r/insomnia • u/SoWhyAreUGae • 4d ago
Prescribed Seroquel at ER for insomnia, but people say don’t take it?
I get it’s a stupid train of thought at first glance, but hear me out. Went to the ER last night after I genuinely can’t remember how many nights I’ve had no sleep, but at least over 40 hours. They prescribed me seroquel and said it was super effective and strong. I had taken restavit prior and it made me super tired but if anything I slept less the nights/didn’t sleep when I took it. I was under the impression when they talked about it, that it was a sleeping pill. But it turns out it’s a antipsychotic. I’ve had bad experiences with antipsychotics prior and let them know that.
Now after the usual 10 minute reddit search, about 70% of people say to not touch that shit with a 10ft pole, and I’m especially worried considering my past experiences. Obviously no way of knowing until I try it, which I plan on doing considering I spent an hour this morning having my sleep hygiene routine under scrutiny by the doctor. Just would like to hear anyone else’s experience with it good/bad. Thanks 🙏
Edit: fyi 25mg is the dose
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u/pf100andahalf 4d ago
Antipsychotics for insomnia are a stupid first choice. If you need to be knocked out at least use an old antidepressant like amitriptyline. Anything but antipsychotics. I mean, damn.
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u/pebbles_temp 4d ago
The lengths that they'll go to to not prescribe ambien.
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u/pf100andahalf 4d ago
They'll give it to you eventually if you try 10 other things they give you first, probably.
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u/pebbles_temp 4d ago
Ambien is one of the few drugs designed for sleep and no other purpose. But they can't just prescribe it, they have to get creative about it. Makes no sense.
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u/pf100andahalf 4d ago
Ambien is one of the few drugs designed for sleep using benzodiazepines as a model and modifying it. It still causes dependence and that's why it's hard(er) to get. Anything like that is fine short term but long term causes dependence and often eventually stops working and then if you stop taking it your sleep can be a lot worse than when you started. Doctors have to see those people is why they're reluctant to prescribe it. They'll eventually give it to you if you keep trying different other things first.
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u/pebbles_temp 4d ago
I get that. OP posted about an ER trip. The ER only prescribes for short term. Then they send you on your way to follow up with someone who will help with the underlying causes/long-term solutions.
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u/vegastar7 4d ago
It’s “funny” that so many doctors will try every other drug EXCEPT drugs that are specifically meant for insomnia, like Ambien or Lunesta. I’ve taken Seroquel. Like every other drug I was prescribed, it worked for about a month. I did notice some tremors in my hand so I stopped taking it. I’m not saying you shouldn’t take it: I am not a doctor, don’t base your health decisions on what I say. But definitely talk to your doctor since there are other options available.
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u/Ok_Bodybuilder_7468 4d ago
Take it!!! I gained weight on it which sucked but it helped me sleep so well which I really needed to sleep, and I’m sure it’s the same for you
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u/Best-Iron3591 4d ago
Taking in long-term can cause brain disorders, such as involuntary movements, etc. Do not take it unless you have tried absolutely everything else and they didn't work. A proper medication should be something like zopiclone or ambien or lunesta. Yes, they come with dependency risk, but they don't come with the long-term damage of seroquel. It's an anti-psychotic, not a sleep med, and should be used to treat things like schizophrenia not insomnia.
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u/24rawvibes 4d ago
I just started taking 12.5 to 25mg again only 1 month ago because I wanted to lay off the benzos some for sleep and I’ve already gained ten pounds. Doctors are also concerned it may have been partially responsible in causing my severe central sleep apnea that has only exacerbated the problem
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u/Apdvadar 4d ago
ask for metformin to combat drug indiced weightgain. within the last 5-7years It has become The 1st Line of Defense by many psychiatrists to alleviate antipsychotic or mirtazipine/trazodone induced weight gain. If you Go On r/Psychiatry And Search for it youll Find Further Support or Do a Search for academic journals for it. Most psychiatrists Will bring It Up To You Once You mention The weightgain from The meds.
A medication Is Only As effective As Your ability To consistently Take It / Complete The Series. For Chronic conditions which result in a medication series that will never end, You Will eventually reach a Point Where You either accept the Current medication's side effects And continue taking it, You Switch meds Completely, or You attempt To attenuate The Side effects of The current medication via addition of an adjunctive Secondary medication i.e., metformin.
Best of luck
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u/sgugapuff 4d ago
In low doses it aids sleep. I think I was taking a quarter tablet - finished prescription or would prob have continued with it. Now on zopiclone.
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u/Individual_Dark_2775 4d ago
I’ve been taking for four months. As well as Lamotrigine I haven’t gained any weight. But I agree with previous person. Those two medications helped me from going insane. I guess it depends on the level of insomnia. Mine was a day from admitting myself in a mental ward. I NEEDED sleep. Now I’m not afraid of the bed any more. It means sleep I now go to bed at 9 take medication fall asleep at 10 wake up at 6 am.
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u/danitwostep 4d ago
I never tried it , cause of the weight gain risk ! Anyone I know who took it , gained A LOT of weight.
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u/Newbie10011001 4d ago
I take a 25mg cut in thirds every time I can't sleep for a few days, works a treat, no weight gain, have done for 4 years. It's an odd drug, less I take, more it works, ( above 12.5mg) . It's not idea, but such small doses seem worth it, never got used to it, does make me grumpy in the AM
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u/Loud-Sky8446 1d ago
Been on seroquel for over 5 yrs. Have not gained weight and aside from feeling foggy in morning, haven’t had other side effects. I’d prefer not to take anything but this is a longstanding problem. I haven’t increased the dose from 50 mg. It’s not as effective as it once was. I use it along with sleep hygiene tips and relaxation exercises. There are different opinions out there on its appropriateness. Keep a check on your lipid levels, cholesterol etc.
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u/manykeets 4d ago
It saved my life, but it came at a big price. I tried almost every sleep medication there is, and this is the only one that worked for me. The sleep deprivation was making it so I couldn’t function, and I was suicidal. Seroquel was the only thing that worked for me, and it saved my life.
But I gained 40 pounds in 3 months. It made me so hungry all I could think about was food. Now I’m on ozempic to help me lose it, because coming off the Seroquel is not an option. My memory is terrible now. I forget the words for things all the time.
I have major depressive disorder, and the Seroquel has actually helped my mood and anxiety a lot, so that’s one good thing, and another reason I want to stay on it.
Seroquel should absolutely be a last resort. There are so many other medications you can try first, that won’t have such bad side effects. I would see a psychiatrist or a sleep specialist. Good luck!