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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by KrissyP on February 26, 2003, at 1:15:10
I absolutely love this site-thank you very much Dr. Bob! I have been taking Seroquel for 3 years and I have noticed weight gain about 50 Lbs:( When I was first diagnosed with Major Depression in 1995, all that made me sleep was 2mg of Ativan and 37.5 Effexor-that's all I needed to be on. However, I also started Klonopin at the same time 3 years ago. I notice that after about an hour after taking my nightly Seroquel for sleep, that I get this overwhelming appetite that puts me into a "fog" and I eat anything and everything. Has anyone ever been on Seroquel and what side effects did you have-if any? I started taking 200mg at night back in Nov 1999, and have never needed to take any more. I am starting to wean myself down to only 100mg because I also take 50mg Lamictal and 2mg at night--all for sleep. My mind races terribly and it always has. Any feedback-I would be truly grateful. Thanks :0)
Posted by xjs7 on February 26, 2003, at 18:52:49
In reply to PLEASE any experience on Seroquel??, posted by KrissyP on February 26, 2003, at 1:15:10
A weight gain of 50 lbs. is completely unacceptable. You should ask for a replacement for Seroquel that is weight neutral--try Geodon or Abilify. Stay away from Zyprexa and Risperdal--they also cause weight gain. I am assuming your illness has a psychotic component. If it doesn't, then you have even more options, such as stopping the antipsychotics completely. I hope this helps.
xjs7
Posted by KrissyP on February 27, 2003, at 1:28:50
In reply to Re: PLEASE any experience on Seroquel??, posted by xjs7 on February 26, 2003, at 18:52:49
Thank you for replying-Yes it did help. I forgot to check the box to be notified of replies. I knew about Zyprexa and Resperdal-I tried them a while ago-both untolerable for me. What is Geodone what is it used for? I see my doc Friday and she isn't a very good doc for many reasons, one being I ended up in the ER last Friday because she failed to give me enough Klonopin to last until I saw her again, the pharmacist was the one who told me-never stop a med abruptly-especially Klonopin-you could of had a seizure, and man, that was what it felt like, scared me a lot. :( I can't bear the process of finding another doctor. No, I have never been labeled psychotic, but I do get angry sometimes. My doc put me on the Seroquel for sleep and it works but dang-I don't think I really need to be on it. But how and should I even ask my doc to wean me off it?
Thanks again,
Kristen---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> A weight gain of 50 lbs. is completely unacceptable. You should ask for a replacement for Seroquel that is weight neutral--try Geodon or Abilify. Stay away from Zyprexa and Risperdal--they also cause weight gain. I am assuming your illness has a psychotic component. If it doesn't, then you have even more options, such as stopping the antipsychotics completely. I hope this helps.
>
> xjs7
Posted by xjs7 on February 27, 2003, at 14:21:24
In reply to Re: PLEASE any experience on Seroquel?? » xjs7, posted by KrissyP on February 27, 2003, at 1:28:50
Geodon is a new antipsychotic that does not cause weight gain. It sounds like you need to have a discussion with your doctor. I think you should ask why your doctor put you on antipsychotics. It is possible she has a good reason that she has not told you about. Antipsychotics are not necessary for sleeping problems. There are a lot of safer options for sleep than AP's. I am worried about the weight gain you have experienced--this can lead to diabetes. If you need to be on AP's, a weight-neutral drug like Geodon or Abilify would be much better. I hope this helps.
xjs7
Posted by KrissyP on February 27, 2003, at 19:01:22
In reply to Re: PLEASE any experience on Seroquel??, posted by xjs7 on February 27, 2003, at 14:21:24
> Geodon is a new antipsychotic that does not cause weight gain. It sounds like you need to have a discussion with your doctor. I think you should ask why your doctor put you on antipsychotics. It is possible she has a good reason that she has not told you about. Antipsychotics are not necessary for sleeping problems. There are a lot of safer options for sleep than AP's. I am worried about the weight gain you have experienced--this can lead to diabetes. If you need to be on AP's, a weight-neutral drug like Geodon or Abilify would be much better. I hope this helps.
>
> xjs7--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Yes, thank you, I am going to my doc Friday am and am going to ask her about Geodon. I live in the US and have never heard of "Abilify" you speak of. Please wish me luck.
Thanks for your help:)
Kristen
Posted by xjs7 on February 27, 2003, at 20:06:41
In reply to Re: PLEASE any experience on Seroquel?? » xjs7, posted by KrissyP on February 27, 2003, at 19:01:22
Abilify is also a new antipsychotic that does not cause weight gain. Geodon and Abilify are the only newer antipsychotics that don't cause weight gain. I take Geodon and it works great on my mind and hasn't caused any weight gain, even at a medium-high dose over more than a year. I hope things go well at your appointment this Friday--and good luck.
xjs7
Posted by KrissyP on February 27, 2003, at 20:18:30
In reply to Re: PLEASE any experience on Seroquel??, posted by xjs7 on February 27, 2003, at 20:06:41
Thank You:) Can you tell me what you mean by your statement, "I take Geodon and it works great on my mind" What has it helped with? How do you mean? Thank you for taking my loadfull of questions!
Kristen> Abilify is also a new antipsychotic that does not cause weight gain. Geodon and Abilify are the only newer antipsychotics that don't cause weight gain. I take Geodon and it works great on my mind and hasn't caused any weight gain, even at a medium-high dose over more than a year. I hope things go well at your appointment this Friday--and good luck.
>
> xjs7
Posted by cybercafe on February 28, 2003, at 18:10:18
In reply to Re: PLEASE any experience on Seroquel??, posted by xjs7 on February 27, 2003, at 20:06:41
> Abilify is also a new antipsychotic that does not cause weight gain. Geodon and Abilify are the only newer antipsychotics that don't cause weight gain. I take Geodon and it works great on my mind and hasn't caused any weight gain, even at a medium-high dose over more than a year. I hope things go well at your appointment this Friday--and good luck.
>
> xjs7hi mind if i ask a question about geodon?
how does it compare to other atypicals in terms of
1. EPS
2. antidepressant properties
3. sedation/ability to concentrate/motivationthanks :)
Posted by KrissyP on February 28, 2003, at 18:30:37
In reply to Re: PLEASE any experience on Seroquel??, posted by cybercafe on February 28, 2003, at 18:10:18
Thank you for the info. I went to my doc today and mentioned Geodon-she said it is a wonderful med but when I asked her if I could change from Seroquel to Geodon, she said "What-you want to try every med on the market?" I am trying soooooooo very hard to work with her, but she had no interest in wanting to try me on Geodon right after she gave it kudos. What does one do??????? So, I am on 50mg Lamictal, 75mg Effexor, 100 mg Seroquel, and 2mg Klonopin ALL at night now. I hope I get some relief.
Also, you took Seroquel? If so, how many mg again? Did YOU gain weight? (I'm trying to keep up with a lot of these posts and forget sometimes.)Thanks,
Kristen*******************************************************************************************Abilify is also a new antipsychotic that does not cause weight gain. Geodon and Abilify are the only newer antipsychotics that don't cause weight gain. I take Geodon and it works great on my mind and hasn't caused any weight gain, even at a medium-high dose over more than a year. I hope things go well at your appointment this Friday--and good luck.
xjs7
Posted by xjs7 on February 28, 2003, at 19:10:28
In reply to Re: PLEASE any experience on Seroquel?? » xjs7, posted by KrissyP on February 27, 2003, at 20:18:30
Hi Kristen,
I was prescribed Geodon for symptoms of psychosis--mostly hearing voices others do not. It has proven effective in stopping the voices. This is the most common reason why antipsychotics are prescribed.
xjs7
Posted by xjs7 on February 28, 2003, at 19:18:31
In reply to Re: PLEASE any experience on Seroquel??, posted by cybercafe on February 28, 2003, at 18:10:18
Hi cybercafe,
Geodon has some serious problems, at least for me. It causes moderately severe EPS so I have to take Cogentin as an adjunct. With Cogentin I am not stiff all the time. I can't vouch for the supposed antidepressant effects of Geodon, as it didn't help my suicidal and depressive thoughts. I found an antidepressant resolved those symptoms much better. I have not had any problems with sedation or concentration after I adjusted to the medication. I do not have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, so I can't tell you how Geodon affects that sort of symptoms.
I have heard that Geodon is more like Risperdal than the other atypicals, and that it causes more EPS than others (like Zyprexa). I heard this from a doctor but don't know if it true or not. I think the big advantage to Geodon--no weight gain--makes it overall a better drug than some others. So, overall I recommend Geodon, but it has some serious drawbacks. I hope this helps.
xjs7
Posted by KrissyP on February 28, 2003, at 19:47:51
In reply to Re: PLEASE any experience on Seroquel??, posted by xjs7 on February 28, 2003, at 19:10:28
Hey there, ok-got ya. That was another thing my doc asked me today, "Are you psychotic" I proceeded to tell her I have never been diagnosed with that and was on Seroquel for sleep. I am so glad that Geodon has been effective for you:) I don't think I should be on Seroquel. Anyone know of something besides it that helps a person sleep? I'll figure it out, I hope.
Thanks xjs7 :)
> Hi Kristen,
>
> I was prescribed Geodon for symptoms of psychosis--mostly hearing voices others do not. It has proven effective in stopping the voices. This is the most common reason why antipsychotics are prescribed.
>
> xjs7
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