Ottergirl: Seroquel tapering from 100 MG

[Ottergirl]

Hello Lovely Humans, 

 

I am a 36 year old woman.  Prior to the experience laid out below I was (and fight to still be) a very happy, high performing human with a successful engineering career. Well now I am much gentler on myself to not be so high performing. 🥰

 

In early August I had friends visiting while we were renovating our house. I was also dealing with a highly stressful job. That’s when I had 4 days of bad insomnia which was very unlike myself (typically 1-2 days per month). While they were visiting I asked my primary doctor for a subscription for 5 Ambien tablets. I had taken one of my mom’s before a couple years ago and it knocked me out. I figured that they could just help me through my friend’s visit and that would be it.

 

The weird thing is this time I was waking up 1-4 hrs after taking the 5 mg tablet. Desperate for more sleep I would take another 5 mg. Early on I attempted to go a night without it and landed in the ER with a panic attack. This started a (luckily short) stint with Ativan.

 

Over the course of the next month I used the Ambien nightly and the Ativan as needed and things got worse. I started to experience suicidal ideation which got more intense over time.  Needless to say this was beyond terrifying. I’ve never even experienced depression let alone SI before in my life.

 

Desperate for some answers I scheduled a psychiatry appointment since I had only been seeing a primary doctor. I told him my symptoms as well as that my mom is diagnosed bipolar. Within 5 minutes of hearing that my mom is bipolar he diagnosed me with that as well. He prescribed me 100 mg of Seroquel. This was September 7th. 

 

Those first few weeks I was elated to feel like myself again and get 10-11 Hours of sleep. However after reading the side effects profile of the drug I became worried. (Doctor only told me possible weight gain was  the only side effect-which luckily I haven’t experienced). Additionally I just didn’t quite identify with being bipolar and I had this nagging feeling that the Ambien was the cause of the suicidal ideation. That coupled with the high stress I had been carrying for a while. 

 

I decided on November 1st to start tapering. So far so good. I’m at 75 mg. Sleep is still great (average 8.5 hours-keeping a daily spreadsheet that I hope to turn into some fun graphs by the end).  My biggest issue is a stiff neck. I am doing lots of stretching, chiropractor, and massage. It seems to be slowly alleviating but I am hoping this doesn’t worsen after the next cut. Any guidance on this would be appreciated.

 

All things considered I’m doing ok. I’ve been able to get short term disability for the past 4 months and really focus on how I want to rebuild my life. I even started skiing again after blowing out my knee (acl, mcl and meniscus) 2 years ago. So I am no stranger to a long term healing process.  The year before that I broke my wrist! Hopefully after this taper I can get a little break for a few years haha! 🙂

 

Thanks for reading my story. This site has been so valuable as I start this scary journey. Appreciate all the moderators' time and energy!

[FireflyFyte]

Hi Ottergirl,

 

Welcome to SA. Please summarize your drug history in your signature by following the instructions at How to Summarize Your Drug History in Your Signature. You may need to be on a computer to complete this.

 

Did you jump from 100mg -> 75mg? If so, that is a larger decrease than we recommend. We encourage the harm reduction method of tapering which means dropping no more than 10% per month of your previous dose. You can read more about this at Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

I would also encourage you to read, if you haven't already, our thread on tapering Seroquel at Tips for tapering off Seroquel (quetiapine).

 

8 hours ago, Ottergirl said:

My biggest issue is a stiff neck. I am doing lots of stretching, chiropractor, and massage. It seems to be slowly alleviating but I am hoping this doesn’t worsen after the next cut. Any guidance on this would be appreciated.

 

We have a thread on this at Migraine, headache, neck ache / pain and head pressure

 

Thanks,

 

Firefly

[Mittenraised]

Welcome! This is the best place for you to be. Great information and people that have already experienced what you and I are going through. Seroquel is horrible stuff, I'm happy you figured it out. Many don't. Stay healthy and if you have questions don't be afraid to ask. 

[Ottergirl]

On 1/3/2024 at 7:50 AM, FireflyFyte said:

Hi Ottergirl,

 

Welcome to SA. Please summarize your drug history in your signature by following the instructions at How to Summarize Your Drug History in Your Signature. You may need to be on a computer to complete this.

 

Did you jump from 100mg -> 75mg? If so, that is a larger decrease than we recommend. We encourage the harm reduction method of tapering which means dropping no more than 10% per month of your previous dose. You can read more about this at Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

I would also encourage you to read, if you haven't already, our thread on tapering Seroquel at Tips for tapering off Seroquel (quetiapine).

 

 

We have a thread on this at Migraine, headache, neck ache / pain and head pressure

 

Thanks,

 

Firefly

Hi @FireflyFyte 

I did not jump to 75. My first jump was to 87.5 mg. I was estimating this for the first 7 days as I was waiting for a scale since this was the smallest cut I could estimate from 100 mg. I understand that’s more than the 10% but it was the best I could do with what I had at the time. I’ve updated my signature below with cuts.

 

Last night was a strange sleep. I can’t complain too much because I feel rested but it felt like I was sleeping for 30 minutes with a vivid dream, waking up for a couple minutes then falling back asleep to a new vivid dream. This cycle continued through the night. My typical sleep is 6 hrs straight wake up for a bit then fall back to sleep for 2-3 more hours so it was a little off putting. Anyone have these nights?

 

I do have a question about menstrual cycle and Seroquel. It seems to totally have messed it up. They are now much further apart and they only last 2-3 days when they used to be 6-7. While not an inconvenient side effect it is concerning. Should I be overly concerned or just take this kind of side effect as they come?

[littlebird]

Welcome! Thanks for stopping by my thread. The gratitude lists are something I first saw Carmie doing, and they've been a real boon for my mental health while tapering. Sometimes my mood has turned for the better by the end of the list! Hope you're well, glad you're here.

[FireflyFyte]

15 hours ago, Ottergirl said:

I did not jump to 75. My first jump was to 87.5 mg. I was estimating this for the first 7 days as I was waiting for a scale since this was the smallest cut I could estimate from 100 mg. I understand that’s more than the 10% but it was the best I could do with what I had at the time.

It is important to keep doses as consistent as possible so am glad that you now have a scale for tapering.

 

16 hours ago, Ottergirl said:

I do have a question about menstrual cycle and Seroquel. It seems to totally have messed it up. They are now much further apart and they only last 2-3 days when they used to be 6-7. While not an inconvenient side effect it is concerning. Should I be overly concerned or just take this kind of side effect as they come?

 

Anti-psychotics have a tendency to affect menstrual cycles but might be worth discussing with your doctor to be on the safe side.

[Ottergirl]

Slept like a log for 8.5 hrs straight after two very broken nights. Nights like this give me faith in the process! 

[Mittenraised]

Take it when you can get it! I love my weekend nights when I can steal 8 hours of sleep. 

[Ottergirl]

Dropped from 75 to 70 last night. One hour of insomnia but still slept a solid 8 hrs in total. Feeling good!  That's feel pretty typical for my drops. 

 

Wanted to get in a small drop ahead of sister in law coming to visit. 

 

30% less Seroquel my body has to process! Woot Woot! 

 

[Jeppe]

Hi. Glad you have found this site, and, you are gradually and safely tapering.

 

I made some mistakes before, but, during the year 2023 I have continued with  monthly 10% drops. The process will be long, and, there will be worse nights. I am happy having reached the level 11 mg, though.

 

Good luck to you.

 

 

[Mittenraised]

27 minutes ago, Jeppe said:

Hi. Glad you have found this site, and, you are gradually and safely tapering.

 

I made some mistakes before, but, during the year 2023 I have continued with  monthly 10% drops. The process will be long, and, there will be worse nights. I am happy having reached the level 11 mg, though.

 

Good luck to you.

 

 

@Jeppe, are you water titration or using a scale?

[Ottergirl]

6 hours ago, Jeppe said:

Hi. Glad you have found this site, and, you are gradually and safely tapering.

 

I made some mistakes before, but, during the year 2023 I have continued with  monthly 10% drops. The process will be long, and, there will be worse nights. I am happy having reached the level 11 mg, though.

 

Good luck to you.

 

 

Thank you @Jeppe! Congratulations on making it so far! Yes, it's a long daunting road but would rather do it safely and lead a somewhat normal life.

[littlebird]

12 hours ago, Ottergirl said:

Yes, it's a long daunting road but would rather do it safely and lead a somewhat normal life.

Slow and steady wins the tapering race for sure. 🐢 Hope you're doing well!

[Jeppe]

On 1/14/2024 at 2:11 PM, Mittenraised said:

@Jeppe, are you water titration or using a scale?

The Pharmacy makes 12.5 mg and 5.0 mg tablets for me, and, I am so glad about this.   I therefore manage the tapering using a knife and scales. And, luckily I always get a 6 hours nightly sleep.

[Ottergirl]

11 hours ago, littlebird said:

Slow and steady wins the tapering race for sure. 🐢 Hope you're doing well!

Hi @littlebird! Thanks for the check in. I'm doing well. I did come down with a cold (husband has it too, so know it's not WD) but it's been really relaxing actually. It snowed a foot where I am so we've just been doing lots of cooking, watching movies and hanging by the fire. But I am anxious to get on the mountains! ⛷️ Hope you're well!

[Ottergirl]

The weather was far too nice to not get in a few laps! @FeralCatman I believe I read your big into winter sports. Been getting any laps in this year? 

[Mittenraised]

9 hours ago, Jeppe said:

The Pharmacy makes 12.5 mg and 5.0 mg tablets for me, and, I am so glad about this.   I therefore manage the tapering using a knife and scales. And, luckily I always get a 6 hours nightly sleep.

That's great! I just started water titration my smaller pill. Going ok so far. Happy you can get some sleep!

[Mittenraised]

13 minutes ago, Ottergirl said:

The weather was far too nice to not get in a few laps! @FeralCatman I believe I read your big into winter sports. Been getting any laps in this year? 

Great picture! We just got dumped on here in Michigan. I love the snow, just not the -0 temps! I hope your doing well @Ottergirl!

[Ottergirl]

15 hours ago, Mittenraised said:

Great picture! We just got dumped on here in Michigan. I love the snow, just not the -0 temps! I hope your doing well @Ottergirl!

Thanks @Mittenraised! I love the snow too. I've heard Midwest Winters can be pretty brutal! Luckily it doesn't get too cold here in Bend. It's a pretty cool climate it can be 40 and sunny in town but blizzarding in the mountains 30 minutes away. 

 

I'm doing well besides a minor cold. Smooth transition from 75 to 70! Hope you're getting some good rest as well! 

[Ottergirl]

Snuck in a mg (70 -> 69) last night ahead of my 10% cut next week. Who's counting mg ??  @Mittenraised and I are 😅

[Mittenraised]

Every little drop makes a difference. The long list of the consequences from taking this poison gives me resolve to get off it. Slow and steady keeps my body in good order. 

 

The histamine issues have been hitting me recently. Congestion, wheezing, and even red eyes. Benadryl is a life saver. 

 

Good luck!

[Ottergirl]

Made it safely to 64 two nights ago. Sleeping well. Neck tightness still persists but I guess if that is my only issue so far I have to be grateful. 

[FireflyFyte]

2 hours ago, Ottergirl said:

Made it safely to 64 two nights ago. Sleeping well. Neck tightness still persists but I guess if that is my only issue so far I have to be grateful. 

 

Glad to hear that you are sleeping well and withdrawal symptoms remain manageable.

[Mittenraised]

Great news! I hope the trend continues. 

[Vancouver1986]

Hi there. Any updates to share? You seem like you're reducing faster than my nervous system would be able to do. I'm about to start my 50mg I.R. Seroquel taper next week. I gotta do my signature now.

[Mittenraised]

On 3/8/2024 at 7:54 PM, Vancouver1986 said:

Hi there. Any updates to share? You seem like you're reducing faster than my nervous system would be able to do. I'm about to start my 50mg I.R. Seroquel taper next week. I gotta do my signature now.

Hi @Vancouver1986! I too am tapering Seroquel. Although I'm not qualified to give advise, I can share what has worked for me so far. Slow, slow, slow. If 10% is too much, try 7%, 5% or even lower. Give your body time. I certainly would like to rush and get off this crap, but I learned from a long standing member of this board that successfully taper Seroquel, slow is fast. Good luck to you and don't be a stranger!

[Vancouver1986]

Thanks for the reply!

 

Yep. I don't even want to do a -1% reduction. I should put my thread's link in my signature, but you can probably click on my username, see my post history, and take a look at my thread to see what I've come up with for my taper - waiting on approval from someone who can confirm that I've got it right.

 

I've been trying to get off of the 50mg I.R. since July 2021, because it's severely inconsistently tranquilizing without my permission (can't figure out the variation/why, besides histamine and hormones interracting together), and my muscles inconsistently constantly twitch all over without my consent (hormones & dopamine interract together.) The tranquilizing has reduced drastically when they had to add 50mg X.R. at an in-patient facility because I was withdrawing so bad from a few things at the same time. I think the twitching more or less stayed the same.

 

I do know that when I tried to swap the 50mg I.R. for 50mg X.R. late last year, (because the year before, I was told that they're the same Seroquel) the tranquilizing vanished completely. But the twitching was out of control. & I became extremely depressed. I enjoyed the body autonomy while it lasted, but I'll never forget that I had a 1.5 week break from the tranquilizing. I temporarily had my life back.

 

Nobody (all types of medical professionals) since July 2021 has ever mentioned a liquid taper. Either myself at home or at an in-patient facility has taken 1/4 off one of the two pills. I now know that's a -12.5% reduction. Pure incompetence.

 

I've lost 2.75 years of my life & have shattered my reputation & been more or less house-bound & almost driven my long-term partner literally insane with watching me be helplessly poly-medicated spiralling out of control.

 

I was originally given 50mg I.R. in a small E.R. because I had a very severe limbic system reaction to LoLoestrin, which I went to the walk-in clinic the day before with rapidly growing concerns, and I was reassured limbic system reactions are common for women. Yes, I know that. A significant amount of women's physiologies don't jive well with artifical hormone tampering. You can read thousands of completely anonymous stories on Reddit + 'girl talk' in real life. But I've been on ~7 different b/c pills with no issues whatsoever.

 

Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us, & I'll keep an eye on your thread.

[Ottergirl]

Made it safely to 53.5 mg last night from 58.56 three weeks ago. Trying out ~8.5% every three weeks-so far so good. Slept like a log last night. It probably helped that I went on a 20 mile bike ride and a 3 mile hike with friends 😜. 70 degree March weather....gotta seize the day!

 

Hope all is well with everyone's tapers and you're enjoying some spring weather!

[FireflyFyte]

Glad that your taper is going well and you are able to exercise and enjoy the warm weather.

[Mittenraised]

Great news! I hope it continues for you.

[Ottergirl]

Made it safely to 48.95! Officially over 50% of this drug is out of my body! Major milestone 🥲 🙂

[Mittenraised]

Good for you! I'm happy your making steady progress without a bunch of issues. Best of health to you!

[FireflyFyte]

20 hours ago, Ottergirl said:

Made it safely to 48.95! Officially over 50% of this drug is out of my body! Major milestone 🥲 🙂

 

Congratulations, over 50% reduced is certainly an achievement 🎉

[Ottergirl]

@FireflyFyte hoping to get a quick sanity check on some math. I'm going to switch to 50mg pills from 100 mg. 

 

My next stop is 44.78 mg in a couple of days. So I would take 44.78/50 (.895)  and multiple it by the weight of the 50 mg pill, correct? 

 

Thank you!

[Mittenraised]

Hi Ottergirl! I found water titration easier. I just couldn't get the pill cutting down. I hope all is well.