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What to Expect During Seroquel Withdrawal
When coming off of Seroquel, it is critical to be aware of the potential Seroquel withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can differ from person to person, and can range from mild to severe.
What is Seroquel?
Seroquel (also known as quetiapine) is an antidepressant and antipsychotic medication primarily used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other psychotic disorders.
The brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine, which are crucial for controlling mood and behavior, are altered by Seroquel. In people who have mental health disorders including bipolar and major depressive disorder, there is often an imbalance of these neurotransmitters in their bodies.
Seroquel works by altering the way nerve cells transmit signals by boosting serotonin levels in the brain, which can help to reduce symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and manic episodes.
Seroquel Side Effects
Some common side effects associated with Seroquel (quetiapine) include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Chills
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Headache
- Dry mouth
When taken for a prolonged period of time, other more serious long-term effects may occur, including:
- High blood pressure
- Increased cholesterol
- Changes in thyroid
How Long Does Seroquel Stay in Your System?
The length of time that Seroquel (quetiapine) stays in your system can vary depending on several factors, including the dosage, frequency of use, and your individual metabolism. The average half-life of Seroquel is six hours. This means that after six hours of taking the drug, your body will eliminate 50% of it.
However, the drug can be detected in the blood or urine for a longer period of time, usually up to 24-48 hours after the last dose. It’s important to note that it may take longer for the medication to be completely eliminated from your body if you have been taking it for an extended period of time.
Is Seroquel Addictive?
Seroquel can be addictive when taken more frequently than prescribed. Studies have shown that Seroquel is the most abused antipsychotic drug.
Unlike many other drugs, Seroquel is abused and misused because it helps individuals sleep better and reduces anxiety, not because it has euphoric benefits.
When you abruptly stop taking the drug, regardless of whether or not you have been abusing it, seroquel withdrawal can occur.
It’s important to remember that although Seroquel can help to alleviate the symptoms of certain mental health disorders, it is not a cure. Other treatment modalities such as therapy and support groups may be needed in order to better manage mental health disorders.
Mixing Seroquel With Other Drugs
Seroquel should not be combined with other medications, especially those that are psychoactive or depressants of the central nervous system. The negative side effects of Seroquel may become more prominent with certain drug combinations.
Some examples of drugs that may interact with Seroquel include:
- Antipsychotics, such as ziprasidone, chlorpromazine, or thioridazine can cause a dangerously irregular heart rate.
- Antidepressants, such as SSRIs or SNRIs, which may increase the heart rate
- Benzodiazepines, which may increase the risk of sedation, respiratory depression, and cognitive impairment when taken with Seroquel.
- Alcohol – both of these substances will compound the effects of the other, making lesser amounts of each substance more powerful when used in combination.
- Opioid painkillers, such as morphine, which may increase the risk of respiratory depression and sedation when taken with Seroquel.
- Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, which may increase the risk of sedation, dry mouth, and constipation when taken with Seroquel.
Signs of Seroquel Addiction
Seroquel addiction may be hard to spot, as it can develop gradually. You may think that you are not dependent on the drug, but then experience difficulty when trying to quit.
Here are some signs of Seroquel addiction to be aware of:
- Taking higher doses than prescribed
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when Seroquel is not used
- Constantly worrying about when you will use Seroquel next
- Inability to quit using despite negative effects
- Mixing Seroquel with other drugs
- Feeling psychologically incapable of functioning without using Seroquel
Symptoms of Seroquel Withdrawal
Coming off Seroquel can be a difficult process. Although the medication is generally safe and well-tolerated, patients may experience a few potential side effects when discontinuing it.
The following are the most common withdrawal symptoms that occur when discontinuing Seroquel:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Insomnia
- Increases sweating
- An increased heart rate
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Muscle rigidity
- Abdominal pain
- Increased appetite or weight gain
It is critical to consult with your doctor about the best way to manage this transition and ensure that you are comfortable and prepared for any side effects that may occur. If you experience any of these symptoms during your withdrawal period, please consult with your doctor for further instructions.
How Long Does Seroquel Withdrawal Last?
How long withdrawal from Seroquel lasts can vary depending on several factors, including the dosage, frequency of use, and the overall health of the individual. Generally, seroquel withdrawal symptoms can last for a few days to a few weeks.
Is Seroquel Withdrawal Dangerous?
Seroquel withdrawal can be dangerous, especially if the user has been taking high doses for an extended period of time. Abruptly stopping the medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms that can range from mild to severe.
Here are some general tips to keep in mind when withdrawing from Seroquel:
- Speak to a doctor or mental health professional before making any decisions about withdrawal.
- Always detox from Seroquel in a medically supervised environmen.t
- Seroquel should not be stopped abruptly.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while undergoing Seroquel withdrawal, as this could increase anxiety and seizures.
- Avoid caffeine which could lead to dehydration or other complications during detoxification.
Treatment for Seroquel Withdrawal
Treatment for Seroquel withdrawal will depend on the individual and their needs. There are many factors to consider before initiating the withdrawal process, including the dosage and frequency of use.
Always speak to a medical professional before attempting to quit Seroquel. They will help ensure your complete safety and comfort while undergoing the withdrawal process.
To learn more about treatment options for Seroquel withdrawal, speak to our addiction treatment specialists.
