[seesawgirl]

First let me say that I have tried many different meds in different combinations to finally after 10 years get the correct combination. I'm on Lamictal 400 mgs. (and have been for 7 years), Effexor 150 mgs (my saving grace and only anti-depressant that completely took away my depression), Trazadone (as needed to sleep) and Seroquel 300 mgs.

The Effexor didn't work unless I was on 150 mgs. The problem was that I couldn't sleep at all. It made me a bit manic. So we added Seroquel to help me sleep. It works fantastic! If I take the Effexor too late in the day, then I take the Trazadone to help me sleep better. The Seroquel has been amazing with my mood. I feel fantastic. I'm finally motivated and happy.

Now for the downside. The Seroquel. We all know that the Seroquel causes weight gain. What is happening is that I eat uncontrollably. I eat when I'm not hungry and in large amounts. I've gained 10 lbs in the last month. I have come up with a solution to battle it, but that's where another problem comes in. My memory is getting bad. I'm forgetting words and sequence of events. I'm forgetting how to spell (I used to be an excellent speller). My daughter says that I start a sentence and then I don't finish it. So when I say that I've thought of a way to control my eating, I forget to use my little tricks to get myself under control.

I don't want to get off of the Seroquel. I don't want to go back to being extremely depressed. I just need some suggestions as to how to handle the side effects. Anyone have any ideas?

[healingme4me]

Maybe a daily tracker such as a journal or phone application? Research ways to get your cognitive skills back on par?
Naturally, you could consult with your prescriber, yet, sounds like fear of having this med stopped?

[Angelique67]

I have similar side effects with Abilify. Hunger, cognitive issues, etc. I think it's just the 'price of being "well"'. Although I'm not exactly well, but the issues I take it for are more controlled.

[seesawgirl]

Originally Posted by healingme4me

Maybe a daily tracker such as a journal or phone application? Research ways to get your cognitive skills back on par?
Naturally, you could consult with your prescriber, yet, sounds like fear of having this med stopped?

Yes, I've purchased a day timer to record everything immediately. I've found that trying to use one on the computer doesn't work because I forget to look at it. With a physical reminder open and in my face, I won't be able to miss anything. I'm just waiting for it to come in from Amazon. I really hope it works. I don't know how to get my cognitive skills back on par. I don't know what to do about that. Thank you so much taking the time to answer and give me some advice. Keep your fingers crossed that it might work for me.

[seesawgirl]

Originally Posted by Angelique67

I have similar side effects with Abilify. Hunger, cognitive issues, etc. I think it's just the 'price of being "well"'. Although I'm not exactly well, but the issues I take it for are more controlled.

You sound just like me. It's nice to know there's someone out there that's going through what I'm going through and understands. I wish there was something we can take to battle the side effects, but that's wishful thinking. How long have you been taking the Abilify?

[Angelique67]

Originally Posted by seesawgirl

You sound just like me. It's nice to know there's someone out there that's going through what I'm going through and understands. I wish there was something we can take to battle the side effects, but that's wishful thinking. How long have you been taking the Abilify?

I've been taking it off and on for about 2 years but completely on it since last July. I'm sorry you're having the unpleasant side effects too. ((hugs))