Starting Seroquel XR

[wanttolive]

I've very recently been diagnosed with bipolar 2 after having been diagnosed with GAD and depression in the past. Am on Lexapro/ cipralex 10mg, but pdoc wants to add Seroquel to stabilise my moods (very agitated and restless). Just wondering about weight gain and diabetes on Seroquel.

Does anyone know if these side effects are solely as a result of Seroquel increasing appetite and sedation, therefore causing more calories to be consumed when perhaps less are required? Or is there some other kind of more sinister chemical interaction at play? e.g. water retention, change in ability to metabolise etc?

[lcfrogs]

Does anyone know if these side effects are solely as a result of Seroquel increasing appetite and sedation, therefore causing more calories to be consumed when perhaps less are required? Or is there some other kind of more sinister chemical interaction at play? e.g. water retention, change in ability to metabolise etc?

I used to take Seroquel. I'm not sure about the answer to your question, but I can confirm that Seroquel increases your appetite. I call it "the munchies." Even though I have an eating disorder, when I take Seroquel I don't care about calories anymore and I just eat and overeat. It also causes me to fall asleep, at least for a few hours. It provided me temporary relief from the anxiety, but made me feel depressed. I stopped taking it because I hated all of the side effects.

I've only tried the XR once, and it made me too tired and didn't really relieve my anxiety, so I didn't take it again.

[insights]

Does anyone know if these side effects are solely as a result of Seroquel increasing appetite and sedation, therefore causing more calories to be consumed when perhaps less are required? Or is there some other kind of more sinister chemical interaction at play? e.g. water retention, change in ability to metabolise etc?

Seroquel (quetiapin) doesn't affect insulin, but can have a mild effect on how glucose is metabolized. However, mostly it causes patients to overeat. Exercise will help, both in keeping weight under control and in lowering anxiety levels.

Ian

[wanttolive]

Thx guys. I've been able to stick to a diet on lexapro, so hopefully will be able to do the same on Seroquel XR. Took it last night for the first time. Reduced my anxiety and agitation, restlessness, but man it didn't half knock me out. In bed for 16 hours. Managed half hour up during that time but had to go back to bed. Pdoc tells me, this is just a start up symptom.

[lcfrogs]

Ya, it used to make me sleep for many hours at a time. After awhile though, it would only make me sleep for a few hours. I hope it works out for you!