Seroquel XR is a key player for my moodstabilization. During the last four months I've been on between 400-600 mg. I'm currently on 400 mg. The reductions from 600 mg were usually in 50 mg or 100 mg increments. This level of reduction didn't affect me negatively, as my moods were level and the points to the reductions was to ease sedation, which they did. I do know that if I went directly from 400 mg to 0 mg that I wouldn't be able to sleep much at all, unless some other sedating medication was added to my evening mix to make up for the loss. I'd also surely become manic or depressed from such an extreme reduction, again unless another helpful antipsychotic was added in its stead.

It's been a while since I took large doses of the instant release (regular) Seroquel. I do believe that the extended release (Seroquel XR) is more weight friendly for me than the regular. Really, at doses of 400 mg and below it is weight neutral for me. Only when my Seroquel XR dose starts inching up to 500 mg and above do I get super hungry. I happen to find Seroquel XR to be the most side effect friendly antipsychotic of all of them for me, as long as the dose is 400 mg or below. 400 mg is likely the dose I will stay at. It is still helpful for moodstabilization at this dose.

The only thing I'd say that Seroquel regular did positive that Seroquel XR doesn't do is to put me to sleep quicker. With Seroquel XR I have to take it early, like at 7 pm to get tired at 10 pm or 11 pm. Also, it is best that I try to fall asleep fairly early (like at 10 pm or earlier) so that I avoid morning sedation. But as I recall, regular Seroquel could sometimes cause morning sedation, too.

Ever since Seroquel XR went generic, there is no reason why I would ever want to take the regular instant release. Of course perhaps some people's insurance (or no insurance) might still have a notable price difference, but my insurance has made Seroquel XR quite affordable. I find the generic 100% as good and effective as the name brand.