seroquel

[opus88]

new here!!
My 38 year old son has been dx with BPD....really the only symptom he has and has had for years is a racing mind can't stop the racing thoughts.....so he gets very little sleep. he has been on and off seroquel for a couple of years, that does stop the racing however it knocks him out completely...he works 12 hr shifts and has to take soon as he gets home just so he is able to function and get back to work 12 hrs later.
My question is this a temporary thing until it builds up in his system? a real tough spot either NO sleep or TO MUCH...
works 12 hr and sleeps 12 hrs, no life

[ILADVOCATE]

Seroquel is an antipsychotic. If its being used for that then Abilify is another option that's less sedating. If its being used as a mood stabilizer there are many options, lithium, Lamictal and Depakoate being the standards and Lamictal generally is the least sedating and has a good effect on rapid cycling. Speak to his psychiatrist about that.

[opus88]

goodmorning thanks for the reply
I am in Canada and some of these meds like Abilify r not avail here I don't think??
He has tried lithium and depokate too I think already.
the psychiatrist here is also a pharmacologist and absolutely the best doctor I've ever had anything to do with, he is right up on all meds even alternative. So I won't interfere with my sons business but if problem continues for long I will tell him abt Lamictal, is that also lamotrigene???
thanks again, have u personally taken Seroquel?
strange because from husbands previous experience I KNOW my son IS NOT PSYCHOTIC.....not even close...just a very racing mind with some anxiety

[ILADVOCATE]

Antipsychotics are used for more than just psychosis. They are used for bipolar as well. Seroquel has a strong mood stabilization effect. Lamictal is an effective mood stabilizer. I was on Seroquel years ago. The antipsychotic I am on now is in Phase II FDA study (for more information google "Dr. Javitt, glycine") and I have been documented as having made a full recovery from it. That class of antipsychotics (glutamate antagonists) are in many Phase II FDA studies. In a number of years when they complete the studies that have been shown to be more effective and have a more favorable side effect profile. As for mood stabilizers here is a complete list including some that are FDA approved medications but used experimentally for bipolar:
http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/meds/moodstabilizers.htm

[Monica70]

I've been on Seroquel (25 mg) for a few months now and I take it before I go to bed. It usually knocks me out within one hour. During the first month, though, I was groggy during the day.