[liviacat]

I know it's only been two days and a total of ten hours, but after fifty-seven days of unrelenting sleeplessness, I think I can finally say the sleep is back! It's taken a trip to the hospital and a staggering cocktail to get me here, but I think it's worth it - what are your thoughts?

300mg Seroquel, 45mg Restoril and 5mg of Ambien at night.
My morning meds consist of Abilify, Celexa, Topamax and Focalin.

This is my first experience with Seroquel, any advantages or disadvantages I should be aware of? I'm sure there are some, and of course user experience varies... My pdoc has me breaking them in half to negate the XR effect, is that normal?

Thanks again to all who read my previous whine/rant/babble about not sleeping - and thanks for reading this. Any input you wish to share is appreciated!

[hamster-bamster]

Restoril quickly stopped working for me. But with that much Seroquel, you will be sleeping any which way.

[PiperLeigh]

No advice or input...I'm just happy for you that you're finally able to sleep!

[Clinte89]

Great to hear that your finally sleeping I couldn't imagine fifty seven days whew! Well keep up the good sleep.

[hamster-bamster]

What are you taking Topamax for and why only the AM dose? Per my p-doc, it is most effective when split into two doses - AM/PM.

[~Christina]

YAY for sleep .. Just watch your weight being on Seroquel.. So happy that you are finally getting some much needed sleep.

[liviacat]

Originally Posted by hamster-bamster

What are you taking Topamax for and why only the AM dose? Per my p-doc, it is most effective when split into two doses - AM/PM.

I'm taking it to help with my weight and the racing thoughts, I do take 50mg at night as well. I should have put that in the list - sorry! How's the dizziness? Still bothersome?

[liviacat]

Originally Posted by morethingswrong

YAY for sleep .. Just watch your weight being on Seroquel.. So happy that you are finally getting some much needed sleep.

Thanks so much! I'm really so happy to be sleeping - even the dreams and nightmares are welcome at this point - ha! It's been so long! So Seroquel causes weight gain? Is it due to increased appetite, or just in general?

that's cool you got some sleep, liviacat.

it's been too long here..

[Anika.]

Increased appitite and also metobolic problems it can cause, it can also lead to diabetes. AP's are notorious for weight gain.

I am glad you are sleeping tho.

[~Christina]

AP's caused metabolic syndrome for me .. Just keep an eye on your weight and blood sugar.

I am so happy you are finally getting some much needed rest.

[liviacat]

Well, three nights in a row was nice... Up and racing again. How the heck can I wake up and feel no effects of that medicine as strong as it is? Ugh. I hope this night is now the fluke. Thanks to all for all the encouragement and advice - much appreciated!

[MonarchX]

Try GHB/Xyrem/Sodium Oxybate - best sleeping medication ever. It is almost impossible not to pass out. Beware though - it can worsen anxiety and mood. When I was in acute benzo withdrawal I went about 4-5 nights without any sleep and 800Mg of Seroquel did NOT put me to sleep.

[bunnifoo]

Seroquel can cause weight gain and it can cause metabolic problems so your doctor should be scheduling regular blood work. I have mine done every few months (and it comes back perfect).

Seroquel was my only med for a long time at 200 mg, which my current pdoc calls a "mickey mouse" dose, meaning that it's a small dose. So you may need to go up from 300 mg to get a stronger effect.

The other thing to look out for is "brain fog", which for me meant I had trouble paying attention, following directions, I'd get words confused or try to type and make weird typos.

[liviacat]

Originally Posted by MonarchX

Try GHB/Xyrem/Sodium Oxybate - best sleeping medication ever. It is almost impossible not to pass out. Beware though - it can worsen anxiety and mood. When I was in acute benzo withdrawal I went about 4-5 nights without any sleep and 800Mg of Seroquel did NOT put me to sleep.

GHB? Not to sound too naive - but isn't that a street drug?

Originally Posted by liviacat

Thanks again to all who read my previous whine/rant/babble

nuthin' wrong but everything right about whining ranting and babbling

[Broken Angel]

Yayyee !! It's really great to know that you are finally getting some sleep

[Anika.]

GHB, one of the date rape drugs. I'm sure they have a different classification, but in that group, it is also a depressant. It is used medically used to treat narcolepsy most commonly I think. I have had it slipped in my drink, the after effects were pretty harsh, obviously I have no way of knowing how much it was... quite a lot I would assume. I wouldn't think it's the safest thing to be taking.

[liviacat]

Well, so much for that roll of sleep - I'm back at the "grateful to get 3 hours in" thing. What a crock. Going to call my pdoc and get this handled before we start talking hospital again - so frustrating... And yeah, Anika, I agree, I don't think I'll be perusing the GHB route anytime soon - sounds terrifying.

[liviacat]

Originally Posted by dubblemonkey

nuthin' wrong but everything right about whining ranting and babbling

Thank you sir - much appreciated!

[hamster-bamster]

Try Amitriptilyne (Elavil).

[liviacat]

I should have the title of this thread changed to "PS - Just Kidding!!"

No sleep to be had recently. Drugs or no drugs. Even went to a holistic medicine place for help the other day... No luck so far.

[hamster-bamster]

Well, I would have suggested a bit of marijuana, but it is not legal in Texas so I won't.