02-23-2013, 02:39 AM
I was diagnosed with Bi-Polar when I was 14 (now almost 21). They told me it runs in the family (my dad is labeled skitzophrenic and bi-polar and demonstrates pretty 'psychotic' behavior) They put me on Depakote first mixed with a few others I don't remember the names of... I finally settled with Seroquel as it seemed to be most effective at the time as it brought about the most noticeable changes.
In my experience, it made the world feel more dreamlike, more cloudy, I felt less passionate and more passive. The most obvious effect it had on me was it knocked me out like a light. I took my dose before bed (had to) and within 30 mins to an hour I would be fast asleep...I felt like it was impossible to resist, it just takes over you so strongly. I did notice positive changes in my mood behavior, yet I feel like it just kind of numbed my emotions to a degree.
The next day up awakening the tiredness stays, I found on this medication I could sleep in for as long as I wanted without feeling that urge you get when you know its a good time to wake up. The tiredness would taper slowly throughout the day but its like it never fully goes away.
After discovering all this material that helped wake me up to what I like to call 'the bigger picture' I decided I wanted to get off of the medication as I had found my 'rock'. So I ever so slowly eased myself off the Seroquel as it is highly addictive and when missing a dose one experiences physical withdrawal symptoms one of many being insomnia. It took around 2 1/2 months to ease off of a dose of, I believe it was, 600mg which is a lot.
I found that the not so desirable effects of this 'medicine' became more noticeable once off of it. I was way less drowsy, more clearheaded and passionate about life. The rest is history.
First off I would like to say based off of MY EXPERIENCE and understanding of this medication I feel that it is not necessary and there are other, more effect ways to help TREAT (not suppress) depression and 'bi-polar'.
I will say, though, if you plan to stop taking you medication don't do it suddenly. Gradually reduce the dose over a good period of time, don't rush..trust me, it makes all the difference.
In my experience, it made the world feel more dreamlike, more cloudy, I felt less passionate and more passive. The most obvious effect it had on me was it knocked me out like a light. I took my dose before bed (had to) and within 30 mins to an hour I would be fast asleep...I felt like it was impossible to resist, it just takes over you so strongly. I did notice positive changes in my mood behavior, yet I feel like it just kind of numbed my emotions to a degree.
The next day up awakening the tiredness stays, I found on this medication I could sleep in for as long as I wanted without feeling that urge you get when you know its a good time to wake up. The tiredness would taper slowly throughout the day but its like it never fully goes away.
After discovering all this material that helped wake me up to what I like to call 'the bigger picture' I decided I wanted to get off of the medication as I had found my 'rock'. So I ever so slowly eased myself off the Seroquel as it is highly addictive and when missing a dose one experiences physical withdrawal symptoms one of many being insomnia. It took around 2 1/2 months to ease off of a dose of, I believe it was, 600mg which is a lot.
I found that the not so desirable effects of this 'medicine' became more noticeable once off of it. I was way less drowsy, more clearheaded and passionate about life. The rest is history.
First off I would like to say based off of MY EXPERIENCE and understanding of this medication I feel that it is not necessary and there are other, more effect ways to help TREAT (not suppress) depression and 'bi-polar'.
I will say, though, if you plan to stop taking you medication don't do it suddenly. Gradually reduce the dose over a good period of time, don't rush..trust me, it makes all the difference.