I'm Slipping

[Bear13]

I'm slipping... I've been out three times this week getting drunk.  I was reckless... ended up going home with someone.   This isn't me... hasn't been me for many, many months.... I'm afraid that the one med isn't going to cut it anymore.... I take seroquel 200/mg.  I'm afraid to go back on more meds.... I'm at a loss..... my stress level is certainly contributing to this behavior....this isn't me... I don't recognize myself right now

[Bear13]

Thank you for your words... I took a good long hard look at myself this weekend and realize that I've been fighting the mulit med combo for such a long time now, and it's really ridiculous....  I stopped drinking (yeah), but I'm still afraid for myself, because I just get so tired of all the ****... my workload is overwhelming, I'm doing reckless things (taking someone home :( but at least i was safe, no excuse there though)..... I'm just exhausted with just being.......  I'm going to go make an appt with the pdoc and talk about upping the Seroquel to a therapeutic level and see how that goes for a few weeks, and if it isn't working, then i'll ask him to introduce another med... not the road I want to be on, but the alternatives are not acceptable either.... thank you all on this forum, you've helped in more ways than one...

[jst4shanell]

I'm sure you already know what you need to do.  Don't beat yourself up.  You know it's common and it's a pattern.  You will eventually get on the right medication and help curb your behaviors better.  You sound like you are in a rough spot right now.  Like I said, don't beat yourself up.  You know it's part of the disorder.  It's good that you are at least aware of the issues that are going on.  We are our own worst enemies sometimes.  You are a strong person.  We all have our bridges to cross.  Hang in there and don't give up.  Keep trying and eventually things will fall into place.  I too have dealt with these things for many years.  Medication is the only thing that helped with the promiscuity.  Quitting drinking and drugs was something I had to find from within.  I knew I couldn't drink with the meds.  Eventually I just had to make a choice.  Alcohol or my life.  I hope you start feeling better soon.  If you would like to just talk and vent, PM me.  I have been down many, many dark roads.  Keep your chin up.

[ILADVOCATE]

I agree with what everyone is saying but one thing to remember (from when I was on it as well as standard knowledge) the Seroquel is at a subclinical dose. To work it has to be at least 300 mg. I remember being directly informed that at the time by my psychopharmocologist. Thus perhaps because it is not working fully then you feel somewhat manic and are showing poor judgment of which the drinking may be a part. I believe you had posted that you could not tolerate a higher dose of Seroquel so something has to be added. Lithium, Depakoate and Lamictal are the standards and I personally found Lamictal to be the most tolerable. If you've tried those 3 on the links page there are other medications listed as well. You can talk this over with your psychiatrist. And I would suggest a dual recovery group for someone with a psychiatric disability and alcohol abuse issue as those work best as a few remaining recovery groups (I've been directly informed this by people who went) or group members confuse psychiatric medication with illegal drugs so a group for people who are coping with both issues is probably the best and there are an increasing number of them.

[bernie40]

Hi Bear, so sorry to hear that things aren't going good for you :-(  As LCC has already advised I really think you should contact your pdoc asap, if you don't already have one that get one.

Drinking alongside your meds is a seriously bad idea (which I know you already know) -

Seroquel is an anti-psychotic which is also used as a mood stabilizer but it is not a first line mood stabilizer.  Many many people are on an MS plus an AP (such as seroquel).  I know it's scary trying new medications but a new med is better than self-medicating with alcohol.

Please speak to your pdoc and keep posting on here for our support.

[LeftCoastChick]

You need to see your pdoc and get your meds tweeks

Why are you drinking, is it to self medicate and are dangerous w/many drugs.  How have you been drinking for/ YOu might want too look the alcohlism theard as well You need to a pscyhiatrist who can help you work things out. I would aslo going to AA for your drinking issue and deal with your binge drinking.