Question:
Seroquel?

My doc prescribed Seroquel at bedtime to help me sleep. I found out this medication is used to help the mania portion of bi-polar patients. I take 200 mg. at night and I believe this has caused my appetite to increase. Anybody have experience with this medication?    — Vicki S. (posted on March 20, 2005)

March 20, 2005
I have taken seroquel and I gained so much that I had to stop taking it. I will say that it was great for helping with sleep.
   — bubbles

March 20, 2005
I take Seroquel and found at higher doses it can cause an increase in apetite. However, usually, with Seroquel unless you are Bipolar, they usually start with a much smaller does. I have some Bipolar symptoms, but have anxiety and depression. I began on the smallest dose of 25 mg for three nights then each night I could raise it by 25 mg depending on whether or not it was working for sleep. I have very comfortable sleep at about 75 mg. However, my daughter who is Bipolar takes 100 mg and does not have increased apetite. My husband is on 500 mg in the evening. Seroquel is a fantastic drug, but starting at a minimum if it is just for sleep might be helpfull, check with you doctor concerning such. Also, I have found that Pdocs have much more expertise when it comes to titrating psychiatric meds than do family doctors. Hope this helps. If I take 75 mg I'm zonked.
   — Karen Renee

March 20, 2005
I also take 200 mg of Seroquel at bedtime. Prior to my surgery (12/20/2004) I was taking 300 mg at bedtime. I did not find it increased my appetite either then or now. I had also been on Zypexa and Risperdal, both which make me crave constantly.
   — elainefryman

March 22, 2005
oh honey That medicine is rough!! When i was in High school and my parents thought I was psychotic (lol) my doctor put me on that for depression increased appetite is an effect for some people, just as lack of appetite is a side effect for others..... It made me crazy!!! I would jerk and shake... yuck-- btw im not psychotic anymore- lol Ive grown out of my "high school rebellion" if u need anything let me know
   — ERIKA E.

March 23, 2005
Vicky Though I do not take this medication, I checked with the Manufacturer;Astra-Zeneca, and it shows in their clinical studies that only 5% of users gain weight. If you would like more info the web address is http://www.astrazeneca-us.com/pi/Seroquel.pdf. I hope that this can help you. Christy Riederer RN/BSN-S
   — Tiny Pixie