Taper/restart question/advice needed
I have been on Seroquel 300mg ER (plus 50mg IR as needed) for 10 years. I was prescribed it during a hospitalization and subsequent rehab for alcoholism. I was told I was bipolar but that was likely a misdiagnosis, and my current psych, therapist, family, etc. agree. Had around 20 lb weight gain over time and starting to have some blood sugar issues. Decided to start weaning off 6 months ago after consultation with psych.
My taper went pretty well. I did rush through the end of the taper (50-25-12.5-0 fairly quickly) which I now realize was not the best course of action. A couple weeks after my last dose I had a minor surgery along with a dental procedure all of which worsened my rebound insomnia. I then had massive anxiety which peaked around 3 weeks after my last dose of Seroquel.
Under direction of my psych, I started 25mg of Seroquel IR which did nothing, then 50mg with minimal improvement - he really wanted me to go up to 100mg IR which I finally did. Started sleeping better again and anxiety is improving.
But I just seem to have this constant kind of low level buzz of anxiety that is still there. I can’t figure out if this is my body becoming used to 100 IR after being on 300 ER for so long? Or is it because I restarted the Seroquel and my body is trying to get used to it again?
I am about to leave town and then plan on seeing psych again to talk about restarting the taper, this time with the help of propanolol, hydroxyzine and clonazepam. I have these meds now - tried the propanolol and it helps but makes me tired. Saving the other two for more severe anxiety.
Anyone had this same experience with weaning and then restarting? Also - has anyone had success with using an SSRI as a bridge during/after your taper? My psych mentioned this but I am a bit reluctant.