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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ElizabethII on December 7, 2010, at 11:09:02
Hi, it's my first post and I was wondering if there is anyone out there who uses seroquel for ptsd? I have been taking 100mgs at night for the past two years and it helps me sleep and also seems to suppress some of the more horrible nightmares. I find that even if I have one I am still able to go back to sleep, which I simply could not do prior to taking it.
Taking care of the sleeping/nightmare problems helps a lot with my concurrent anxiety and depression, as did emdr therapy and regular counseling. I still have breakthrough symptoms but they are usually time limited and easier to manage than when they first started.I still suffer from obsessive thoughts about the accident and the weight that this med keeps on, but on the whole the seroquel has been a Godsend and this is coming from someone who has been on a lot of psychiatric drugs and resisted going on this with every fiber on my being.
The thing is...
I don't want to be on it forever because I have a crazy dream to be medication free and happy. I also would love to lose about 20 lbs and it is beginning to feel like nothing short of a chisel is going to get the job done while I am on this med. I have been on 3000mgs of metformin since August and have lost 5 lbs. Big whoop.
If anyone has successfully lost weight taking metformin while on seroquel would you please send me encouragement? If it's never going to work please let me know also. I don't actually mind if it takes awhile to lose the weight, but I hate the thought of continuing to bang my head against the wall if it is a totally pointless exercise.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and to Dr Bob for making this resource available.
Posted by Christ_empowered on December 8, 2010, at 15:38:25
In reply to seroquel for ptsd and question about metformin, posted by ElizabethII on December 7, 2010, at 11:09:02
hey. I haven't taken metformin, but I did find this: http://cme.medscape.com/viewarticle/568577
Apaprently, metformin+lifestyle changes=better improvement in weight than either alone.
Sorry about your situation. It sounds like you're taking good steps to improve your life. Have you considered maybe switching meds before going medication-free? Abilify usually doesn't cause weight gain, at least not as much as the other atypials. Your doc could gradually switch you over to a low dose of Abilify and taper off the seroquel. Then, when you're ready, you can do a gradual taper off Abilify. Just a suggestion...I take Abilify, and its been an absolute godsend for my Bipolar I. It did cause weight gain in me, but I take a high dose, and I think I gained weight because I finally calmed down and started eating more w/o an increase in exercise.
Anyway, sorry I couldn't be of more help but...we're mostly all amateurs here. Welcome to babble!
Posted by ElizabethII on December 9, 2010, at 15:55:47
In reply to Re: seroquel for ptsd and question about metformin, posted by Christ_empowered on December 8, 2010, at 15:38:25
Thanks Christ empowered (like that moniker a lot), I appreciate the post you left me.
I'm not thinking about going medication free just yet, I tried to cut down last winter and found myself on the phone to the samaritans a few times before I had the good sense to get back to my regular dose. Not in a hurry to do that again...
I like my seroquel for now a lot. I like the sleep I get on it and the mild antidepressant effect it has. I just hate the weight thing. It truly sucks. I had high hopes for the metformin being a magic bullet, but it has been more like an old nag heading for the glue factory. But hey, I suppose I could be gaining more weight and I'm actually not.
I have been on abilify in a past life for a different dx (long story). I pestered my psych for it over zyprexa because it has a better side effect profile. It made me paranoid and probably won't help me with my sleep issues, so I don't think it's a viable swap alternative for me in my current situation.
It's nice of you to reach out to me and thanks for the medscape link, it gives me some hope.
Posted by creepy on December 22, 2010, at 11:18:21
In reply to Re: seroquel for ptsd and question about metformin, posted by ElizabethII on December 9, 2010, at 15:55:47
Ever think about trying topamax? Its shown some good results with PTSD and it helps with appetite and (from what Ive read, I think) blood sugar regulation.
The side effects were pretty bad when I took it. I found a small dose still helped with appetite.
This is the end of the thread.
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