Quetiapine...?

I'm bipolar and already on a mood stabiliser. The psychiatrist has just added quetiapine for mania. Starting low dose up to 200mg over time.

I know it's prescribed at low doses for insomnia and anxiety as well, but mine is specifically for bipolar. Although side effect of a good night's sleep would be welcome!

What I'd like to hear is if anyone has experience taking quetiapine. What effects/side-effects did you experience? Did you find it helpful?

Parents
  • I was given it to augment my depression medication and to help with my insomnia. It caused depersonalisation and derealization for me, I had to stop taking it after 3 weeks.

    It was like living a video game, life felt less real somehow.

    Obviously this is just my experience.

Reply
  • I was given it to augment my depression medication and to help with my insomnia. It caused depersonalisation and derealization for me, I had to stop taking it after 3 weeks.

    It was like living a video game, life felt less real somehow.

    Obviously this is just my experience.

Children
  • Thank you for the heads up on a side effect to look out for. I had the "life as a video game" thing years and years ago. It wasn't pleasant so you have my sympathy. Hope you found a different way to help your symptoms.