In this video, Deb and Mike discuss a question about where a person with no photography skills can go in Kakadu to capture a stunning image.
Mike explains that the answer depends on the specific image they are after, as lighting and location play crucial roles. He emphasizes that there is no right or wrong time of day or location for photography in Kakadu.
However, Deb, having a photography background, suggests that the best time of day for photography is sunrise or sunset, during the golden hour. She recommends Ubirr Rock in the north of Kakadu as an iconic location with breathtaking sunsets over the floodplains.
Dan and Neville also discuss the same question, and Neville mentions that the choice of location depends on the person’s preferences. They discuss various options like helicopter rides, lookout points, and specific spots like Nawurlandja and Ubirr with opportunities for capturing storms, lightning, and different times of the day.
Dan even humorously suggests taking a photo of himself in front of a work vehicle.
Lastly, Leigh and Yvonne agree that Ubirr at sunset is a stunning location for photography, with its 360-degree views, vibrant colours, wetland area, and escarpment in the background. They emphasize that one doesn’t need to be an expert to capture a good photo there.
This edition – Katherine Gorge or Kakadu? Insta-worthy places in Litchfield. How long do you need in Kakadu, & more.
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This edition – Katherine Gorge or Kakadu? Insta-worthy places in Litchfield. How long do you need in Kakadu, & more.
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Seroquel (Quetiapine) in Australia: A Doctor’s Review on Reclaiming Sleep, Stability and Sanity After 30
Disclaimer: This article is educational and not individual medical advice. Always consult your Australian GP or psychiatrist before starting, changing or stopping any medication.
Attention: The 2 a.m. Racing Mind, the Mood Swings and the Fear of Medication
If you are over 30 and reading this, you may know the exhaustion that comes from lying awake at 2 a.m. with a mind that will not switch off. You may have felt the strain of mood swings that push loved ones away, the irritability that makes you snap at your partner, or the heavy fog of depression that makes even getting out of bed feel impossible. Maybe you have tried lifestyle changes, therapy, or other medications and still feel stuck. And maybe you have heard about Seroquel — but you are scared. Scared of weight gain. Scared of “zombie-like” feelings. Scared of what a psychiatric drug might do to your brain.
As an Australian doctor, I hear these fears every week. They are real and they matter. But I have also seen Seroquel, used carefully, give people their life back. This review will walk you through the facts, the myths and the safety questions so you can make a confident, informed decision.
Interest: What Seroquel Actually Does in the Brain
Seroquel is the brand name for quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic medicine available in Australia. It works by balancing chemicals in the brain — particularly dopamine, serotonin and histamine. At lower doses it has a sedating effect, which is why it is often used to help severe insomnia linked to mental health conditions. At higher doses it helps stabilise mood, reduce mania, ease depression and control psychotic symptoms such as paranoia or hearing voices.
In Australia, Seroquel is PBS-listed for conditions including schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder and, in certain cases, as an add-on treatment for major depressive disorder. It is also used off-label for severe anxiety, agitation in Huntington’s disease, and sleep disturbance when other options have not worked. The key is that it is not a “one-size-fits-all” drug — the dose and monitoring must be tailored to you.
Your pain points and how Seroquel may help
What you may be feeling
How Seroquel may help
What your doctor monitors
Racing thoughts and inability to sleep
Calms nighttime over-arousal at lower doses
Sleep quality, daytime sedation
Mood swings, irritability, impulsive behaviour
Stabilises mood over weeks
Mood diary, review every 1–4 weeks initially
Depression that has not responded to antidepressants
Can be added to lift mood and reduce negative thinking
Response at 4–8 weeks
Paranoia, hallucinations or confused thinking
Reduces psychotic symptoms
Mental state examination
Fear of weight gain and metabolic changes
Manageable with early lifestyle plan and monitoring
Weight, blood sugar, cholesterol
What Are the Myths About Seroquel and Weight Gain?
Weight gain is the number one fear I hear from patients. Let’s bust the myths.
Myth
Reality from clinical practice
“Seroquel always causes massive weight gain.”
Not true. Weight gain occurs in some people, but not everyone. It is dose-dependent and often plateaus after the first few months. With early diet and exercise, many patients avoid significant gain.
“Once you gain weight on Seroquel, you can never lose it.”
Weight can be managed. If significant gain occurs, your doctor can adjust the dose, add metformin in selected cases, or review the treatment plan. Early intervention works best.
“The weight gain means Seroquel is too dangerous.”
Untreated severe depression, mania or psychosis carries far greater health risks — including poor self-care, relationship breakdown, job loss and suicide. The goal is to balance benefit and risk.
What Is Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome and Its Link to Seroquel?
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but serious reaction that can occur with antipsychotic medicines, including Seroquel. It involves fever, severe muscle rigidity, confusion, sweating, fast heart rate and unstable blood pressure. It is a medical emergency.
However, the risk of NMS with Seroquel is very low, especially when the dose is increased slowly. In my practice, I would far rather monitor a patient for early signs of NMS than leave a severe mood or psychotic disorder untreated. Before starting Seroquel, I explain the warning signs clearly. If a patient develops unexplained high fever with muscle stiffness, we stop the medicine and seek urgent medical help. But please keep this in perspective: NMS is rare, and the vast majority of people take Seroquel without any such reaction.
Can Seroquel Be Used for Huntington’s Disease?
Huntington’s disease causes movement problems, mood changes, irritability, agitation and severe sleep disturbance. Seroquel is not specifically TGA-approved for Huntington’s disease in Australia, but it is used off-label by neurologists and psychiatrists. In clinical experience, it can help reduce agitation, aggression, insomnia and mood swings in people with Huntington’s, which can significantly improve quality of life for both the patient and their carers. It is not a cure for Huntington’s, but it can be a useful supportive tool.
Can Seroquel Cause Low Blood Pressure?
Yes, Seroquel can cause low blood pressure, especially when you stand up quickly. This is called orthostatic hypotension. It is most common during the first few days of treatment or after a dose increase. You might feel dizzy or lightheaded. The good news is that this usually settles as your body adjusts. To reduce the risk, your doctor will start with a low dose and increase it gradually. Simple strategies help: stand up slowly, drink enough water, and avoid alcohol. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down immediately.
How Does Seroquel Affect Cognitive Function?
Many people worry that Seroquel will make them “foggy” or “zombie-like.” At the start of treatment, especially at higher doses, you may feel sedated or groggy. This usually improves after a few weeks. In the longer term, many of my patients actually report clearer thinking, because untreated depression, mania or psychosis is far more damaging to memory, concentration and decision-making than the medication itself. Compared with older antipsychotics, Seroquel is less likely to cause the muscle stiffness, tremor and cognitive dulling that people fear.
What Is the Black Box Warning for Seroquel in Australia?
In Australia, the Product Information for Seroquel includes a boxed warning — often called a “black box warning.” The main warning is that elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic medicines have an increased risk of death. For this reason, Seroquel is not approved for treating dementia-related psychosis. There is also a warning about an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours in children, adolescents and young adults, so close monitoring is essential in these age groups. For people over 30 without dementia, this black box warning does not mean Seroquel is unsafe — it means it must be used for the right condition, at the right dose, with proper follow-up.
What Is the Risk of Respiratory Depression with Seroquel?
Respiratory depression means slowed or shallow breathing. At normal therapeutic doses, Seroquel alone carries a low risk of significant respiratory depression in healthy adults. However, the risk increases if Seroquel is combined with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines or other sedatives, or if you have severe lung disease, obesity hypoventilation or untreated sleep apnoea. That is why your doctor will ask about these risk factors before prescribing. If you have sleep apnoea or take strong painkillers, the dose may need to be lower and monitored more closely.
Desire: What Life Can Look Like When Symptoms Are Controlled
Imagine waking up after a full night’s sleep. Imagine being able to sit through a work meeting without your mind racing or your mood crashing. Imagine coming home and actually being present with your partner or children instead of snapping or withdrawing. That is what successful treatment can feel like.
Seroquel is not a magic cure, and it does not suit everyone. But when it works, it can reduce the chaos inside your head and give you the stability to rebuild your routines, relationships and confidence. Many of my patients over 30 tell me they wish they had started earlier — not because the medication was perfect, but because it gave them enough relief to do the other things that matter: exercise, therapy, connection, work and rest.
Summary of Seroquel’s key points for Australian patients over 30
Topic
Doctor’s bottom line
Weight gain myths
Possible but not inevitable; dose-dependent and manageable with early monitoring
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Rare but serious; know the warning signs; risk is low with slow dose increases
Huntington’s disease
Used off-label for agitation, sleep and mood; can improve quality of life
Repeat prescriptions
Usually start monthly; once stable, repeats may cover 1–6 months with regular reviews
Low blood pressure
Possible at start; usually settles; stand slowly and stay hydrated
Cognitive function
Early grogginess often improves; treating the illness helps long-term clarity
Black box warning
Elderly with dementia-related psychosis; not approved for dementia; monitoring for younger patients
Respiratory depression
Low alone at normal doses; increases with opioids, alcohol and severe lung disease
Action: Your Clear Next Steps in Australia
If you recognise yourself in this article — the sleepless nights, the mood swings, the exhaustion — the next step is not to suffer in silence. Book an appointment with your GP or psychiatrist. Tell them honestly what you are experiencing. Ask whether Seroquel might be suitable for your condition.
In Australia, Seroquel is a Schedule 4 prescription medicine. You cannot legally buy it from an overseas website without a valid Australian prescription, and doing so is unsafe. Your doctor will usually start with a one-month supply, review your response and side effects, and then if you are stable, may provide a repeat prescription covering one to three months at a time. For long-term maintenance, some patients receive repeats for up to six months, but regular reviews for weight, blood pressure and mental state remain essential.
If Seroquel is right for you, your doctor will start low, go slow, and monitor carefully. That is the safest way to get the benefits while minimising risks. You deserve more than another night staring at the ceiling. Take the first step today — book that appointment and ask for a proper assessment.
