Posted by bleauberry on October 6, 2009, at 19:55:30
In reply to Can Seroquel cause extreme panic attacks?, posted by lunksmoo on October 6, 2009, at 4:08:22
I do not understand the popularity of Seroquel. I would say in maybe 2 out of 10 people it has some remarkable effect, but mostly not. If someone needs a real good antipsychotic for depression, I would usually turn to Zyprexa first choice, Amisulpride second choice, Abilify third choice. Risperdal is also a potential second or third choice. All of these work best in combination with a low dose SSRI, probably either lexapro or prozac, sometimes zoloft or effexor. In small trial of treatment resistant patients, combination of Milnacipran+Risperdal or Milnacipran+Zyprexa resulted in complete remission of most of the patients (about 80%).
Seroquel, and all antipsychotics actually, cause me increased anxiety. It's weird though, they kind of sedate me and soothe me in some ways, yet get me nervous in other ways at the same time. Bizarre combination. My best guess is it has something to do with the 5ht2 antagonism firing too much norepinephrine and dopamine, or the alpha2 antagonism firing too much norepinephrine. Serotonin and dopamine are partially blocked, accounting for the calming, while norepinephrine is stimulated, resulting in the nervousness. Maybe in your case, the norepinephrine elevation is overly strong due to individual biology.
I would say at least 50% of what you are feeling is post-Ensam readjustment. Even though it might not have helped you feel better, your synapses were flooded with more neurotransmitters than they were accustomed to. They were getting used to it. Now all of a sudden the floodgates have been opened and all the neuros are draining away, leaving those synapses frieking out.
Just some thoughts.
poster:bleauberry
thread:919912
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20091001/msgs/920005.html