Hi, I'm Josie

September 12, 2026··

I had a single hypomanic episode in 2011 at age 50. It was severe anxiety run out of control in response to a major life trauma. I had no history of mental health issues till then, no postpartum problems. But bipolar is now in my medical record as a result. I took olanzipine and seroxat for 8 years. Then developed akathisia, but without the associated movement issues. My gp labelled it as anxiety and kept increasing the seroxat. I asked to be referred to secondary services after 3 years of unimaginable hell. I was swapped to quetiapine and akathisia disappeared within a week. But 5 years later I'm still on quetiapine. Supposedly for insomnia. It is time to take back control. I am not here to stop a gp worrying I will become hypomanic again. After a nightmare experience with a previous gp practice, I think my new practice will support me. I'm hoping this community will help me to feel less alone. And maybe I have some insights that might help others.

300mg — 5 years — researching taper

3 Replies

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Catina6d ago

Community AnchorEffexor

Hi @Josie, welcome! Great to have you here. You've been through a lot. I'm sorry you feel you were misdiagnosed with something that was a normal response to something traumatic. I'm also sorry your doctor kept raising the dose of something that was harming you. I'm glad that you finally got some relief from the akathisia. I love how you said "It is time to take back control." Yes, it is, and this community will help you do that! We have plenty of people tapering Seroquel here, so you'll be in good company. Are you familiar with Hyperbolic tapering? If not, you can learn about it in the Resources section in the left sidebar of the site. Have a look around the site; there's lots of helpful information about tapering and how to handle withdrawal symptoms. Let us know if you have any questions. We look forward to having you here and will cheer you on as you taper off the Seroquel and prove to yourself that you are in control of your life and health! Catina 🌸

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.92 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Levothyroxine - 25 mcg

“Your brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.”

Please Note: I am not a healthcare professional. Any advice given is based on personal experience and that of others in the lay withdrawal community.

Josie5d ago

Seroquel · researching

Thank you for your welcome message. Just joining this community feels empowering. I'll take a few days to settle in, then I hope I can give support as well as receive it.

300mg — 5 years — researching taper

⭐

Catina5d ago

Community AnchorEffexor

"Thank you for your welcome message. Just joining this community feels empowering.

I'll take a few days to settle in, then I hope I can give support as well as receive it."

— @Josie

Awesome Josie! We need help with welcoming new members as they join. You can view these in the Introductions tab. Also, any members who are struggling could use a word of encouragement. In the Check-In tab look for anyone who is reporting feeling "poor" or "badly." We also look forward to supporting you as well on your journey. We need one another! 💞

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