AG,

Here's my current drug cocktail: Lithium, Seroquel, and Klonopin

Past strike-outs: Topamax, Paxil CR, Lexapro, Celexa, Effexor, Strattera, Prozac Zyprexa (although it WAS working for me, I got my pdoc switched and he took me off it) Xanax (also working, but was given Klonopin to manage Panic Disorder)

I am on Seroquel, as a sedative because I tend to me hypomanic/manic. It has helped with my rapid cycling as well, although I know it's getting titrated in a few days. And as far as the panic disorder, I no longer have a "safety net" with the Xanax (because Klonopin takes forever to kick in).

You know I've been in a funk for a few days now, and I don't usually let things get to me like they have, but I've been thrown some pretty harsh blows. I don’t even want to think of what it would be like without the Seroquel (I'd probably spend every waking moment in bed).

Seroquel may help with your rapid cycling, and I think you are perfectly right when you tell your doc you'd like you AD's increased because of your suicidal intentions. You deserve to have the care you want, and it sounds as if they are trying to keep you just on the brink of the abyss by denying you a dosage increase.

As far as the weight issue: I've been taking the Seroquel for almost 6 weeks, and haven't gained any weight because of it (in fact, I’ve been steadily losing weight for the last couple of months, possibly from coming off Topamax & Paxil CR). I hope you'll at least reconsider Seroquel, as it has helped me immensely.

Another option, to help with the rapid cycling is Zyprexa. Yes, its indications are an anti psychotic, but it calmed my cycling quite a bit, and my mania was less severe.

I hope some of this was of help to ya.

********AngelGirl********

Much Love,
Jenn