Lorazepam

Is it ok to take this medicine after surgery?

I don't see why not. It isn't a Nsaid... and it isn't time released.

If you have any doubts ask your surgeon.  I would just take one and see if you react differently!

Yes, it is fine.

Lora

Can I ask you a question? Why can we not take extended release medications after Rny? I was recently weaned off paxil to take extended release Paxil and I've been trying to get in to see my psychiatrist so she can switch my medication because I'm having side effects now and I'm worried I'm not going to be able to wean off them in time before my surgery. Thanks 

Because part of the intestine is bypassed with RNY, there is less opportunity for the medication to release and absorb before it gets to the portion of the intestine where it can no longer be absorbed.  It simply doesn't spend enough time in the intestine to allow all of it to absorb.  

Some of it will still absorb, but it is impossible to know how much of the dose you are actually getting, and since most extended release meds are intended to be taken only once a day, it is difficult to adjust the dose to make up for what doesn't get absorbed (i.e., you cannot just add a second dose each day as you could with an immediate release version of the medication).  So with medications where dosage is very important, especially when it is a drug that "piggybacks" on another drug, it is difficult to get an appropriate dose.

Lora

I see. Thanks so much. Ill call again tomorrow and explain to my psychiatrist about it and hopefully she will fit me in to see me soon and switch my medications over in time for surgery. 

I take this once or twice a day depending.  It is definetely o.k. to use.  Asked my surgeon before taking it and my medical doctor, who prescribed it said it would be ok.

P