Seroquel and huge weight gain

[supergirll]

:cry: :cry: Does anyone out there take Seroquel? I have been on it for about 2 years and I gained a huge amount of weight...about 40 pounds. I'm up to 207, the largest I have every been. I have tried cutting calories but was unable to lose weight due to this medicine. I am back on my low carbs in hopes to lose weight but I'm afraid this might not work either. I'm taking 300mg of Seroquel and I'm taking 20 mg of Lexapro. It was supposed to help my depression but I think it is only adding to my depression.

[Cajunboy47]

It's adding weight, it isn't ending the depression, it is preventing weight loss................

Are you waiting for permission to stop taking it?

[supergirll]

My doctor wanted me to stay on. I haven't went back to the doctor since summer due to the cost. I feel I want to stop taking it. I know you can get withdrawl from it. I think I'm going to start cutting the pills so I'm gradually weaned off.

[LessLiz]

You know, it's been proven that depression meds do not work for over 90% of people with depression.

[supergirll]

I believe it. They really aren't helping. They have only caused me weight gain, more depression because of the gain, and they make me feel so tired and zombie like. I'm so tired all the time but I force myself to do get up and do stuff.

[Cajunboy47]

Depression and/or anxiety can end through a simple decision to end it. Just as happiness is a choice, so is depression....

I am speaking from experience, and if I can do it, others can too....

[Kay2008]

I can't comment on the type of anti-depressants you are on. But I have suffered with depression for 8 years (and also anxiety and panic attacks). I was put on tablets, I took them for a few years then decided to stop. I didn't want to have to rely on some tablet to make me feel better.

Anti-depressants do not cure depression, they just suppress it. If you can overcome it yourself I would say don't take any tablets. I am not anyway telling you what to do, you do what you feel is right and safe for you.

In the past 6 months my depression has gotten extremely bad. I think it's actually the worse it has ever been. I am having strong suicidal thoughts. I feel the strength of depression I have right now is something that wont just go with a choice. So in my opinion it depends what you're depressed about and how severe it is. If choosing to end my depression was that easy, then I am sure I would have done it by now. It's knackering and I want rid. I actually feel as if I have a disease that is out of my control.

Good luck,
Kay x

[J-lo carb]

See if your doctor will ween you off of the Seroquel. See how you feel on the Lexapro alone. It's most likely the Seroquel that's making you feel lethargic.

Don't cut your pills if they have any sort of time-released coating. Actually, don't cut your pills period. Be careful with that. You gotta get the $ to go to your doctor or a free clinic. Don't just start lowering your dose on your own. But don't let the doctor tell you how YOU feel on something either.

Keep trying to find something that makes you feel better. Keep the carbs to a minimum. And keep your head up.

[KFangirl]

the Abilify is really hammering away at my depression, but it also exacerbated the weight gain I experienced by eating like an idiot. You know what I mean. Now, I'm sticking to plan and I've added a multivitamin and an herbal supplement and it seems to be working. It takes years to find the right balance sometimes and I hope you find yours soon.

[Hairballz]

I work in a psychiatric hospital and many of the patients who experience weight gain on Seroquel are also prescribed Topomax, which mitigates the weight gain. You might mention that to your doc as a possibility. There are SO many variables about whether you can be on both, but it may be worth mentioning.

[Wifezilla]

Depression and/or anxiety can end through a simple decision to end it. Just as happiness is a choice, so is depression....

Ok, Cajun, I love you man, but this has to be the most irresponsible thing I have EVER read.

Depression with side effects on the wrong medication can EASILY turn in to suicidal depression WITHOUT medication.

Situational depression may be a choice, but if there are brain chemistry issues, you can't choose to not be depressed anymore than you can choose to heal a broken leg by having happy thoughts.

That being said, Seroquel is an anti-psychotic. There are more effective medications for depression. If your depression is part of bipolar disorder, Lamictal comes to mind as a much better alternative.

There are some supplements that can be helpful for "brain cooties". Those include omega 3 fish oil and vitamin D3. These, however ARE NOT a substitute for a doctor's care and the correct medication, but an ADDITION to a good care regime.

Is there a clinic near you that charges by income? It isn't wise to just stop taking medications like this without some medical supervision...especially when you are dealing with depression.

You CAN lose weight while on seroquel. It isn't easy, but low carb is your best option.

[supergirll]

I'm still following Atkins to plan. I have only lost about 8 pounds since I restarted Atkins on Jan 5. I seem to be losing extremely slow, especially compared to others. I know it is the darn Seroquel. I have been reducing it gradually. I went from 300 mg and am now taking about 50mg. I'm reducing it gradually so I don't get side affects. I think it has forever destroyed my body though. It looks like I will never be down to a normal size. :(

[Wifezilla]

Seroquel isn't going to kill your metabolism forever. The fact that you lost 8 lbs is a GOOD sign. Also be sure to measure and not just weigh. You can lose inches like mad even if your weight stays the same.

The fact that you are using words like "forever destroyed" and "never" tells me you still have work to do on the depression front. While Seroquel may not be the drug for you, going unmedicated at this time sounds like a very bad idea.

PPPLEEAAAASSSEEEE see your doctor. PLEASE have your vitamin d levels tested. PLEASE look in to an omega 3 supplement. Pretty please??

[supergirll]

Thank you for listening Wifezilla. I wasn't going to go back, but it looks like I should. I just called and made an appointment. I'm going this next Tuesday. My nerves have been so bad lately and I broke down and cried at work this past week. Thankfully I have a few days off to recoup before going back.
Thank you for convincing me.

[lisa53098]

Wow! Thank you wifezilla for what you said. I would have said it myself, but you got there first! Supergirll, you said that you reduced your seraquel from 300mg to 50mg, that is drastic! I am a registered nurse, and have seen lots of depression in my patients over the years. Yes, you can wean meds, but this is way too fast. A doctor probably would recommend weaning from 300mg to 200mg spread out over about 6 to 8 weeks. Then, he/she would say, if everything seems to be about the same, you are not having adverse effects of a reduced amount of medication, then after 6 to 8 weeks reduce the amount to 100mg. Try the 100mg dose for about 6 to 8 weeks, and if you notice no difference in your moods, or adverse effects, then you can reduce the dose again. Also, I don't know any health care professional that would recommend cutting down on anti depressant meds over winter. They all recommend waiting until spring; there is something about the increased sunshine, longer days, and people getting outside more that reduces depression naturally.
Also, I would not say that you are doing well emotionally if you are breaking down at work crying. I am making the assumption that this is not normal behavior for you. This is probably a side effect of the reduction in medication. Reducing as quickly as you have done is very dangerous from a medical standpoint. The money that you may need to spend on seeing your doctor is an investment in yourself, you are worth it! You naturally will want to take as little prescription medication as you need. But if you need it, you are not a bad person, you are not weak if you have a chemical brain imbalance (which causes depression) any more than a diabetic is weak because their body no longer makes insulin. Take care of yourself.
You can contact me directly anytime if you would like to.

[noell]

While I totally agree that doctors will describe anti depression medications for just about anything, I do agree with the others who say not to ween yourself off of those without a doctors help.

I was given anti depression meds for complaining about dizziness, spacy, lethargic, blurry vision, and running into things constantly. I was given Celexa. It did not stop any of the things I complained about. I took it for 8 months or somewhere around that time frame. I blew up like a balloon. I also retained a ton of water. I would swear if you were to touch my face, your handprint would be there two days later. I did decide one day to take myself off that stuff, I just stopped taking it. I DO NOT RECCOMMEND THAT YOU DO THAT! You are having thoughts of suicide, that says that maybe you need to have your meds changed, there are many different meds out there that might be able to help you.

I would also look into the vitamins the other person posted about. I know nothing about vitamins, but hey, it is worth a shot, and they cannot do any damage to you, lol.

Please dont just go off, definitely keep that appt you made.

Have you thought about maybe talking to a counselor or something? That might help.

I wish you the best of luck throughout all this!

Again, I do believe that they over prescribe those things, but from the sounds of it, I think you may need them, only a different one.

Also have you read the side effects on the ones you are taking? As strange as this might sound, some of them do have side effects of suicidal thoughts.

[lisa53098]

I agree. You mentioned that you abruptly stopped taking Celexa, you didn't say what your dose was. I'm not asking for your dose, but the dose has something to do with how dangerous it is to stop taking it abruptly. The serraqel 300mg is a high dose, and dangerous to abruptly stop. Reducing from 300mg to 50mg in as short of a time period as this happened is way to quick.

[Wifezilla]

Big hugs for you supergirl. Brain cooties suck, but they can be tamed. Honest.

[Kay2008]

Hi,

When I was told by my doctor years ago that I was suffering with depression, she said because of a chemical imbalance.

I don't know alot about it... but I should imagine depression because of the imbalance wont just correct itself? you would need medication? (in a way I am hoping the answer is no!).

Does anyone know why some antidepressants cause people to gain weight?

I can't say if I ever noticed it when I took mine, because I was already overweight at the time! I took Citalopram, at first 20mg a day then was told to take 60mg a day.

So if you take one person who is suffering with depression who has a chemical imbalance, and someone who is suffering with depression but not because of an imbalance... could these two people get put on the same antidepressant? or are they treated differently.

I sometimes consider going back on my Citalopram, but I did get a few side effects I really found hard to cope with. Like I said, I really cannot remember whether it causes weight gain or not... but I will be honest, the thought of that does put me off taking any anti-depressants.

At the moment, my mood has lifted slightly. And even though it has only lifted slightly, it's major thing to me. I still get really bad days, and I am no where near where I want to be yet. But I feel the best I have done in 4 months. I still am not managing to go out much, but I'm working on it.

I feel if I cannot get any further myself without medication, I may just have to go back on my medication.

[noell]

I agree. You mentioned that you abruptly stopped taking Celexa, you didn't say what your dose was. I'm not asking for your dose, but the dose has something to do with how dangerous it is to stop taking it abruptly. The serraqel 300mg is a high dose, and dangerous to abruptly stop. Reducing from 300mg to 50mg in as short of a time period as this happened is way to quick.


Yes I did abruptly stop taking them, however, I do not think I was on a dose anywhere near that. I cannot remember what the dose was, but I think it was meager compared to that.

I do not think she should stop all at once, that could be dangerous! But, I am wondering if maybe talking to someone would help instead of all the meds. Or, just changing meds. I know some of them will increase suicidal thoughts and what not, which just blows me away.

For me, I think they were just trying to quick fix something they have not been able to figure out for a couple of years. I have been diagnosed with Vertigo, and no anti depression meds help that, lol. They are assuming that is has something to do with me ears since I was born clinically deaf. I had a lot of surgeries on my ears and now can hear just fine, well, I think I hear just fine lol. They say I could benefit from hearing aids, but who wants to really hear the kids bickering in the back of the house :lol:. I do not see that as a benefit :lol:

They have also done many brain scans on me and found that at one point in my life I had seizures, they cannot tell me when, but they are there. Now they are quick to say that I have MS, and that is what is causing all the problems, because my mother and my brother have it. However they found no eveidence of it in the brain scans, but they are writing it off pretty much as MS and just waiting for it to show. My thoughts.......WHATEVER!.......lol.

I just find it a little outrageous how they seem to think these things are the cure all of all cure alls, lol.

Again, I do think the OP needs to see the doctor and not ween herself off of something with such a high dose. I hope they can find a better alternative medication for her!

[lisa53098]

Some depression is transient, caused by an event, such as a divorce. A person may need medication for a period of time to get through the adjustment period. If your depression is not caused by a specific event, it is probably a clinical depression. You may benifit from seeing a therapist and learning how to work through whatever the issues are.

[supergirll]

I went back to my doctor yesterday and she said I could finally quit taking the Seroquel. I told her I was weaning myself off gradually. Now she admits that Seroquel slows down the metabolism, before she would never admit that. It makes me mad because now I'm a fatso because of it. I hope my metabolism finally returns.

She is now giving me something called Klonopin for now. Has anyone heard of it or used it? I hope it doesn't cause weight gain. I have to return in a few weeks to see how it is working. I'm on a half 0.5 mg pill in the morning and a full one at night. She wants me to think about getting on something called Lamictal. Has anyone heard of it? She said I could do some research first and think about it. I'm still on the Lexapro 20 mg. She said doubling the Lexapro to 40mg might make me irritable....uggh I don't need that.

Thanks for listening.

[melibsmile]

I went back to my doctor yesterday and she said I could finally quit taking the Seroquel. I told her I was weaning myself off gradually. Now she admits that Seroquel slows down the metabolism, before she would never admit that. It makes me mad because now I'm a fatso because of it. I hope my metabolism finally returns.

She is now giving me something called Klonopin for now. Has anyone heard of it or used it? I hope it doesn't cause weight gain. I have to return in a few weeks to see how it is working. I'm on a half 0.5 mg pill in the morning and a full one at night. She wants me to think about getting on something called Lamictal. Has anyone heard of it? She said I could do some research first and think about it. I'm still on the Lexapro 20 mg. She said doubling the Lexapro to 40mg might make me irritable....uggh I don't need that.

Thanks for listening.

Please don't call yourself a fatso. I understand that you are upset about the weight gain from taking the medication, and rightfully so, but that attitude towards yourself will not help at all. It will make your self-esteem plummet into the toilet if it's not already there.

Klonopin is not indicated for depression--its major indications are for anxiety, panic, mania, and epilepsy, none of which you have as far as I know. Klonopin also has a long list of serious side effects, so I would hesitate before taking it for very long. I would doubt that it will help you--did your doctor explain why she was prescribing it? Here's the wikipedia page for Klonopin, look at the Indications and Side Effects sections. Also check out the Tolerance and withdrawal section--this is also a drug that needs to be weaned slowly, as dependence can develop.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clonazepam

Lamictal appears to be indicated for bipolar disorder and epilepsy, but not depression. Here's the website for the drug:

http://www.lamictal.com/

Here's a bit of info about the indications for Lamictal, taken from website below:
LAMICTAL is indicated for the maintenance treatment of Bipolar I Disorder to delay the time to occurrence of mood episodes (depression, mania, hypomania, mixed episodes) in patients treated for acute mood episodes with standard therapy. The effectiveness of LAMICTAL in the acute treatment of mood episodes has not been established.

Women who take birth control pills appear to need a significantly higher dose of this medication.

http://www.rxlist.com/lamictal-drug.htm
(Click on Indications & Dosage and Side Effects & Drug Interactions)

Are you having an acute mood episode within the context of bipolar disorder? If not, then this drug is not FDA-approved to treat you.

If I were in your position, I would do a lot of research on these medications. Perhaps there are other anti-depressants that are approved for the treatment of depression that would be more appropriate. It sounds as though many of the anti-depressants can cause weight gain, including Lexapro:

http://www.webmd.com/depression/features/antidepressants-weight-gain

(Excerpt from the WebMD article, 2nd page)
Some antidepressants may be less likely to affect weight. Effexor and Serzone generally do not cause weight gain, while Wellbutrin can cause weight loss.

Sometimes switching within the same class of drugs can make a huge difference.

"Right now, the SSRI Paxil is the worst offender -- the antidepressant most likely to cause weight gain, while another SSRI, Zoloft, is the least likely, so that's a switch that can sometimes make a big difference for some people," says Sussman.

The downside to switching drugs: Sussman says not every drug works equally well to control symptoms in all people.

"The neurochemistry involved in depression is extremely complex and slightly different for everybody, so while switching drugs may help with the weight gain, you might forfeit some control over depression symptoms," says Sussman.

So far, no drugs (including weight loss drugs) have been sufficiently tested to be approved for use in managing weight gain from psychiatric medications. The authors of the Cleveland Clinic review report that using regular doses of antidepressants with low doses of certain stimulant drugs or seizure medications may help mitigate some weight gain, while adding low doses of Wellbutrin or naltrexone (a drug used in the treatment of alcoholism) to an antidepressant regimen might also help.


Here's another link:
http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/diet-fitness/antidepressants-weight-gain.html

Just remember that this is your body and your mind--ultimately you have to be the one deciding what medications you will or will not take. I wish you much good luck.

--Melissa

[supergirll]

Yikes it makes me not want to take the Lexapro now.

The Lexapro is for my depression. The Klonopin is for my mood swings to help make me more even. I can be fine one minute and crying the next. Sometimes it gets so bad it is hard to function at times. It goes away then comes back.

Thanks so much for all the information. I'm going to go through it now. This helps. Thanks again for your times.

[Wifezilla]

She wants me to think about getting on something called Lamictal. Has anyone heard of it?

Lamictal is some good stuff. It tends to work on, not only mood stabilization, but it really helps those on the depressive end of a swing. There is a VERY small risk of steven johnson syndrome, but you need to be aware of it. I have a loved one who took it for a couple of years.

[melibsmile]

Yikes it makes me not want to take the Lexapro now.

The Lexapro is for my depression. The Klonopin is for my mood swings to help make me more even. I can be fine one minute and crying the next. Sometimes it gets so bad it is hard to function at times. It goes away then comes back.

Thanks so much for all the information. I'm going to go through it now. This helps. Thanks again for your times.

Ahh I did not realize that you had mood swings in addition to the depression. From the sounds of it, Lamictal sounds safer than Klonopin, which has a host of common and nasty side effects. That's my two cents, but you should make sure to read up on it to make an educated decision.

--Melissa

[supergirll]

My weight is not budging. I have followed the plan strictly, I even quit drinking coffee. My weight is not going anywhere. I'm off the devil pill (seroquel) for good now and still no results. I'm on the Klonopin for temporary until my doctor and I have a plan for a new medicine.

Is there anyone who also takes a diet pill of some form with Atkins. I think my metabolism is so severely damaged that I will not lose without extra help. When I go back to my doctor in March I'm going to demand something or I will order it off the internet.

This is how low I'm feeling right now. I'm embarassed of the way I look so badly. Yesterday I went out to have some fun with my husband, we went to a special display at the science center. We had a our picture taken togehter. I had on an orange sweater and I looked absolutely HUGE. I've never been this big. I looked like the Great Pumpkin. I sobbed all the way home. I plan on posting the picture on my refrigerator for inspiration.

I'm so disappointed because I worked so hard and exercised to make this plan work for me. I did work for me in the past, but not this time.

Sorry for my complaining.........I'm just feeling extremely down right now.

[Wifezilla]

Hey supergirl. I know you are frustrated, but PLEASE don't do anything drastic. Your depression is messing with your head and your weight is just a handy target right now.

Stay on plan.

MEASURE, don't just weigh.

Make sure you are getting vitamin D3 (at least 5000 IU/day)

Take your fish oil

When you are feeling down, go for a walk to help get those good brain chemicals going.

This is not a sprint....it is a marathon. Slow down. Be safe.

[rede]

supergirll~

Are you eating enough? I have found this to be a personal stall!
Do you keep track of what you are eating?

~rede

[supergirll]

Well, I went up to 207 from 200 after I became so discouraged and stopped Atkins for a week. I signed up for Medical Weight Loss (it is basically a type of low carb diet) on March 11. Well, I started the Diet on March 11. There was a 3 day cleanse of only red meats and salad....all you can eat. Then the regular diet started. I can eat limited starches and fruits. I am now down to 196 today. I think this is working for me.

I have been completely off Serequel for a several weeks now. Now I'm taking Klonopin and started Lamictal (sp?). I'm taking the klonopin with it for now because it takes time to work your way up to the full dose of Lamictal. I am still taking Lexapro as well.

[Wifezilla]

Hey girl,

Glad your doctor is working with you.

[lisa53098]

I agree with Melibsmile, she gave you very good information. It is pretty much a given that all anti-depressants show down the metabolism. Weight gain more than 10 or 15 pounds can't be blamed on the meds though. I've been an RN for 23 years, and never seen Lamictal given for depression, we use if for seizures in the hospital. Also, clonipin is a blood pressure med. It however has some other properties. We also drip it in by epidural catheter to post operative patients who have either high blood pressure, or chronic narcotic abuse. I had a post-op patient on it for that reason last week.

I work at a large city teaching hospital, and I've seen alot of things at work. Don't just sit by and take whatever you are handed, do homework for yourself. Know the medications that you are taking. You can look them up easily on wikipedia.

[Enomarb]

hi Supergirll, WIfezilla Lisa and everyone else-
Lisa,
there have just been some big articles about the effects of the atypical antipsychotics (like Seroquel, Zyprexa, and others) on weight and metabolism. They dramatically increase risk of Type 2 Diabetes and can lead to large weight gain- like 30-100 pounds. There was a big article in Rolling Stone Magazine, and others in newspapers. Some antidepressants can also lead to weight gain of 2-40 lbs. It is so easy to blame yourself for this weight gain while on these meds- please don't make it even harder by giving incorrect information. I hate giving links in posts as they get outdated so quickly- please just google weight gain and aytpical antipsychotics, or even weight gain and the name of your medication.

I think Wifezilla gave the best advice- work with your doctor and BE INFORMED. You have a responsibility to be your best advocate!

Hope you are feeling better too-Supergirll- looks like your weight is going down. SLow and steady works- and LC is the way to go!

Hang in there!
E

[belwalk]

First of all, my doc got my dosage of Seroquel right from the start. I also take Lexapro and Lamictal. Please do not ever stop taking medication without help from your doctor - preferably a psychiatrist who is trained specifically for this type of thing. Clinical depression is a chemical imbalance in your brain -- it will not just go away. If it isn't too severe, it can be managed without medication, but a doctor should tell you which way is best for you. Also, Seroquel is an antipsychotic that is used more specifically for bi-polar disorder to even out the highs and lows, not for depression, per se.

Anyway, I started Atkins again because of my weight gain. What I've found is that I am in ketosis in the evening, but not in the morning, as evidenced by the ketostix. What I realized is that because Seroquel affects blood sugar and I take it at night, it throws me out of ketosis until it wears off.

So, this may be the reason you are losing so slowly. Just be grateful for any loss of pounds and/or inches!

[Cajunboy47]

I was on Seroquel, but the generic of it "quetiapine"

I got off of this medicine because it causes more problems than it solves....

As for thinking I am wrong for talking to someone as I did. Truthfully, someone talked to me the same way and I am glad they did. There are psychiatrist who treat with drugs and there are psychologist who treat by making you talk through your problems....

Psychotic medications don't allow you to work on your problems, or make your problems go away. Supergirl is functioning enough to write here and is not worried about psychotic episodes, she is worried about weight gain problems...

Sometimes a little jolt of taking a harder look at ourselves does more good than not. I don't think my words were so harsh to cause problems. I doubt she lost a minute of sleep over it. The problem, is my words were probably not taken to heart, which is the only way it could truly do some good.

Making a mental decision to end depression and dealing with problems without such medications is very much a method that is used in medical practice and it works...

Sorry for not having a bedside manner, I'm not a Doctor...

I just know I was stuck with where she is and I pulled myself up by my bootstraps and got on with my life and ended years of crapolla....

[belwalk]

Cajunboy (I luv Cajun guys by the way) -

I believe you are advocating therapy with a psychologist. If you are, I agree completely. Some of us cannot get to the root with just talking therapy, however. The way the medications are supposed to work is that they get us to a place where we are stable, and then the talking therapy helps us work through our "issues." That said, however, sometimes chemical imbalances are just not improved with talking therapy alone and folks must take their meds - bi-polar disorder is usually NOT one that is cured altogether with just talking therapy. It is through cooperation of the psychiatrist, psychologist and patient that a best solution is found.

Now back to the weight issues...Since reading this particular thread and doing further research, I am thinking that lo carb is going to be quite a struggle for those of us who must take medication. I'm going to keep trudging and also try to add more walking to my physical workout. I'm certain this will help with the belly fat more than anything else.

Thanks for the support!

[belwalk]

Also - I found this information about a generic Seroquel. It could be why you have issues with it...


"Seroquel is manufactured by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals and is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic Seroquel from being manufactured. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Seroquel," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. You should not buy any generic Seroquel until there is an approved version available.

When Will There Be a Generic Seroquel?
The patent for Seroquel currently expires in September 2011. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Seroquel could become available. However, other circumstances could come up to extend the exclusivity period beyond this time. These circumstances could include things such as lawsuits or other patents for specific uses for the drug. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing generic Seroquel." I didn't save the link, but you can search for "generic Seroquel availability."

[Cajunboy47]

Actually, I got tired of the complications of all my medications, got tired of talking about my problems, starting researching about herbal medicine, starting using herbal medicine, then I started eating better nutritionally and quit trying every extreme diet and "j'ais perdu tous mes trasqua!" that's cajun french, so I doubt it is translatable or even understood in other dialects of french, but it means... I lost my problems...

Yeah, we have chemical imbalances, do I know exactly what mine was? NO... do I need to know? NO.... Do I know why I feel so much healthier and better now? YES... I quit taking medications and starting eating and exercising properly and learning what natural supplements I neded to help me restore myself to health. I even quit focusing on losing weight as I suspected that was a culprit also. I simply and slowly turned to focusing only on improving my health in a natural way.

I also learned that "we are what we beleive", and if "something ain't working, do something else".. Not only that psychotic medication had messed me up, many others too as I switched from one problem causing pill to another....

But, I agree, if someone wants to live on drugs the rest of their life because they beleive they need it, then they should do what they believe and know they are what they believe. It's ok if they never find out that there is another way that works, heck, don't listen to me at all... I only know what I know, so I must be trying to harm you or I'm missing the mark, or if I'm wrong you might die, or I'm being irresponsible to be saying this, or pick your reason to not believe a word of what I'm saying.

I just know that one day, if you're medication free, like I am, you'll know then I knew what something about what I was talking about... :)

[belwalk]

I believe you, I believe it works for you, and I'm glad it works for you. Fortunately for me, the only complication I have is the affect on my blood sugar from the Seroquel. Take care and Caio.

[armoayjay]

i have been on serequel for depression too and i loved it cause it made me feel as strong as a god, but i became addicted and suffered from it for years. i never really gained weight from it but it does have different things to different people i reccomend yyou do as i did. Stop cold turkey and go through about 3 days of withdraws( the 1st is the worst) but dont stay home and do nothing, distract your mind with other things, then start dieting and basically set your goal to put your life back on track. You can do it, its just one of gods many tests...

[Hellistile]

After I had my stroke I had severe depression and the doctor tried several different medications to help with it. Nothing worked.

What did work was diet. I no longer take any meds for anything. I advocate a high fat, moderate protein diet, preferably little or no carbs. Give yourself two to 3 months to detox and see how you feel. What do you have to lose? If you are addicted as you stated you thought you were, weaning yourself off gradually would work. But remember there will still be a withdrawal period you need to suffer through.