Quitiapene, why am I scared to take them 😭

[custardcreamsrock]

I am just looking for some reassurance from the worldly wise people of MN, I’ve recently been diagnosed with rapid cycling bi polar disorder, I’m currently on Sertraline 100mg once a day for Anxiety disorder and have been for years and they work well, however due to a significant life event recently this has unfortunately caused my MH to deteriorate significantly, after seeing a Phychiatrist and receiving the diagnosis I have been prescribed Quitiapene 25mg intially moving up to 50mg, to be taken at night, the problem is I’m shit scared to start them, 😭 I don’t know why, i know it will help me, but they continue to sit on my kitchen counter unopened, I did initially think it might because I have been told I am unable to drink alcohol with them, ( I’m not a hardcore alcoholic, the max I have is 2 glasses of wine a week, I’m at the age where anymore and I’m a right off for a week 🤣) but then I think this may be just an excuse: Any advice from fellow MN would be greatly appreciated

If you take them, you will have the best sleep of your life! You can drink alcohol on them, I’ve taken every antipsychotic on the market and drank alcohol. It’s just about moderation. Basically you’ll get drunk faster (your a cheap date). They are nothing to worry about, and can be life saving

Oh goodness, quetiapine is a very effective medication -
at the lower doses ( your dose) it really helps make the antidepressant much more effective and massively reduces anxiety -
they prescribe it to kids / teens when appropriate -

I'm on 75mg, small small dose but they really help me sleep op and settled my clinical depression, I've been medicated since I was 11 and these are one of the best medications I've tried.

Do they cause weight gain?

Thankyou both for replying, I remember feeling like this when I started Sertrleine, now you would have to prise them from my cold dead hands 🤣
it’s ridiculous really isn’t it, I’m not a MH expert, however a MH expert has assessed me and prescribed me them, yet my stupid MH Condition has convinced me I clearly know better than a consultant phychiatrist ffs! 🤦‍♀️

Did it get worse before it got better?

Quietiapine made my life better. I actually lost weight because I felt better and was able to do more. Sending love

It can cause metabolic issues especially for diabetics, but I have not experienced any problems at all, I've actually lost about 8kg since March which is when I originally started my prescription.

There was about 3 weeks of adjustment but not in a negative mental state way, I was just very tired even throughout the day and it very quickly got better.

Start them tonight, its the best thing I've done. I was so reluctant due to my sister using quetiapine to end her life, it scared me. But if I didnt start them I dont think i would be here. Hope you get on okay xx