condemned
07-01-2009, 11:09 AM
Hi all, I'm new here. I need to ask a serious question about my doc's classification of my mental illness. He diagnosed me as a bipolar . The question is that am I considered a bipolar if I do not have swings of ups and downs BUT had a manic episode about a year ago. I am currently going through a very severe major depression which was triggerred by job loss . At first when i went to see him, he prescribed me anti-depressants for my situation but on the second visit, after i told him about my manic episode that happenned a year ago and he immediately withdrew the ADs and prescribed me Seroquel. I tried to tell him that I'm severely depressed because of my jobloss and it is not because of a downswing but he still maintained that I'm a bipolar after what i told him. I do not have upswings and downswings in mood but have always had major depression (6 times) in my life. I only went manic once. Is it enough to classify me as a bipolar for just being manic once. I'm asking this question because after taking Seroquel, I feel really really weird and unwell and I'm worried for being wrongly diagnosed and wrongly medicated.
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dreams in neon
07-01-2009, 11:37 AM
All it takes is a single manic (or hypomanic) episode to be diagnosed as bipolar. If you have specific questions about your diagnosis, you may want to seek a second opinion.
dreams in neon
07-01-2009, 11:42 AM
I also wanted to add that I have a friend with BPII who experiences more severe depression than hypomania yet she is still considered bipolar. Some people tend to have more dramatic mood swings than others. The same thing is true for mania. Some have more difficulty with depression while others like myself have bipolar that falls more on the manic side. As far as the Seroquel is concerned, when did you begin taking this medication? It may take a little while before some of the side effects wear off. When I started taking Depakote and Risperdal, I was extremely tired, but this improved by the second week I took them.
condemned
07-01-2009, 11:55 AM
Hi tks for ur quick reply. I've been taking seroquel for the past 2 months. I'm currently on 200mg. Was on 300mg but felt zombie so went down to 200mg. then last week he upped another 50mg to make it 250mg. took it for 3 days and i felt horrific so i went down to 200mg and immediately felt better the next day. Thats why I'm wondering if I'm being wrongly treated. If reducing the seroquel makes me feel better, maybe getting off the med will remove the awful feeling that i'm having everyday. I'm sufferring from Major depression at this present moment and I dont understand why is my doc giving me a mood stabilizer drug. I'm quite shocked that all it takes is a single manic episode to be considered a bipolar and treated for bipolar even when facing major depression.
Bunnylover
07-01-2009, 12:36 PM
Sounds like you don't trust your pdoc, so that means its time for a second opinion, regardless of the reason.
I am bipolar II, and my struggles are mostly with serious depression. The key, in my opinion, is whether or not treating it as bipolar helps or makes the problem worse.
Also, did your pdoc start you at 300mg of seroquel? That's an awful lot for a starting dose. I was first started on 25 mg, now I take 200 mg because that's what I've slowly built up to, to handle sleep issues and a hypo-manic (slighter manic) episode, but I didn't start there. I'm not suggesting you should go off it without checking with a doctor, but to me that suggests further that you should seek a second opinion.
Try not to get hung up on the label bipolar--I know personally its scary as heck to get diagnosed, and doubting the diagnosis is really normal, even if its correct. It takes time to come to terms with it for just about everyone, and a whole range of feelings are completely normal.
I am bipolar II, and my struggles are mostly with serious depression. The key, in my opinion, is whether or not treating it as bipolar helps or makes the problem worse.
Also, did your pdoc start you at 300mg of seroquel? That's an awful lot for a starting dose. I was first started on 25 mg, now I take 200 mg because that's what I've slowly built up to, to handle sleep issues and a hypo-manic (slighter manic) episode, but I didn't start there. I'm not suggesting you should go off it without checking with a doctor, but to me that suggests further that you should seek a second opinion.
Try not to get hung up on the label bipolar--I know personally its scary as heck to get diagnosed, and doubting the diagnosis is really normal, even if its correct. It takes time to come to terms with it for just about everyone, and a whole range of feelings are completely normal.
dreams in neon
07-01-2009, 04:16 PM
I can't explain why a single manic (or hypomanic) episode is all that is needed for a diagnosis of bipolar, but I agree with Bunny. Try not to focus on having bipolar. Put that on the back burner for now and concentrate on your Seroquel. Seroquel is used for treating depression which is probably why your psychiatrist decided to put you on it.
condemned
07-02-2009, 03:25 AM
Thanks for ur advices. I'm not afraid being a bipolar. What I'm afraid of is being issued the wrong meds to treat my major depression. After taking Seroquel, I feel 'different'. I feel like a semi-zombie. Although I'm in touch with reality, I feel different and frequently very blank. This feeling cripples me and I dont know how to pick up my life with this feeling. I've lost all interest in life and it's a torture to be living like this every minute, every hour every day. I dont know how to live anymore. Thats why I was wondering if I'm depressed, why am I given mood stabilizers. Should I be given anti depressants instead? Seroquel is an anti-psychotic for psychosis and bipolar disorder. I havent come across any sites that state it is used for depression so thats why I'm really worried. I've been feeling like this for the past few months on Seroquel and my life has practically come to a total stand still. Appreciate your advices anyway. BTW are there any forumners here on Seroquel and have such side effects like me?
I just did an internet search on "Seroquel + zombie" and there are so many people on Seroquel that complain about feeling like a zombie after taking it. My pdoc is insistent that I take it but I can't function at all with this kind of feeling. sigh
I just did an internet search on "Seroquel + zombie" and there are so many people on Seroquel that complain about feeling like a zombie after taking it. My pdoc is insistent that I take it but I can't function at all with this kind of feeling. sigh
tigger5150
07-02-2009, 05:01 AM
I used to take Seroquel (can't remember the exact dose but it was high) and I felt like you are. I kept expecting for it to wear off, but it didn't. My pdoc finally took me off and put me on something else.
I also had a girlfriend who is also bipolar and she was on an even higher dose than me, and she was a zombie, but she wouldn't tell her pdoc (we actually had the same one) as she was perfectly content to not have to deal with the real world and stay in her room most of the time.
It may be that you need a lower dose...... or even something else. If your current pdoc doesn't want to listen to you or you are concerned about his diagnosis, I agree with Dreams and Bunny that you should seek a 2nd opinion. You have to have faith in and trust your pdoc for you to get any peace of mind with a treatment plan.
I also had a girlfriend who is also bipolar and she was on an even higher dose than me, and she was a zombie, but she wouldn't tell her pdoc (we actually had the same one) as she was perfectly content to not have to deal with the real world and stay in her room most of the time.
It may be that you need a lower dose...... or even something else. If your current pdoc doesn't want to listen to you or you are concerned about his diagnosis, I agree with Dreams and Bunny that you should seek a 2nd opinion. You have to have faith in and trust your pdoc for you to get any peace of mind with a treatment plan.
condemned
07-02-2009, 10:31 AM
All it takes is a single manic (or hypomanic) episode to be diagnosed as bipolar. If you have specific questions about your diagnosis, you may want to seek a second opinion.
if i'm going through major depression now and my depression is not because of a downswing, should i be given Seroquel instead of anti-depressants? I'm really feeling weird on Seroquel. I really feel awfully different and I have this really sick feeling in my head.
if i'm going through major depression now and my depression is not because of a downswing, should i be given Seroquel instead of anti-depressants? I'm really feeling weird on Seroquel. I really feel awfully different and I have this really sick feeling in my head.
condemned
07-02-2009, 10:38 AM
I used to take Seroquel (can't remember the exact dose but it was high) and I felt like you are. I kept expecting for it to wear off, but it didn't. My pdoc finally took me off and put me on something else.
I also had a girlfriend who is also bipolar and she was on an even higher dose than me, and she was a zombie, but she wouldn't tell her pdoc (we actually had the same one) as she was perfectly content to not have to deal with the real world and stay in her room most of the time.
It may be that you need a lower dose...... or even something else. If your current pdoc doesn't want to listen to you or you are concerned about his diagnosis, I agree with Dreams and Bunny that you should seek a 2nd opinion. You have to have faith in and trust your pdoc for you to get any peace of mind with a treatment plan.
I'm currently on 200mg and i already feel like a zombie and constantly have this blank feeling and my pdoc wants to increase my Seroquel to 300mg. I've did some research on Seroquel and apparently at least 300mg dosage is required to be effective. But in my case, effective for what? to lift my depression? Seroquel reduces me to a mental wreck at home and constantly need to lie down so in what way does seroquel help me? I think it makes me feel worse. I really dont know what to do.
I also had a girlfriend who is also bipolar and she was on an even higher dose than me, and she was a zombie, but she wouldn't tell her pdoc (we actually had the same one) as she was perfectly content to not have to deal with the real world and stay in her room most of the time.
It may be that you need a lower dose...... or even something else. If your current pdoc doesn't want to listen to you or you are concerned about his diagnosis, I agree with Dreams and Bunny that you should seek a 2nd opinion. You have to have faith in and trust your pdoc for you to get any peace of mind with a treatment plan.
I'm currently on 200mg and i already feel like a zombie and constantly have this blank feeling and my pdoc wants to increase my Seroquel to 300mg. I've did some research on Seroquel and apparently at least 300mg dosage is required to be effective. But in my case, effective for what? to lift my depression? Seroquel reduces me to a mental wreck at home and constantly need to lie down so in what way does seroquel help me? I think it makes me feel worse. I really dont know what to do.
Bunnylover
07-02-2009, 11:25 AM
Seroquel's a good drug for a lot of people--it works on anxiety, depression, and insomnia, making it the perfect drug for me.
But it's clearly not working for you, at least on the dose you're on. The question isn't whether a drug should ever be used for X, Y, or Z, it's whether it's the right drug for you. Research on the internet can only take you so far, there isn't going to be a one size fits all solution, and it sounds like you either need to make it clear to your current pdoc that the situation as it stands is not acceptable, or find a new pdoc that's more willing to work with you.
But it's clearly not working for you, at least on the dose you're on. The question isn't whether a drug should ever be used for X, Y, or Z, it's whether it's the right drug for you. Research on the internet can only take you so far, there isn't going to be a one size fits all solution, and it sounds like you either need to make it clear to your current pdoc that the situation as it stands is not acceptable, or find a new pdoc that's more willing to work with you.
tattoos
07-02-2009, 12:03 PM
I was just taken off Seroquel for the feelings/side effects you are experiencing along with feeling I was on a boat rocking...and I actually couldn't stop rocking back and forth. You are right Seroquel is an anti-psychotic, it's not a mood stabalizer like Lithium, Depakote, or Lamictal (I am on LamictaL). It is not acceptable that your feeling like this after 2 months especially with your Major Depression which I tend to fall in with ultra-rapid cycling. I ALWAYS have some level of depression and often VERY SEVERE, debilitating! You gave it a good try, 2 months, since getting the right med is often trial and error (what I am going through now). DON'T just abruptly stop your meds though. Explain to your doctor that when you lowered the dose you felt better and if he doesn't listen, find a new doctor.
This must be VERY FRUSTRATING for you and very difficult when you are so depressed. My doctor will be starting me on Lexapro (with the lamictal which is supposed to help avoid mania since antidepressants alone can be very dangerous with Bipolar). Lexapro also helps with anxiety which I have along with panic disorder and PTSD.
Also, when it comes to Seroquel, it is supposed to also help with depression and anxiety, but that isn't at a high dose, instead a low dose (25-50mg's). That is the same dose used to treat insomnia (the manufacturer can't claim this because of potential lawsuits). The high doses or "theraputic dose" is for Bipolar mania/psychosis specifically not anxiety/depression...if I could give you a link explaining this I would but we are not allowed to. It is kinda info through the grapevine off "off label" use Psychiatrists are aware of.
Good luck!
This must be VERY FRUSTRATING for you and very difficult when you are so depressed. My doctor will be starting me on Lexapro (with the lamictal which is supposed to help avoid mania since antidepressants alone can be very dangerous with Bipolar). Lexapro also helps with anxiety which I have along with panic disorder and PTSD.
Also, when it comes to Seroquel, it is supposed to also help with depression and anxiety, but that isn't at a high dose, instead a low dose (25-50mg's). That is the same dose used to treat insomnia (the manufacturer can't claim this because of potential lawsuits). The high doses or "theraputic dose" is for Bipolar mania/psychosis specifically not anxiety/depression...if I could give you a link explaining this I would but we are not allowed to. It is kinda info through the grapevine off "off label" use Psychiatrists are aware of.
Good luck!
tigger5150
07-02-2009, 11:39 PM
I'm currently on 200mg and i already feel like a zombie and constantly have this blank feeling and my pdoc wants to increase my Seroquel to 300mg. I've did some research on Seroquel and apparently at least 300mg dosage is required to be effective. But in my case, effective for what? to lift my depression? Seroquel reduces me to a mental wreck at home and constantly need to lie down so in what way does seroquel help me? I think it makes me feel worse. I really dont know what to do.
I would definitely make it clear to him that you are not comfortable increasing your dose when you feel the way you do at your current dose. And like most of us are saying, if he doesn't listen, find someone new who will. Out of four pdocs that I have had I have only been able to work well with 2 of them, in fact I saw mine today and warned him he better not be planning on retiring for quite a while. :D
I would definitely make it clear to him that you are not comfortable increasing your dose when you feel the way you do at your current dose. And like most of us are saying, if he doesn't listen, find someone new who will. Out of four pdocs that I have had I have only been able to work well with 2 of them, in fact I saw mine today and warned him he better not be planning on retiring for quite a while. :D
42476
07-05-2009, 12:11 AM
My wife takes 900mg at bedtime plus 20mg ambien. It just knocks her out. She also experiences hunger that in the morning she is not aware of. Once, she took the car and could not remember that she had gone to a quick mart to get something to eat. I don't think seroquel is helping her anymore. Her mood swings are getting worse. Her psych is no longer is practice and she hasn't found another dr. but she doesn't seem to make any effort to find another. She is fearful when her meds run out. I guess I will have to find her a new dr, but we are not talking right now.
condemned
07-06-2009, 07:34 AM
I'm really condemned. I reduced my Seroquel intake to 150mg for the past two days
<edited off disallowed subject: read the rules in the FAQ.>
I feel like a zombie. On higher dosages, I feel even worse. I wish my doc didnt put me on Seroquel. I have no interests at all in anything and it's a torture for me to be alive. I really dont know how to live anymore. My family gave me various suggestions about developing some interests but nothing works. How does one go on living with no interests in life at all?
<edited off disallowed subject: read the rules in the FAQ.>
I feel like a zombie. On higher dosages, I feel even worse. I wish my doc didnt put me on Seroquel. I have no interests at all in anything and it's a torture for me to be alive. I really dont know how to live anymore. My family gave me various suggestions about developing some interests but nothing works. How does one go on living with no interests in life at all?
ger1
07-06-2009, 10:05 AM
I agree. It made me feel horrible. I would wake up with sweats..... I just take 2 benedryl which was recommened by my doctor. Hang in there!
Ger1
Ger1
nerdjulez
07-10-2009, 07:22 PM
I was prescribed Seroquel and took it for a short while but it did nothing for me besides put me to sleep. My doc had me go up to 200mg twice a day. I'd be "up" then it'd be time to take Seroquel and it would put me to sleep. After I woke up I'd be fine for maybe 15 minutes and then I'd start bouncing off the walls again. It seems to not work for everybody.
dragoncat
07-10-2009, 07:34 PM
Hi Condemned, I'm surprised because since I was diagnosed, I have been on a mood stabilizer plus an anti-depressant. Since you have experienced a lot of depression it sounds like that might make sense. I know, I'm not a psychiatrist but there is so much they do that's guesswork anyway. Also, Seroquel is just one medication. There are many other mood stabilizers or atypical anti-psychotics that work for people with bipolar. Or even typical anti-psychotics. The problem is finding one that works for you with minimal side effects. From anecdotal evidence it seems to me many, many people have problems with Seroquel, from drowsiness to weight gain to feeling like a zombie. I agree that you may want to seek a second opinion if you can't get a clear answer from your doc as to why he wants to increase your dosage. Personally I am on 200 mg of Seroquel and it pretty much controls my "up" moods (I have bipolar ii), even though it's supposed to be "too low" a dosage. I don't like its side effects though.
irishwriter
07-11-2009, 05:01 AM
I'm really condemned. I reduced my Seroquel intake to 150mg for the past two days and all I could think about it committing suicide. Being on the meds made less suicidal but a reduction of the med now plunges me straight into being extremely suicidal. On 200mg, I feel like a zombie. On higher dosages, I feel even worse. Less kills me. I wish my doc didnt put me on Seroquel. I have no interests at all in anything and it's a torture for me to be alive. I really dont know how to live anymore. My family gave me various suggestions about developing some interests but nothing works. How does one go on living with no interests in life at all? Where do people like me go to when all survival instincts is gone?
hi condemned, initially when i started seroquel i found it v. good at 50 then increased to 150 and now at 450.
<deleted disallowed subject>
weight gain started once i went on a higher dose (which just adds to my depression) and for the first time want to just throw all the meds away and give up. i didn't know that it could be the seroquel? i have been spending most of my time in my room, coming out only to go online, or cook dinner in the evening and then kill the rest of the day reading or watching tv. no motiviation to do much at all. i cannot understand why pdoc didn't make the connection if this is common with seroquel. i halved all my doses of everything this morning but i will talk to him about this post later today. i look at other people and wonder how they find a 'point' and if going off seroquel would ease that i wouldn't think twice. thanks for info.
iw
hi condemned, initially when i started seroquel i found it v. good at 50 then increased to 150 and now at 450.
<deleted disallowed subject>
weight gain started once i went on a higher dose (which just adds to my depression) and for the first time want to just throw all the meds away and give up. i didn't know that it could be the seroquel? i have been spending most of my time in my room, coming out only to go online, or cook dinner in the evening and then kill the rest of the day reading or watching tv. no motiviation to do much at all. i cannot understand why pdoc didn't make the connection if this is common with seroquel. i halved all my doses of everything this morning but i will talk to him about this post later today. i look at other people and wonder how they find a 'point' and if going off seroquel would ease that i wouldn't think twice. thanks for info.
iw
42476
07-12-2009, 09:40 PM
For three years my wife was being treated for bipolar after spending 17 days in the hospital. Her after care sucked. Her Psych just kept writing her Rx. Jerk! He saw her every three months. Prick! She was on 900mg seroquel, .5 xanex, prozac, and 10mg ambien. All the seroquel and ambien were taken at bedtime. Over time her moods got worse until she had another episode that has her hospitalized. Why are mental hospital such depressing places? Anyway, she is being given depacote ER, I think 1000mg, 50 seroquel, and 10mg ambien. Her moods are stabilized and she is happier. Hopefully, she comes home tomorrow. And guess what? At the hospital she is at, her old psych is there and she talked to one of his patients and she said the the same thing about him. I don't have any type of behavioral disorder, so I do not understand fully what people with bipolar, etc. I can tell you that it is just as hard for us to see loved ones believe irrational thoughts and knowing that it is their reality, but I just can't see it. Keep looking for a provider who cares.
tigger5150
07-13-2009, 03:43 AM
It's hard and there is no real easy answer. I've been in your situation for just over a year now with a bout of severe depression. I used to love to just go to the mall and walk around now, the only reason I go is to do the grocery shopping and only because I have to. I used to knit, can't even get up the energy or interest in that.... It's not a fun place to be in and like you I would prefer not to live like this. I try to tell myself each day that it will get better, but somedays I just don't believe it. And for me, we have been doing different medication combinations every 3 months or so trying to find the right one. Just try to hang in there..... I for one know it's not easy.
condemned
07-13-2009, 08:51 AM
i am trying to lower down my dosage from 200mg to 150mg again to get rid off the zombie/totally blank feeling
I can't do anything and am practically crippled by the feeling
.
I am really condemned. at 200mg, I can't stand the feeling in my head. At 150mg, the unbearable feeling is replaced by instability and strong suicidal feelings. I'm so scared of whats happening to me. Seems like I'm condemned to do the inevitable. It all started with jobloss,
depression and then Seroquel and now I'm screwed. I've lost total interest in everything and have been living like this for months. Day in day out with no hope in sight.
I can't do anything and am practically crippled by the feeling
.
I am really condemned. at 200mg, I can't stand the feeling in my head. At 150mg, the unbearable feeling is replaced by instability and strong suicidal feelings. I'm so scared of whats happening to me. Seems like I'm condemned to do the inevitable. It all started with jobloss,
depression and then Seroquel and now I'm screwed. I've lost total interest in everything and have been living like this for months. Day in day out with no hope in sight.
dragoncat
07-13-2009, 04:12 PM
Can you show some of your posts to your psychiatrist ... I'd think they would jump to get you on something else if they knew how bad it has been for you. So sorry you are going through this.
nerdjulez
07-13-2009, 04:24 PM
Condemned - you need help, and it can't wait until your next pdoc appointment. Call someone. Now.
42476
07-16-2009, 12:45 AM
Try taking the seroquel at night. My wife takes hers at night and she gets a good night sleep.
northstar15
07-18-2009, 09:15 PM
Everyone's "cocktail" of meds is different. Since being diagnosed I have probably tried about 8 medications, many that didn't work for me and some that did harm including Seroquel. If you have major depressions and have had a manic episode it is extremely likely that the diagnosis is correct.
Lithium or Lamictal with Welbutrin would probably be an option but I'm not a pdoc. I was on Lamictal and Welbutrin and kicked me out of my depression, just didn't stop my mania. Also, if your pdoc disagrees then find a new one. They are humans with flaws, and sometimes wrong, just like everyone else.
Lithium or Lamictal with Welbutrin would probably be an option but I'm not a pdoc. I was on Lamictal and Welbutrin and kicked me out of my depression, just didn't stop my mania. Also, if your pdoc disagrees then find a new one. They are humans with flaws, and sometimes wrong, just like everyone else.
electric blue
07-20-2009, 03:07 AM
Hi Condemned,
Just want to say hang in there ok? Everyone is here to help you get through the rough tough times.
Sending happy vibes your way,
Electric blue
Just want to say hang in there ok? Everyone is here to help you get through the rough tough times.
Sending happy vibes your way,
Electric blue
irishwriter
07-24-2009, 07:52 AM
Thanks for ur advices. I'm not afraid being a bipolar. What I'm afraid of is being issued the wrong meds to treat my major depression. After taking Seroquel, I feel 'different'. I feel like a semi-zombie. Although I'm in touch with reality, I feel different and frequently very blank. This feeling cripples me and I dont know how to pick up my life with this feeling. I've lost all interest in life and it's a torture to be living like this every minute, every hour every day. I dont know how to live anymore. Thats why I was wondering if I'm depressed, why am I given mood stabilizers. Should I be given anti depressants instead? Seroquel is an anti-psychotic for psychosis and bipolar disorder. I havent come across any sites that state it is used for depression so thats why I'm really worried. I've been feeling like this for the past few months on Seroquel and my life has practically come to a total stand still. Appreciate your advices anyway. BTW are there any forumners here on Seroquel and have such side effects like me?
condemned,
i think i mentioned before that i had no side effects from seroquel except for a good sleep aid and also the severe ones you mentioned. i have weaned myself of it for the last two weeks (pdoc doesn;t knw this) i have found no difference and went back to klonopin and xanax for sleep. have you had a chance to talk to your psychiatrist? did you show him your posts from here and what did he say? did he agree that you need a change to your meds? if not can you see another pdoc or is that possible?
iw
I just did an internet search on "Seroquel + zombie" and there are so many people on Seroquel that complain about feeling like a zombie after taking it. My pdoc is insistent that I take it but I can't function at all with this kind of feeling. sigh
condemned,
i think i mentioned before that i had no side effects from seroquel except for a good sleep aid and also the severe ones you mentioned. i have weaned myself of it for the last two weeks (pdoc doesn;t knw this) i have found no difference and went back to klonopin and xanax for sleep. have you had a chance to talk to your psychiatrist? did you show him your posts from here and what did he say? did he agree that you need a change to your meds? if not can you see another pdoc or is that possible?
iw
I just did an internet search on "Seroquel + zombie" and there are so many people on Seroquel that complain about feeling like a zombie after taking it. My pdoc is insistent that I take it but I can't function at all with this kind of feeling. sigh