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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by blacktshirt on April 19, 2010, at 12:28:31
Hi, all--I'm a newbie. I have been on Seroquel XR (300mg 1x/day) for about six weeks (for "treatment-resistant depression"--lifelong depressive here), and so far, I *hate* the side effects. I want to (and do) eat everything in sight, and am as a result gaining weight (very easy for me to gain--hard to lose).
I *am* sleeping more regularly, but I'll trade insomnia for weight gain any day. Also, I've found that I now have low-blood-sugar-like symptoms when I haven't eaten in a while. I become VERY agitated and anxious (I also take 0.5mg lorazepam (Ativan) up to 3x/day or as needed) when it's past time for me to have eaten.
Am I imagining this? I'm not diabetic and have never had high blood sugar (had ex-boyfriend who was and tested my blood). I have regular med checks and internal doc check-ups w/CBCs, etc. I have hypothyroidism, for which I take 0.075mg levothyroxine (Synthroid) 1x/day.
I also take bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) 300mg 1x/day and topiramate (Topamax) 50mg 2x/day for migraine/headache prevention.
Anyone had similar side effects with Seroquel? I'm *very seriously* considering asking the doc if I can go off it when I see him again in two weeks.
Sorry for the long post! Thanks for any help/advice!
Posted by blacktshirt on April 19, 2010, at 12:44:07
In reply to Seroquel XR Side Effects?, posted by blacktshirt on April 19, 2010, at 12:28:31
Duh! How did I forget? I'm also taking Cymbalta 120mg 1x/day.
Another side effect is that it takes *forever* to reach climax during sexual activity. I have more-or-less coped w/standard side effects (e.g., low libido), but this seems to be a new one, aligned w/when I started taking Seroquel.
Posted by mellow on April 19, 2010, at 13:35:07
In reply to Seroquel XR Side Effects?, posted by blacktshirt on April 19, 2010, at 12:28:31
Welcome to babble!
I've never taken seroquel, but a friend of mine did have blood sugar problems on it. Weight gain is a very common issue with the atypical antipsychotics. I gained a lot of weight when i started on an risperidone which is also an atypical antipsychotic.
The weight gain may not be a "side effect" as much as is standard procedure with that type of drug. The blood sugar stuff is kinda of seroquels MO from what i'm told.
I looked up seroquel on wikipedia and there was some great stuff.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seroquel
There is a rather straight forward article on drugs.com with high blood sugar/weight gain as a side effect.
I would see how things persist over the next few weeks before you give up. You don't want to stop digging right before you get to the gold. I wouldn't totally give up until week 10 or 12. Once you are stable and feeling a little better you can worry about the weight gain. The other side effects should pass over time.
One thing that always helped me was taking a long walk with a friend or family member and just talking. I would get some exercise and find some clarity while expressing some of that pent up emotion.
Its a beautiful time of year to get out there! I hope it all works out for you. I'm sure someone with a little more experience with this drug will post soon. Best of luck.
mellow
> Hi, all--I'm a newbie. I have been on Seroquel XR (300mg 1x/day) for about six weeks (for "treatment-resistant depression"--lifelong depressive here), and so far, I *hate* the side effects. I want to (and do) eat everything in sight, and am as a result gaining weight (very easy for me to gain--hard to lose).
>
> I *am* sleeping more regularly, but I'll trade insomnia for weight gain any day. Also, I've found that I now have low-blood-sugar-like symptoms when I haven't eaten in a while. I become VERY agitated and anxious (I also take 0.5mg lorazepam (Ativan) up to 3x/day or as needed) when it's past time for me to have eaten.
>
> Am I imagining this? I'm not diabetic and have never had high blood sugar (had ex-boyfriend who was and tested my blood). I have regular med checks and internal doc check-ups w/CBCs, etc. I have hypothyroidism, for which I take 0.075mg levothyroxine (Synthroid) 1x/day.
>
> I also take bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) 300mg 1x/day and topiramate (Topamax) 50mg 2x/day for migraine/headache prevention.
>
> Anyone had similar side effects with Seroquel? I'm *very seriously* considering asking the doc if I can go off it when I see him again in two weeks.
>
> Sorry for the long post! Thanks for any help/advice!
Posted by blacktshirt on April 19, 2010, at 13:56:50
In reply to Re: Seroquel XR Side Effects?, posted by mellow on April 19, 2010, at 13:35:07
Thanks for the info and welcoming note!
I have been on a varied cocktail for about nine years and have been off and on a combination of meds for about 15 years (I'm 35). I gained about 70 lbs. the nine years ago that I started Wellbutrin/Effexor/Depakote or some iteration thereof but lost about 35 of those lbs. I'm still at 180ish (fluctuate between 175-185), and it's pretty well distributed on my albeit shortish 5'3.5" frame.
I'm more-or-less accepting of the extra 50ish lbs. I carry. I *hate* exercise (like, hate with the fire of 1,000 suns, hate). I am trying to talk myself into going back to yoga class, which I used to take years ago.
Anyway, I have maintained the 35-lb. weight loss for about five years and *really* don't want to go back to where I was. If I felt like the Seroquel was just doing fabulous things for me, I'd be more willing to keep going on it, but it's just like...meh. I don't feel any better, really, or different than before my doc added it.
I am usually pretty quick to feel effects (good or bad) of medication, and the first couple-to-three weeks weren't as bad. The past three weeks, though--I want to slap *myself* when it's "past" mealtime and I start to lose my $h!t. My boyfriend, bless him, has been very patient, let me tell you!
Posted by Deneb on April 19, 2010, at 14:14:30
In reply to Re: Seroquel XR Side Effects?, posted by blacktshirt on April 19, 2010, at 13:56:50
Hello Blacktshirt!
Welcome to Psycho-Babble. I think weight gain is a very common side effect of atypical anti-psychotics. Some like Zyprexa seem to be worse than others. I too have gained weight over the years, but I cannot be 100% sure that it is my meds and not just the aging process that has caused my weight gain. My weight gain has been slow, but I would say I've gained 25 pounds in 10 years. I'm taking a small dose of Risperdal and a high dose of SSRI.
Congrats to you for losing and maintaining your 35 pound loss! Maintaining weight loss is the hardest part. I really hope you can get your appetite under control as I imagine it would really suck to regain that weight again. If the Seroquel is not really doing anything, I would agree that you should talk to your doctor about whether or not it is necessary.
Deneb
Posted by Lou Pilder on April 19, 2010, at 15:43:46
In reply to Seroquel XR Side Effects?, posted by blacktshirt on April 19, 2010, at 12:28:31
> Hi, all--I'm a newbie. I have been on Seroquel XR (300mg 1x/day) for about six weeks (for "treatment-resistant depression"--lifelong depressive here), and so far, I *hate* the side effects. I want to (and do) eat everything in sight, and am as a result gaining weight (very easy for me to gain--hard to lose).
>
> I *am* sleeping more regularly, but I'll trade insomnia for weight gain any day. Also, I've found that I now have low-blood-sugar-like symptoms when I haven't eaten in a while. I become VERY agitated and anxious (I also take 0.5mg lorazepam (Ativan) up to 3x/day or as needed) when it's past time for me to have eaten.
>
> Am I imagining this? I'm not diabetic and have never had high blood sugar (had ex-boyfriend who was and tested my blood). I have regular med checks and internal doc check-ups w/CBCs, etc. I have hypothyroidism, for which I take 0.075mg levothyroxine (Synthroid) 1x/day.
>
> I also take bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) 300mg 1x/day and topiramate (Topamax) 50mg 2x/day for migraine/headache prevention.
>
> Anyone had similar side effects with Seroquel? I'm *very seriously* considering asking the doc if I can go off it when I see him again in two weeks.
>
> Sorry for the long post! Thanks for any help/advice!bts,
You wrote,[...on Seroquel...Lorazapam...Wellbutrin...Topamax...].
The individual drugs have their own spectrum of potntial life-ruining effects and the combination also has other potential life-ruining effects,in particular but not limited to seziers and loss of controll of body temperature. induced mind-altered state and addiction.
Before I offer you more educational facts concerning the psychotropic drugs that you are taking, I think that if you look at the following video, we could have a better understanding of what we could have discussion about , if we do.
Lou
You can see the video by:
A. bring up google
B. type in:
Youtube, Truth About Antidepressants & Chemical Imbalance, Psychology
Posted by SLS on April 19, 2010, at 16:13:39
In reply to Lou's response-ktmuhtm » blacktshirt, posted by Lou Pilder on April 19, 2010, at 15:43:46
> Youtube, Truth About Antidepressants & Chemical Imbalance, Psychology
The term "chemical imbalance" has been used in the past to explain major depression in a simple way so that more people would appreciate its biological underpinnings. However, the physiology of major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder is accepted to be more complex, although not well understood. It is therefore accurate to say that there is no proof that there is a chemical imbalance. However, there is a great deal of evidence that there are associations between the presence of affective disorders and changes in the structure and function of the brain.
- Scott
Posted by Lou Pilder on April 19, 2010, at 16:14:55
In reply to Lou's response-ktmuhtm » blacktshirt, posted by Lou Pilder on April 19, 2010, at 15:43:46
> > Hi, all--I'm a newbie. I have been on Seroquel XR (300mg 1x/day) for about six weeks (for "treatment-resistant depression"--lifelong depressive here), and so far, I *hate* the side effects. I want to (and do) eat everything in sight, and am as a result gaining weight (very easy for me to gain--hard to lose).
> >
> > I *am* sleeping more regularly, but I'll trade insomnia for weight gain any day. Also, I've found that I now have low-blood-sugar-like symptoms when I haven't eaten in a while. I become VERY agitated and anxious (I also take 0.5mg lorazepam (Ativan) up to 3x/day or as needed) when it's past time for me to have eaten.
> >
> > Am I imagining this? I'm not diabetic and have never had high blood sugar (had ex-boyfriend who was and tested my blood). I have regular med checks and internal doc check-ups w/CBCs, etc. I have hypothyroidism, for which I take 0.075mg levothyroxine (Synthroid) 1x/day.
> >
> > I also take bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) 300mg 1x/day and topiramate (Topamax) 50mg 2x/day for migraine/headache prevention.
> >
> > Anyone had similar side effects with Seroquel? I'm *very seriously* considering asking the doc if I can go off it when I see him again in two weeks.
> >
> > Sorry for the long post! Thanks for any help/advice!
>
> bts,
> You wrote,[...on Seroquel...Lorazapam...Wellbutrin...Topamax...].
> The individual drugs have their own spectrum of potntial life-ruining effects and the combination also has other potential life-ruining effects,in particular but not limited to seziers and loss of controll of body temperature. induced mind-altered state and addiction.
> Before I offer you more educational facts concerning the psychotropic drugs that you are taking, I think that if you look at the following video, we could have a better understanding of what we could have discussion about , if we do.
> Lou
> You can see the video by:
> A. bring up google
> B. type in:
> Youtube, Truth About Antidepressants & Chemical Imbalance, Psychologybts,
Also, I would like for you to look at this video if you want to discuss with me.
You see, I have no kick against you (redacted by respondent), as long as they don't (redacted by respondent).
Here is a video that I think could have the potential to be life-saving to those that watch it.
Lou
you can see this video by:
A. bring up google
B type in:
youtube, Antidepressants and School Shootings, Suicide, Addiction
Posted by Lou Pilder on April 19, 2010, at 20:36:45
In reply to Lou's response-ehnyolwheyuchuzit, posted by Lou Pilder on April 19, 2010, at 16:14:55
Friends,
Here is a link to a commercial by the drug co. for Zoloft.
I would like for interested members to look at the video here and comment here if you like.
My concerns are if you think that the drug co wants you to belive that:
A. There a chemical imbalnce t could be the cause of depression
B. That the drug's chemical, could correct the imbalance
C. other aspects that you see that may be of concern to you.
Lou
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vfSFXKlnO0
Posted by Lou Pilder on April 19, 2010, at 20:54:18
In reply to Lou's request-, posted by Lou Pilder on April 19, 2010, at 20:36:45
> Friends,
> Here is a link to a commercial by the drug co. for Zoloft.
> I would like for interested members to look at the video here and comment here if you like.
> My concerns are if you think that the drug co wants you to belive that:
> A. There a chemical imbalnce t could be the cause of depression
> B. That the drug's chemical, could correct the imbalance
> C. other aspects that you see that may be of concern to you.
> Lou
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vfSFXKlnO0Friends,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRRsLFXtnlk&feature=related
Posted by Phillipa on April 20, 2010, at 0:11:46
In reply to Seroquel XR Side Effects?, posted by blacktshirt on April 19, 2010, at 12:28:31
Hi Blacktshirt. You know I also have Hypothyroidism and it's what caused my anxiety to become very bad. Has yours been tested lately? Thyroid is a proven hormonal imbalance Mine is autoimmune as hasimotos. A thyroid med will be needed unfortunately for life. But the levels do fluctuate. Hence periodic blood tests of all the thyroid hormones should be done. I'm on the same dose as you only one night a week take l.5 pill. Maintaining at around 2.5 TSH. And of course welcome to babble. Love Phillipa
Posted by Lilliable on April 20, 2010, at 20:29:19
In reply to Re: Seroquel XR Side Effects? » blacktshirt, posted by Phillipa on April 20, 2010, at 0:11:46
I gained sixty pounds on Seroquel before they finally took me off of it. I later read on the internet that it was not unusual for some users to gain between 50 and 100 pounds in the first year.
Posted by Deneb on April 21, 2010, at 16:13:27
In reply to Re: Seroquel XR Side Effects?, posted by Lilliable on April 20, 2010, at 20:29:19
Hello Lilliable!
Welcome to Psycho-Babble. That's a lot of weight gain! Did you ever lose the weight?
Deneb
Posted by Lilliable on April 21, 2010, at 17:00:40
In reply to Re: Seroquel XR Side Effects? » Lilliable, posted by Deneb on April 21, 2010, at 16:13:27
> Hello Lilliable!
>
> Welcome to Psycho-Babble. That's a lot of weight gain! Did you ever lose the weight?
>
> DenebFirst I was switched to Risperdal and couldn't lose more than a pound or two a month. They finally sent me to an endocrinologist and he found I had an incredibly high Prolactin level. They then switched me to Geodon and the weight started falling off. I've still got ten to go but I can live with that for now.
Thanks for asking.
-L
Posted by blacktshirt on April 21, 2010, at 17:21:39
In reply to Re: Seroquel XR Side Effects? » blacktshirt, posted by Phillipa on April 20, 2010, at 0:11:46
My internal doc checks my thyroid hormone levels regularly, but the levels are usually *just* within acceptable range. I've taken issue with this but he doesn't see it as a problem.
I *have* gradually increased in levothyroxine/Synthroid dosage over the past few years (since initial diagnosis) from 0.0125mg to my current dosage of 0.075mg.
Thyroid issues run in my family--both my mother and maternal aunt and female cousin are medicated to normalize hormone levels, and my maternal grandfather had issues as well.
I had to *ask* my doctor to be tested, of course, but it made complete sense to me that I had hypothyroidism.
Posted by Phillipa on April 21, 2010, at 21:38:32
In reply to Re: Seroquel XR Side Effects?, posted by blacktshirt on April 21, 2010, at 17:21:39
Get an endo as with all that in your family sounds autoimmune to me. Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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