Zyprexa <-> Seroquel and back again, back again.

[Cleansing]

Did ya get the Jay-Z reference?

Zyprexa has been prescribed to me on and off for various reasons. I basically take it to keep the edge of and not act out. I've noticed that while in rehab, the Zyprexa did that job well. Out of rehab, it's not doing much in terms pf reducing impulsivity or anxiety. A doctor in the ER told me that since I smoke a pack a day, I'm depleting the amount of Zyprexa in my bloodstream. So, since there was no smoking in rehab, Zyprexa worked better.

From what I remember, Seroquel didn't interact with Tobacco in that manner. So I see a psychiatrist in 10 days, and was thinking of asking him to switch me to Seroquel, so that I had something to take the edge off. Something to calm me down.

My issue with Seroquel is that it does that sedative stuff too well, and I often mixed the Seroquel with weed and alcohol, because it reminded me of those highs. I believe I'm stronger now to handle the seroquel feeling without using, but I can't be sure.

Then again, I'm not really sure I need any new meds right now. I like the way I feel, and even though I get stressed out, anxious, and afraid of my own thoughts sometimes; I'm dealing with it rather fine. Moreso, he might prescribe me seroquel at a dose that makes me too tired. I stopped smoking for two days recently, and noticed the Zyprexa levels rise immediately. I was so tired during the day, and by 8pm, was knocked out for the night. I'm used to using downers (opiates, alcohol, weed sort of a downer), and so I think for a while, I wanted to be slightly sedated. But now that I'm doing well clean, I feel like I should try the "awake style" living for a change.

I just don't want to hit those moments (usually lasting a few days) when I'm feeling dizzy when I'm around people, shaky, stuttering, and just worried overall because I'm so worked up. That's why I would like to switch to Seroquel, or stop smoking and stick with Zyprexa. Though I don't want to quit tobacco right now.

I'm not looking for medical advice here, just would like some feedback on what I typed. I wrote out my experience with the two meds, and know them well. Not really asking for medical advice. Just wanted to talk this out with some people, and it seems like the members of NA/AA I know don't really deal with these things. I make a big deal about meds, hence this long post. Sorry. I have this problem where i have to make every appointment with my doctor count.

Of course we're basically talking about off-label use. Because when it comes down to it, I haven't had delusions or hallucinations in 3 years. The Zyprexa is working well, just not bringing me down. I was told a long time ago that I need to start feeling up, and stop looking to stay down. lol. A suicidal, raging Alcoholic told me this. I hope he's ok by the way, haven't heard from him since 2007.

God bless you all.

[Aysha]

I really have no real advice. I was given seroquel once and I hated how it made me feel so I refuse to take it. I felt really messed up.
The whole point of being in recovery for me is to not feel an alteration of the mind.
I have no idea what the other one is or what its effects are. But if it works well and hey quitting smoking is a good thing. I would go for that one.
But this is just based on my horrible experience with seroquel.

[pinkgurl87]

I love seroquel, it's really helped me a lot , it's calmed me way down. It's the med that has helped me the most. Give it a try, I don't know if you are still wondering about it since this is an older post but ya.

[rws177]

I take 300mg of Seroquel at night, it really help with my sleep. My biggest complaint is the weight gain though. Does anyone else use this for sleep???

[pinkgurl87]

Ya I use it for other stuff but sleep too it helps with my sleep. ya I have weight gain effect too I hate that part of it.