How To Wean Off Seroquel?

Posted on Fri, 26 Aug 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 26 Aug 2016 Answered on

Fri, 16 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I've been on 200mg of seroquel for almost 2 years, I accidentally ran out of the medication and wasn't able to take it for 2 days and went into full blow withdrawal. It was he most awful experience of my life and has demonstrated the dangers of this medication to me. My psychiatrist was a fellow and left, my PCP said I have to talk to a psychiatrist and I won't have one available to me until December. I would like to get off of this medication and perhaps try another.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Seroquel is a very effective and safe medication when taken properly. Sudden discontinuation can result in withdrawal effects including insomnia, hypertension, anxiety, flu-like symptoms, and others. You need to be slowly and carefully weaned off Seroquel if you want to start a new medication to avoid withdrawal effects. If your primary care doctor is unwilling to prescribe it, you will need to work with your insurance company to find an in-network psychiatrist to assist you.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar