Question:
I take Effexor XR , what is the problem
I take Effexor XR but have read here that we don't absorb or can't take extended release medications. I would like to see some articles by doctors or someone credible and knowledgable (not that the members aren't). I discussed this with my psychiatrist and she would like me to see what I can find. Can anyone refer me to something? — Melody B. (posted on July 7, 2004)
July 6, 2004
That question was just asked at my support group last night to the doctor
(he only does bariatric surgery) that was speaking and he said that your
best bet is to talk to the pharmacist and your doctor that is prescribing
it to ask about how it is absorbed. He said that some long acting meds do
just fine with gastric patients. But he said that there is not a cut in
stone answer for that question across the board you have to go on a drug by
drug basis. Good luck.
— ChristineB
July 6, 2004
I discussed this with my surgeon's PA recently since my PCP had put me on
Wellbutrin SR (sustained release). She said that it's a combination of the
lack of acid (that dissolves the outer shell I guess?) in our stomachs
combined with the malabsorption that causes problems. Since things pass
more quickly through our systems now, we may not absorb all the meds when
they are sustained or extended release. That's my laymans interpretation
anyway. She said they've found some are worse than others, and the more
extended the release, the worse it is. Sorry I don't have any articles
though! Does Effexor have an immediate release version that you can take
more often? Then you would be sure you're absorbing it all.
— mom2jtx3
July 6, 2004
I too take effexor, and I have not had any problems with taking it. I was
bypassed just 3 feet so I dont know if that makes a difference or not. I
have not felt any effects of coming down before the next dosage. I am not a
doctor but I am proof that it still works, at least for me. Hope you have
good success.
— Vivian K.
July 7, 2004
I'm on Celexa, which is not a sustain release of any kind and I eventually
ended up having to slightly increase my dosage because of malabsorbing some
of it. It took quite a while to surface. At 6 months I started noticing
some mood changes etc. but it wasn't until something more significant
cropped up around 9 months and I just wasn't dealing with it right that we
figured it out. A 10mg increase has solved the problem.
<p>So if you choose to stay with the XR or SR type meds, don't be
surprised if they don't work as well and you need a larger dosage. I don't
know about Effexor but Wellbutrin is offered in a non-sustained release
version as I took it for about 3 years. So ask if Effexor has different
options.
— zoedogcbr
July 7, 2004
I was taking Effexor XR. A few weeks after surgery, I noticed a change in
my moods. I was having "weepy" days just like I did before
starting on the Effexor. I talked to my PCP and she changed me to liquid
Zoloft. It's a concentrate that has to be mixed with water. I've just
started it so I haven't noticed a change yet.
— Robin D.
July 7, 2004
I was on effexor xr before the surgery. I went ahead and requested to be
changed to plain effexor. I have to take it more often but I didn't want
to have it not be absorbed. I have not really looked into if any
information exists on extended release meds but would be very interested in
anything you may find out.
— kportell
July 11, 2004
I am 21/2 years PO RNY. I was very worried about this very issue. I
discussed it w/ PCP, surgeon and nueroligist (sp?).They all gave me the ok,
however I was on 75mg
and now I take 150. I take them to prevent migrains. I know they work for
me. I guess we are all so differnt.
You may want to try and see hoe you react?
— Cindee A.
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