Well, for now. Six days ago, I got depressed enough that I didn’t have the ability to take my meds. Yes, this really does happen and no, I have no control over it. Don’t bug me about being irresponsible.
Of course, I promptly went hypomanic (and had a great time). Then crashed after 4 days. All of this is predictable and expected. So nothing new here.
Noteworthy is that for the days after I came off the Seroquel, I complained a lot about being cold. Six days later, the grumbles are only now fading. It’s hard to untangle all the variables, particularly since I’ve been getting very little sleep, but (a) it only started after I came of the Seroquel, (b) I’ve handled sleepless nights before with fairly mild aftereffects, and (c) the temperature here has been 24-30 degrees Celsius (75-85 F).
I’m tentatively putting this as a side effect of coming off Seroquel, pending further confirmation. Any feedback would be appreciated.
I’d like to start back Seroquel and finish my experimenting, but I can’t yet. I’ll be traveling soon, and if I’m on Seroquel I have visions of falling asleep in the airport and missing my flight. Or having flight attendants being unable to wake me at the end of the flight. Or staggering up to an Immigration official as if I was drunk or drugged. I’ll start back after the trip ends.
And I do like being able to go out at nights again. It’s temporary, but hey, grab the opportunities while I can.
August 7th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
ever woke up from a bad dream feeling cold? something similar to that?
August 7th, 2011 at 2:50 pm
More like asking people all day “Is it cold here”. Surprisingly, other than that I’ve had no effects coming off the Seroquel, not even a headache.
August 8th, 2011 at 2:35 am
So how are you feeling now? elated mood? I second that thought of not taking seroquel on a flight. Your mood might be off, but at least you know how to take care of yourself.
August 27th, 2011 at 2:08 pm
I have added you to my blog list. Please visit my blog at bipolardisorder.blogspot.com. It is a blog from a parent’s point of view. I would appreciate it if you could add my blog to your links.
Thank you-Glinda
August 31st, 2011 at 8:12 am
I’m currently on Seroquel (have been since Christmas), and I’ve had 2 or 3 times where I’ve come off the medication (mainly because I’ve forgotten to get a new prescription in time). Mostly, symptoms I’ve had include a tingling in my fingers and hands. The hypomania comes on quite quickly if I’m off the Seroquel, and I’ve had serious issues when drinking anything caffeinated whilst off the medication.
You’re probably right to wait until you get back from travelling to start back on it, though. It seriously messed up my attendance at seminars and lectures when I had to re-start Seroquel during term time at university, so it might be worth taking a week or two off when you get back.
By the way, I’ve been reading your blog since I was diagnosed in 2008, and it’s been a massive help to me. Knowing that you’re writing has made me feel much less alone in my illness, so thank you.
I hope you manage to get back on balance again soon
Best wishes,
Frances
August 31st, 2011 at 9:26 pm
Hi Jinnah,
I am coping with bipolar since 2004, ur blog has been a great sharing.
thanks
September 27th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
I have just found your blog this evening. I am 39 now and have suffered with bipolar since I was 13. Currently I am in a very low depressive state. Having just confessed to my doctor that I have severe suicidal thoughts (one carried out unsuccessfully last week) – I am now back Citralopram, having tried nearly every drug out there.
I couldn’t relate more to your section on relationships and withdrawing – feeling that your loved one is ‘just another problem to deal with right now’. I have been in a relationship for 4 years now (long distance). After a harrowing telephone conversation earlier, I am praying that he never calls me again. I wish I had found this blogg earlier
October 30th, 2011 at 3:06 am
I was diagnosed so long ago that the diagnosis was manic depressive disorder. In fact it was back in 1982. I still receive treatment for bipolar disorder. However, I am very much in control of my disorder. I have not had a bipolar episode since 1997.
I have been on a small dose of seroquel for many years now. I do have a problem when I do come of it. This problem occurs even if I miss one night of medication. I find that I am unable to go to sleep.
When I started on the drug I assured that it was not addictive. I am not saying it is addictive, What I do say is that even missing one night generally leads to me failing to get any sleep. If I realise that I have missed my meds I will often get up in order to take my seroquel, at least.
November 2nd, 2011 at 10:25 pm
I’ve taken seroquel once before and never had a problem. I am now taking again at 300 mgs. I’ve been having trouble sleeping and in the morning feel tired as hell. I know this is a passing thing and the balance will be restored. I enjoy the blog.
Being bipolar is impossible to explain to someone else but it’s nice to show your blog to people and see it all chronicled.
November 8th, 2011 at 5:26 am
Wow… oh, hello. I’ve just found your blog. I was considering how to communicate what it’s like to be Bipolar/ADHD without using the standard clinical lingo. And Google brought me to you. I’ve taken so many drugs I’ve no idea if I took Seroquel. I won’t lecture you… just be careful and listen to your body/brain. Can you take some with you “just in case”?
Be well, Gracie
January 21st, 2012 at 9:52 pm
I just found your blog, It is so nice to connect with others who understand Bipolar. There are days that I do not pretend to understand my moods and the Severe Depression I face on a regular basis. The hardest part of all of this is finding people that can understand how you feel. I have taken sequeal for two days (50mg) and all I can do is sleep. I can not continue on this medicine. Sometimes I wonder if we will ever be able to find the right meds for me. I was informed that this med would make me crave sweets, that is a True statement. All I wanted to eat was Sugary foods which is not my normal cravings. Thank you for your blog, be well everyone. Tammy