Posted by jerrympls on April 10, 2004, at 23:53:53
In reply to Antipsychotic for depression?, posted by utopizen on April 10, 2004, at 16:02:30
Well, regarding Seroquel vs. Ambien - I'd go for the Ambien. Seroquel can help reduce anxiety and WILL put you to sleep. Sometimes antipsychotics are helpful to augment and SSRI for example - or they are used when there are other symptoms along with the basic major depression symptoms.
Anti-psychotics hit A LOT of receptors and receptor sub-types. Seroquel is VERY VERY sedating. Be prepared for it to knock you out cold. If you do try it - try it on the weekend. Once I slept for 24 hours straight on one dose of Seroquel. However, this is not a typical response - but like I said it WILL knock you out.
If you are going for just insomnia - try the Ambien. It's excellent for sleep and allows your brain to go into all the sleep phases and there' s no hangover.
Some psych docs are benzo-phobic and will not prescribe ANYTHING that resembles them - and Ambien "resembles" the benzos.
Some docs are persuaded by drug companies....which is too bad.
Some docs are anti-anti-psychotic unless you REALLY need it. The only reason to use Seroquel for insomnia is because it hits the histamine receptors. May as well take Benedryl. Plus, Seroquel causes weight gain and HUGE hangover - not helpful if you have an 8am class or have to be at work.
From what you said in your post - I don't think your doc's motivation for going with Ambien is caused by drug co. pressure. If you think you need to be on an anti-psychotic - then discuss it with him - explain your symptoms, etc.
Just my experience/advice. Hope it helps?
Good luck!
Jerry
poster:jerrympls
thread:334966
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040407/msgs/335071.html