hypochondriac, so certain side effects really bother me. I am particularly bothered by nausea/vomiting, sexual dysfunction, and (serious) weight gain.
As for drug interactions, the only other medication I take every day is Klonopin (usually 2-2.5mg/day, sometimes more if necessary but never above 4mg), and I assume the combo isn't too dangerous since the same doctor prescribed both and even said taking an extra .5-1mg of Klonopin w/the Seroquel would be okay but I'm curious as to the experiences of others.
I also take Vicodin or other painkillers with some regularity for upcoming surgery on my teeth and jaw.
I'm also curious as to how effective this is as a sleep aid, how habit-forming it is, and how quickly a tolerance is built.
I think that's about it. :)
Posted by helenag on January 17, 2004, at 11:31:22
In reply to Seroquel, posted by Sugarpuss on January 17, 2004, at 7:27:35
should really be answering this on psychobabble, the med board, but here goes. Seroquel is a very good med for sleep. It is not habit-forming. It is an atypical antipsychotic, but don't let that scare you. It has very sedative side-effects, and many doctors prescribe it for sleep for psych patients. I would recommend that you take it a good couple hours before you plan to turn in for the night the first time you take it so that you can see your response to the drug. Everyone is different. My first experience with the med was finding it very sedating, but I am also taking a wee dose during the day. The sedative day time dose is worn off now, but my night dose still helps me. I am not groggy when I wake up. But as I say, everyone is different. That's why I recommend you take it early before you go to bed so that you get more sleep that night.
If you have more questions, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. Hope this helps. Also, check out psychobabble on dr. bob's site. I don't know how to put the link in here. Someone else will do it for you, I'm sure. Peace.
Posted by Sugarpuss on January 17, 2004, at 13:00:44
In reply to Re: Seroquel, posted by helenag on January 17, 2004, at 11:31:22
<<should really be answering this on psychobabble, the med board, but here goes.>>
Sorry about that. I just found this site today and joined. I'll post it there, too, though.
<<It has very sedative side-effects, and many doctors prescribe it for sleep for psych patients. I would recommend that you take it a good couple hours before you plan to turn in for the night the first time you take it so that you can see your response to the drug. Everyone is different.>>
Good idea. Any ideas on how long it takes to kick in and how long it knocks you out for?
<<My first experience with the med was finding it very sedating, but I am also taking a wee dose during the day. The sedative day time dose is worn off now, but my night dose still helps me. I am not groggy when I wake up. But as I say, everyone is different. That's why I recommend you take it early before you go to bed so that you get more sleep that night.>>
I'm just such a nutball that even after reading/hearing a ton of positive things about a drug, I get really wussy and afraid to take it, which is kind of laughable seeing as there was a time in my life during which I thought, "Hey, let's ingest nothing but cocaine and nicotine for two days!" was a good idea.
Thanks for your help!
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 18, 2004, at 14:24:49
In reply to Re: Seroquel, posted by Sugarpuss on January 17, 2004, at 13:00:44
> I just found this site today and joined. I'll post it there, too, though.
Thanks, and welcome! Here's a link for anyone else who wants to continue this thread:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040114/msgs/302023.html
Bob
This is the end of the thread.
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