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Post by Helen on Jan 24, 2014 21:44:09 GMT
So I'm on Quetiapine for my Bipolar Disorder. So far I've been taking the XL ones in the evening and I get really drowsy which helps me sleep. Now my doctor wants me to take another quick release dose in the morning but I'm reluctant as I don't want to be sleepy in the morning! Has anyone got experience with this?
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Post by ellief on Jan 25, 2014 21:57:31 GMT
Yes. I take quetiapine. The slow release and normal release actually last pretty much the same amount of time. Anyway. I asked if I could take both at night and my psychiatrist said yes, I could take them whatever arrangement helps most. But check with your Dr first. Also, now I've been on them a couple of months they make me less sleepy and drowsy, now my body is more used to them. Hope that helps!
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Post by Helen on Jan 26, 2014 9:21:43 GMT
Really? Well my psych wants me to deliberately take a small quick-release dose in the morning. I plan to try this when I don't have stuff I'll actually need to do in the morning. I still get groggy sometimes from my slow release dose from the night before so this was his solution to up my dose and make me not drowsy. Only I'm not convinced! Especially because my upper digestive system is so slow I don't see how it'll get through my system fast enough for me to be useful in the day. But I guess I have to try it, hmmm.
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Post by ellief on Jan 26, 2014 13:32:45 GMT
Interesting. Well, the few times I did take it in the morning I coped, I was just slow doing things and thinking, however fortunately for me im unable to work anyway so not being able to do anything wasnt added stress, I just had a lazy day!
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Post by Helen on Jan 26, 2014 14:24:48 GMT
Lazy days are good! Unfortunately getting really ill last summer meant I couldn't finish my Masters so I'm completing it part-time this year. Obviously I don't want to get ill again but I also reeeeally want to finish my course this year. Slow thinking isn't the best for uni work!
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Post by ellief on Jan 28, 2014 12:16:28 GMT
Ah I see, part time seems like a good option. I've had to not go to university although I'd applied and been accepted two years running because of my mental health :/ I've applied again this year but we will have to see! Hopefully the Quetiapine will help. I started on it in November, and now I feel the affects very much more than I did to start with in terms of stability. I take it for BPD, so I'm only on a low dose. But I'm a lot more stable now than I have been in a long time.
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Post by Helen on Jan 28, 2014 23:07:41 GMT
That's such a shame that your illness has taken away your opportunities like that. What do you want to study?
I'm glad that Quetiapine is having a good effect for you. I found it helped almost immediately but for continued stability I see why my dose needs to be increased. I'm starting the changed doses later in the week so we'll see how the mornings go. It's weird because most nights I get the Quetiapine hitting me and sending me to sleep but nights like tonight I still feel wide awake and there's just no effect! I prefer the sleep to be honest...
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Post by aimeecatherine on Jan 30, 2014 19:15:17 GMT
when i was on quetiapine i didnt really feel the drowsiness in the day time. each to their own though so I think taking it on a less busy day would be a good place to start. Is there a time frame of building it up in your system again or would you see a difference straight away?
Just a thought with you wanting to try it slowly
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Post by ellief on Jan 31, 2014 11:52:17 GMT
I want to study nursing, but my previous applications were for dance, but unfortunately anorexia ruined that for me, as well as BPD! Oh well, I still enjoy it as a hobby! Hope this increase in dose helps lovely, do let me know how you get on c
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Post by Helen on Jan 31, 2014 18:29:03 GMT
Thanks for that Aimee. I'm building up an added 50mg into my day. Today was the first morning I've had it and I was surprised that I didn't feel too groggy. Maybe because I've been on a higher dose in the evening I've got more used to it. The quicker releasing tablet from the evening did give me a bigger hit of drowsiness though. But I'm hoping it means I can get to sleep early and then naturally wake up in the morning which makes me much more productive. In general I've found it a really good drug and it's helped me a lot. It's just when the drowsiness hits at unexpected times it starts to interfere with my life.
Oh wow, I really wish I could dance! I did ballet as a child but now I am one of the most uncoordinated people you will ever meet. At least you can still have it as a hobby. But it is awful the things that mental health illness can take away from you. Becoming a nurse would be amazing though!
Yes, I'll update after a few days when I know more. It's looking okay so far though.
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Post by Helen on Feb 6, 2014 21:12:33 GMT
Almost a week later and I'm glad to report that this regime is working for me! Only one day have I experienced morning drowsiness in the morning. The evening dose is getting me to sleep and I'm up bright in the morning. I'm so relieved.
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Post by ellief on Feb 8, 2014 10:35:40 GMT
Yay! Pleased for you
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