have you been on quetiapine?

[traceface]

Hi,
I've been on antidepressants for 7 years (since dd1 was 6 months old). I had PND, then AND and PND with dd2 (now 3 yrs old). Although the meds have helped a huge amount, I've never really been able to sustain being 'well' for more than about 6 months at a time. In view of this, my consultant feels I should come under the term 'recurrent depression' now, rather than PND, and wants me to try on a mood stabilizer called quetiapine. I've been mulling it over for several weeks, but after sitting in tears with my GP this morning (again!) I think it's worth me trying. But - I'm a bit concerned because the side effects include weight gain (I'm not big but it concerns me) and sedation. Part of my problem is that I already feel 'numb' and sedated a lot of the time, so I'm scared of being more sedated! I guess a part of me is scared too because at least PND sounded like there would be an end to it, whereas this sounds like it might be lifelong, if not rather long term.
Does anyone have any experience of being on a mood stabilizer?
Thanks for reading.

Quetiapine has several uses and different doses. I've lost 2 stone since starting quetiapine, I think it's more that you tend to eat more rather than the drug making you fat. It is sedating when you first start it, and longer term depending how much you take.

I have just stopped quet after about 2 years but I was put on for bipolar, to deal with the depression side. I am also on2 other drugs to deal with the mania. I have to say I did put on weight v suddenly, like 2 stone in a year! But it did the job re my mood hence why it is now time to try being off it. And yes I found getting up a real issue. I was fine once up but jesus it was hell. With a young child it would be v tough, mine was older and shared with her dad. But it does affect everyone differently. Also you can always stop it if it doesn't suit you? Took me a long time to realise I was allowed to have a view in my treatment, I'd been depressed for so long since 2005. And I've now gone back to work full time in a new career. Hope that helps?

Oh and I was on 300mg if that gives you an indication,but I am on 2 others as well as its bipolar depression. Take care.

I've been on quetiapine on and off for years at doses ranging from 300-500mg. It's a very effective drug and probably the only one that for me that doesn't affect my weight at all - I still put on weight if I eat too much and I lose it if I eat less and exercise more, just like everyone else.

It's incredibly sedating especially if you're not used to it. There is an XL version which is extended release but I didn't like this as it just made me tired all day long rather than just after I'd taken it.

I take it for bipolar and for me it works at treating my depression and the mania. Only advice I can give you is to try it and see. If you don't get on with it then discontinue it but for me it enables me to lead a normal life.

Hi Traceface
I started Quetiapine about a week ago. It's been prescribed for me as a sleep regulator in conjunction with Venlafaxine for treatment-resistant severe depression. It's okay so far, but I am on a low dose (which I need to double every week). I am already sleeping 12 hours or more at the weekend though, and getting up feels like hell as Casablanca girl says.
If you decide to try Quetiapine I would be really interested in hearing how you get on as it is new to me too.
Best wishes.

700mg for a very long time.

I'm on similar to ell1, but only 5 months

thanks for your replies. I guess I just have to try it and see how I get on. I'll let you know!

Good luck Trace. Just checked my dose - 25mg!

Thanks nonames Not sure what my dose will be - I have been told but it went in the bit of brain that retains nothing! I know I start at a low dose and increase every 2 weeks but not sure where I end up! Had an ECG and bloods done on Friday which I was told had to be done before I start.

hi again,
well I picked up my first lot yesterday so had my first dose last night. I'm starting on 25mg per day then increasing by 25mg every 2 weeks until they say stop! Aiming at about 150 I think. I woke with a massive headache this morning but I'm assuming that's unrelated - at least that's what I hope!

Hi how are you feeling OP? i am on 300mg for bipo and just been switched to 150 in the morning then 150 in the evening, to help against the sedative effects which were a big problem for me. I have lost 2 stone since being on this medicine by following slimming world.

It has been really effective in stopping the manic episodes however I am still struggling with the crushing depression, however i am better than I was before quetiapine.

hope this helps and all the best to you

Thanks Trotters.
I am ok. I feel a bit woolly headed and am getting a bit dizzy at times but not too tired the past few days. I have noticed I am dropping everything though - not sure if that's related to the meds! I have dropped pens, knives, cups...
Hope your depression starts to lift soon.

hi yes i have been very clumsy-more than usual- since being on it, had not made the connection until you said! also in the evenings i feel very faint if i stand up, have to do it in stages, and my DP has to help me up the stairs, again had not made the connection, but didnt have it quite as bad before being on it

I think it can lower your blood pressure, which would explain feeling faint. Maybe you could get your BP checked? I'm only on 25mg yet - I dread to think what I'll feel like when I get up to big numbers! Or maybe doing it in stages will help keep side effects down? I guess I just wait and see!

i went up in stages starting from 50, discussing each increase with the pdoc before going ahead, so i always felt in control. i think my bp was always a bit on the low side so thats probably why

Hi Traceface, how are you feeling?

I hope the quetiapine is helping you. I am still only on 50mg, sleeping perfectly (maybe a bit too much, so keeping the dose down!) I think it's the venlafaxine that has helped most with the depression. I felt as though I was running out of options because prozac, amitryptiline etc had no effect on my mood. The Effexor (velafaxine) feels like a major breakthrough! I still need to get the quetiapine up to 150mg but I am going to take my time over that.

Hope all is going well for you.

Hi, thanks for asking nonames. I'm on 50mg now and have done 3 days of that. I'm ok - in fact the side effects are less bothersome this week so perhaps I'm getting used to the drug. I do notice that within half an hour of taking it I really can't keep my eyes open! I would be getting amazing sleep if it weren't for my rubbish sleeper 3yr old!