Effexor and Gastric By-Pass?

Was anyone one Effexor XR before they went for surgery? It is my understanding that I will no longer be able to take XR medications and the pharmacist has informed me that Effexor only comes in extended release. Has anyone been in the same situation? If so, what medication where you switched to?

I'm not taking effexor but another anxiety med that is an extended release pill.  My doctor is talking about a med called titralex (not sure about spelling).  It's new and doesn't come in slow release.  Maybe you can research it and talk to your doctor.

I was on cipralex and was able to continue it post-op.

may be an option for you. It is typically well tolerated and was best for me in terms of not having side effects 

I was on Effexor at the time of my surgery. I was advised to open the capsule and swallow the contents whole (do not crunch them up!) with water - no problem at all. Ask your Dr. or pharmacist.

I was, and still am as a post-op, taking Effexor XR.  As Karen mentioned, I open the capsules and take the contents with a sip of water.  I am having no issues whatsoever with doing this. 

Hi Melly I was taking Wellbutrin extended release before surgery.  In light of the upcoming surgery, my family doctor told me to wean of it and then she added Cipralex and Abilify.  (Abilify is an antidepressant booster).  Then I met with a psychiatrist through my appointments at TWH and when reviewing my medication history he said I could have continued with the Wellbutrin if I just crushed it before taking it everyday after surgery.  But since I had weaned off of it I didn't bother and am doing quite well on the Cipralex and Abilify and may even come off of the Abilify as I am having no side effects from the Cipralex and my depression is practically in remission.  There is also a little bit of info re: psychiatric meds on TWH's bariatric website that you can find here:  http://twhbari-care.org/3e-psych-meds/

Hope this helps!

Abilify is a mood stabilizer.. not an anti-depressant booster.  It can be prescribed as an add-on, but it doesn't "boost" anything. 

Hi Mel - I would listen to Karen on this one.  Maybe talk to your doctor and see if this is what they suggest.  Another thing worth looking into is whether it comes in an oral suspension form.  My medication, Valproic Acid or Epival, only comes in an extended release tablet, but it does come in a syrup form, Depakote (another brand), so that's what I switched to.

Hopefully you find the solution that works best for you!  Good luck!

Hi jenny actually it is also an antidepressant booster as well as what you mentioned.  http://www.abilify.com/

From www.abilify.com:  "Used as an add-on treatment for adults with depression when an antidepressant alone is not enough"

Hope this helps clarify!

That's exactly what I said an "add-on".  It isn't a booster.  It is used to stabilize your mood, not boost the effects of an anti-depressant.