Seroquel, lamictal, and depression?

Question

I have been diagnosed with Bipolar type II approx. 2 years ago.
Prior this date, I was improperly diagnosed with depression, and prior that, with anxiety disorders.

Therefore, during several periods of my life, I was on Benzodiazepines (Lexotanil), then Fluoextine (Prozac), and I am now on Quietapine (Seroquel) and Lamitrogene (Lamictal).

I can never feel at peace.I'm constantly depressed, and it is very hard for me to focus.
I do not get any high periods anymore, but constantly remain depressed.

I am considering quitting these medications, because I really miss my high periods (what they call manic). When I had these manic periods, I was highly focused, very energetic, sharp, and very social.
Anybody else is considering quitting their medications? What do you recommend to do?
I am confused.

Additional Details

I am really unable to make up my mind, as there are lots of reports on the internet actively announcing that Seroquel is a very good medication - yet others totally describe it as a bad drug.
My problem is that I'm neither good with it, nor without it - I feel like it's acting as an (expensive) placebo...

Anyone has any experience of quitting the drug and feeling better?

One more detail: Most of the bipolar cases are treated as depression. Several sources state that taking anti-depressants (usually SSRIs) damages the condition to a huge extent.
Is there a test I can take to know what's going on in my brain, blood, or anything?
is there an ultimate Bipolar test?

Guys, your answers so far have been amazing, thanks a lot. But I'm really confused

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

I'd go off the seroquel and on an antidepressant, and keep taking the lamictal. In fact I did just that because I was in the exact same situation as you. Maybe bipolar, maybe something else, and on seroquel and lamictal, and lexapro. I hated seroquel.

Antipsychotics exascerbate depression and the lamictal should be enough to keep you from getting manic. And if you go manic, you'll burn out. I've been there and wouldn't advise it. Better to take a risk at being happy than taking a bigger risk being manic, even though you know that you'd get the mania for sure.

Also if you're depressed as ****, st john's wort isn't gonna do a lot. Maybe if you were slightly melancholy, or were just having a minor midlife crisis, ok.

Answer 2

I have schizophrenia and I can relate. I would not recommend quitting. Maybe there are other tablets you can take. Organise a review with your doctor and tell them what you told us. There are ways they can help you.

Answer 3

To start off, I work with Mentally Ill clients and they take all of these meds. The Doctors are making millions in the Psychotic meds and any meds someone is put on. #2 The Seroquel is a very highly bad drug for you as r all of them really. Get off the Seroquel The only thing that these meds do is make the Med Industry Rich while we are the Guinny Pigs for them to test all of these. But dont just get off Serowuel like that, get off slow, because Seroquel is a sleep Med also for Insomnia. Take something Herbal like St Johns Wort for depression and do what the Chinese do and drink Herbal drinks. Why do you think the Chinese live to be very old. Because they eat well, and take herbal Remedies, If u want to ask me anything else, let me know and I will help you the best I can.