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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 25. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by KaraS on January 30, 2005, at 14:03:40
Is low dosage Seroquel useful in anxiety/panic disorder or is it just sedating and usefull for sleep purposes?
Posted by todayisagiftxx on January 30, 2005, at 17:00:18
In reply to Seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder?, posted by KaraS on January 30, 2005, at 14:03:40
it is pretty useful you have to find the correct dosage though. and at the same time find one that isn't too sedating... i was prescribed it in the past for this purpose and i was prescribed it recently again for it as well as to adjunct an antidepressant which it also can be helpful for this time i havent been as successful but i have very bad fatigue so it is probably not best for me
Posted by Phillipa on January 30, 2005, at 17:44:02
In reply to Re: Seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder?, posted by todayisagiftxx on January 30, 2005, at 17:00:18
How high was your doseage? This was just tried with me and I took l00mg total one night in divided doses of 50 and another 50 when I woke in the middle of the night. I woke up in am "drunk" and the pdocs dc'd it. Fondly Phillipa
Posted by med_empowered on January 30, 2005, at 23:30:17
In reply to Seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder?, posted by KaraS on January 30, 2005, at 14:03:40
Personally, I have serious issues with the rxing of antipsychotics for anything other than, well, psychosis. I tried seroquel as a mood-stabilizer and it was hellish; awful dreams, spasms during sleep, twitches during the day, cognitive problems, AKATHISIA (I capitalized this b/c no doc I've been to mentions it, ever; think of it as anxiety+restlessness such as you have never experienced before. In some patients, it may lead to suicidal behavior), and a general feeling of being in a haze. Not fun. Please remember this is an anti-psychotic; it clamps down on dopamine function and can cause tardive dyskinesia, drug-induced Parkinsonism, and other problems. I would SERIOUSLY RECOMMEND trying something else that didn't carry the risks of an anti-psychotic.
Posted by KaraS on January 31, 2005, at 11:55:35
In reply to Re: Seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder?, posted by med_empowered on January 30, 2005, at 23:30:17
> Personally, I have serious issues with the rxing of antipsychotics for anything other than, well, psychosis. I tried seroquel as a mood-stabilizer and it was hellish; awful dreams, spasms during sleep, twitches during the day, cognitive problems, AKATHISIA (I capitalized this b/c no doc I've been to mentions it, ever; think of it as anxiety+restlessness such as you have never experienced before. In some patients, it may lead to suicidal behavior), and a general feeling of being in a haze. Not fun. Please remember this is an anti-psychotic; it clamps down on dopamine function and can cause tardive dyskinesia, drug-induced Parkinsonism, and other problems. I would SERIOUSLY RECOMMEND trying something else that didn't carry the risks of an anti-psychotic.
Do you mind if I ask what dose you took?
Posted by Wildman on January 31, 2005, at 13:29:36
In reply to Re: Seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder? » med_empowered, posted by KaraS on January 31, 2005, at 11:55:35
I'd also be interested in the dose you are taking, as I take 50-75mg at night and I don't experience any of the side-effects that you mentioned. I think Seroquel is responsible for some weight gain recently, which is why I'd like to have some alternative that I could use periodically. Any ideas about a non-anti-psychotic to user for sleep issues brought about by Lexapro (20mg). Don't want to stop the Lexapro, as it has really helped me.
Any ideas?
Wildman
Posted by Cairo on January 31, 2005, at 18:28:11
In reply to Seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder?, posted by KaraS on January 30, 2005, at 14:03:40
We took my daughter to see a pediatric specialist at U of Pa and she recommended low dose Seroquel as an add on to Lexapro for anxiety/social phobia.
She called a new pdoc back home and spoke with him about our daughter, but the pdoc elected to try her on Librium instead as we were in the midst of school refusal and needed a quicker fix. So I can't tell you what Seroquel may have done for her anxiety. As the Lex and Librium only partially work for her SP, we may want to revisit the Seroquel issue, though our pdoc seems a little reluctant to discuss it.The U of Pa doctor says they use low dose AP quite often with the kids they see and rarely have a problem with it.
I know of a young teen who I think has dysthymia and may have Asperger's on low dose Risperdal and she definitely is more outgoing and less irritable on it. They switched her to another AP because of weight gain, but she did not do as well. Now she's back on low dose Risperdal.
We've been to two pdocs who wouldn't touch AP for kids because of the TD scare. The U of Pa doctor said that's overrated with low dose, though they monitor for it.
Cairo
> Is low dosage Seroquel useful in anxiety/panic disorder or is it just sedating and usefull for sleep purposes?
Posted by KaraS on January 31, 2005, at 19:57:03
In reply to Re: Seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder?, posted by Wildman on January 31, 2005, at 13:29:36
> I'd also be interested in the dose you are taking, as I take 50-75mg at night and I don't experience any of the side-effects that you mentioned. I think Seroquel is responsible for some weight gain recently, which is why I'd like to have some alternative that I could use periodically. Any ideas about a non-anti-psychotic to user for sleep issues brought about by Lexapro (20mg). Don't want to stop the Lexapro, as it has really helped me.
>
> Any ideas?
>
> Wildman
Thanks. I was just starting to get less afraid of it until I read that other post.There's low dose trazadone, or a sedating tricyclic or supplements. Not a lot to choose from really.
Posted by KaraS on January 31, 2005, at 19:59:20
In reply to Re: Seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder?, posted by Cairo on January 31, 2005, at 18:28:11
Thanks for the information. I know a lot of people here use low dose Seroquel. I'm still a little afraid of it at this point but I may try it in the future.
> We took my daughter to see a pediatric specialist at U of Pa and she recommended low dose Seroquel as an add on to Lexapro for anxiety/social phobia.
> She called a new pdoc back home and spoke with him about our daughter, but the pdoc elected to try her on Librium instead as we were in the midst of school refusal and needed a quicker fix. So I can't tell you what Seroquel may have done for her anxiety. As the Lex and Librium only partially work for her SP, we may want to revisit the Seroquel issue, though our pdoc seems a little reluctant to discuss it.
>
> The U of Pa doctor says they use low dose AP quite often with the kids they see and rarely have a problem with it.
>
> I know of a young teen who I think has dysthymia and may have Asperger's on low dose Risperdal and she definitely is more outgoing and less irritable on it. They switched her to another AP because of weight gain, but she did not do as well. Now she's back on low dose Risperdal.
>
> We've been to two pdocs who wouldn't touch AP for kids because of the TD scare. The U of Pa doctor said that's overrated with low dose, though they monitor for it.
>
> Cairo
>
>
>
>
> > Is low dosage Seroquel useful in anxiety/panic disorder or is it just sedating and usefull for sleep purposes?
>
Posted by Wildman on February 1, 2005, at 6:21:03
In reply to Re: Seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder? » Cairo, posted by KaraS on January 31, 2005, at 19:59:20
I would like to allay your fears about Seroquel, as I think I was apprehensive about it for the same reason you are - namely that you strongly resist taking any medication that is an "anti-psychotic".
This medication may indeed help someone with psychotic issues, but at a dosage of 400mg/day,
which is 16x of 25mg (typical off-label dosage for sleep issues). I can't imagine even remaining conscious at 400mg, but it does help many people. At 25mg, you just get sleepy and there were _no_ wierd side-effects. I'd compare to a strong dose of Benadryl.Also, you could chop a 25mg in half and try that first.
Fear not!
Wildman
Posted by med_empowered on February 1, 2005, at 13:30:35
In reply to Seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder?, posted by KaraS on January 30, 2005, at 14:03:40
hey! sorry i've taken so long to respond to everyone's questions about my dosage...it was 100mgs, once daily (nite time), but side effects popped up at 50mgs. I don't want to frighten people and sorry if I came off that way...its just that even the newest of anti-psychotics still carry a very real risk of tardive dyskinesia (which can be permanent even when detected early) and neuroleptic malignancy syndrome, in addition to all the other problems associated with anti-psychotics/neuroleptics. My shrink wanted to do antipsychotics for intense anxiety, but I refused b/c of the potential for side-effects and the lack of FDA approval for such purposes. So, now I'm doing a short-term benzo run and some intense CBT.
Posted by ravenstorm on February 2, 2005, at 10:33:10
In reply to Re: Seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder?, posted by med_empowered on February 1, 2005, at 13:30:35
medempowerment--which ap was he suggesting for you?
Posted by med_empowered on February 2, 2005, at 14:02:12
In reply to Re: Seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder?, posted by med_empowered on February 1, 2005, at 13:30:35
hey! My shrink basically suggested most of the atypicals+antidepressant for anxiety. I'm not a huge benzo fan, given their bad rep and all, but I wasn't going for the neuroleptic approach.
Posted by ravenstorm on February 3, 2005, at 15:47:51
In reply to Re: Seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder?, posted by med_empowered on February 2, 2005, at 14:02:12
I wish I could take benzos. I have a paradoxical reaction to all of them. :(
Posted by olysi79 on February 3, 2005, at 17:08:22
In reply to Re: Seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder?, posted by Wildman on February 1, 2005, at 6:21:03
I totally want to echo this!
I do not take seroquel as it did work well for me, but we have to keep in mind that we shouldn't scare people out of trying things and also remember that no one person is alike. Side effects and risks exist for every drug otu there, but to have a full healthy life is whats inportant.
Cheers> I would like to allay your fears about Seroquel, as I think I was apprehensive about it for the same reason you are - namely that you strongly resist taking any medication that is an "anti-psychotic".
>
> This medication may indeed help someone with psychotic issues, but at a dosage of 400mg/day,
> which is 16x of 25mg (typical off-label dosage for sleep issues). I can't imagine even remaining conscious at 400mg, but it does help many people. At 25mg, you just get sleepy and there were _no_ wierd side-effects. I'd compare to a strong dose of Benadryl.
>
> Also, you could chop a 25mg in half and try that first.
>
> Fear not!
>
> Wildman
Posted by chaya on February 9, 2005, at 18:37:02
In reply to Re: Seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder?, posted by olysi79 on February 3, 2005, at 17:08:22
I take seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder and it has worked wonders for me. I sleep now and am calmer during the day. I take 100mg at bedtime and 25mg first thing in the morning. I don't get a hazy feeling or feel tired (except when I'm suppose to).
I was afraid to take it when I found out it was an anti-psychotic but I needed something and benzodiazapines did not work for me.
In my case the benefits outweigh the dangers.
Posted by Phillipa on February 9, 2005, at 19:02:35
In reply to Re: Seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder?, posted by chaya on February 9, 2005, at 18:37:02
What benzos did you take, how long, and what doses? I find myself experiencing the same thing. What used to just "relax" me has changed to either making me sleepy, or apathy. I tried seroquel while in the hospital at the same night dose as you but it dried me up so much I couldn't open my eyes. Then when I left the hospital about 5 days after stopping the seroquel my lips puckered up and peeled, and my wrinkles on my face aged me another l0years. Have you had anything like this happen to you? Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by ravenstorm on February 9, 2005, at 20:33:05
In reply to Re: Seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder?, posted by chaya on February 9, 2005, at 18:37:02
ARe you male or female. If female, did this medication mess with your hormone levels (I've heard it affects prolactin). Any blood sugar problems or weight gain? I may try seroquel as I try to wean down off of remeron. Although the short half life worries me. I found neurontin sooooo sedating, so I worry I won't be able to take seroquel because of the drowsies either!
Posted by chaya on February 10, 2005, at 11:55:06
In reply to Re: Seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder? chaya, posted by ravenstorm on February 9, 2005, at 20:33:05
I'm female and I don't think I've been on it long enough to notice weight gain . I've been on Seroquel for about six weeks. I do feel a little different before my period but nothing dramatic. Overall I've had a positive experience with the med.
Posted by chaya on February 10, 2005, at 12:04:59
In reply to Re: Seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder? » chaya, posted by Phillipa on February 9, 2005, at 19:02:35
I took Buspar (which I had a real bad reaction to) and lorazapam (ativan). The Ativan I had been on for over three years. I, too, find myself "dry" and have to drink a lot more. I hav not had dry skin or lips but I do drink drink drink to satisfy my thirst. I still have the Ativan just in case but find I don't need it. Its nice to know I have it though. Also, I'm not suppose to take the Ativan anywhere near when I take the Seroquel...not suppose to mix...but the Ativan is there if I need it late afternoon when the Seroquel seems to wear off.
> What benzos did you take, how long, and what doses? I find myself experiencing the same thing. What used to just "relax" me has changed to either making me sleepy, or apathy. I tried seroquel while in the hospital at the same night dose as you but it dried me up so much I couldn't open my eyes. Then when I left the hospital about 5 days after stopping the seroquel my lips puckered up and peeled, and my wrinkles on my face aged me another l0years. Have you had anything like this happen to you? Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by KaraS on February 10, 2005, at 14:20:23
In reply to Re: Seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder?, posted by chaya on February 10, 2005, at 12:04:59
> I took Buspar (which I had a real bad reaction to) and lorazapam (ativan). The Ativan I had been on for over three years. I, too, find myself "dry" and have to drink a lot more. I hav not had dry skin or lips but I do drink drink drink to satisfy my thirst. I still have the Ativan just in case but find I don't need it. Its nice to know I have it though. Also, I'm not suppose to take the Ativan anywhere near when I take the Seroquel...not suppose to mix...but the Ativan is there if I need it late afternoon when the Seroquel seems to wear off.
>
> > What benzos did you take, how long, and what doses? I find myself experiencing the same thing. What used to just "relax" me has changed to either making me sleepy, or apathy. I tried seroquel while in the hospital at the same night dose as you but it dried me up so much I couldn't open my eyes. Then when I left the hospital about 5 days after stopping the seroquel my lips puckered up and peeled, and my wrinkles on my face aged me another l0years. Have you had anything like this happen to you? Fondly, Phillipa
>
>After three years, you were able to just stop taking the Ativan? Didn't you need to do a slow taper?
Posted by chaya on February 10, 2005, at 15:18:00
In reply to Re: Seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder? » chaya, posted by KaraS on February 10, 2005, at 14:20:23
Actually I was a reluctant patient and would only take 2-3 mg of Ativan. When I stopped working I stopped taking the Ativan except before bed to help me slow down to sleep. I start a new job on Monday and we shall see how I do then...that will be the real test of the Seroquel. I don't like to take the drugs and will only take them if I'm convinced they will help or that I actually need them. I'm a Doctors nightmare I guess.
I have to explain as well that I stopped working because I graduated from college and was underemployed...I do have to admit though that I would never have been able to function at work without the Ativan as my anxiety disorder is on the severe side...my co-workers and boss were very understanding...I'm lucky for that. I can only hope that the professional world is also as accommodating.
Posted by Phillipa on February 10, 2005, at 16:49:20
In reply to Re: Seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder?, posted by chaya on February 10, 2005, at 15:18:00
Just curious. What type of job do you now have? Is it a high stress job? I hope now. But, if you have to have a drug test, as long as you say what drugs you're on and have a valid Rx there will not be a problem. I'm sure you already know this. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by chaya on February 10, 2005, at 17:12:03
In reply to Re: Seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder? » chaya, posted by Phillipa on February 10, 2005, at 16:49:20
My new job is as an employment consultant. I'll be working with disabled folks to help them seek employment. Basically, its a marketing job and I find what makes them employable, talk to employers to get them interviews...it should be a good job.
I do have a drug test tomorrow...I didn't think about the meds but I guess I should bring the bottles with me...the only thing about that is they will know I have a problem. I've gotten this job on my merits and was hoping to make a go of it. I guess its a funny concern...if I was a diabetic I wouldn't have any problems telling anybody but with mental illness its a whole different ballgame.
Posted by Phillipa on February 10, 2005, at 17:52:46
In reply to Re: Seroquel for anxiety/panic disorder?, posted by chaya on February 10, 2005, at 17:12:03
I was on benzos when I worked as an RN in a hospital, and they had no problem with this. Half the people I worked with were on something. You'd be amazed how many people are on medications. I don't know if seroquel would show up but bring your Rx bottles. good luck. Fondly, Phillipa
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