I went to see the nutritionist today and I mentioned one of my meds. She said that after I have been banded I can NEVER take any kind of medication that is extended or sustained release.

Not that I have read every single thread here, but this was news to me. Has anyone here heard that as well??

Well, it depends on whether it is a tablet or capsule and how much restriction you have. There is a good chance that once you have restriction of any degree you canNOT take those kind of tablets. Capsules may be another story. There are a number of time release meds in capsules that can be opened and swallowed with applesauce, pudding, etc. I take Effexor XR capsules and that is how I take them.

What med concerns you?

Mimi

Most extended release meds, even if in a capsule that could dissolve prior to passing through the stoma (and therefore not present a problem in terms of getting stuck), are intended to pass into the small intestine intact.

Banding causes time-release meds to remain in the stomach for too long. So even if they can physically pass with no issue, you can run into problems with bioavailability (too much or too little being absorbed).

Well, it depends on whether it is a tablet or capsule and how much restriction you have. There is a good chance that once you have restriction of any degree you canNOT take those kind of tablets. Capsules may be another story. There are a number of time release meds in capsules that can be opened and swallowed with applesauce, pudding, etc. I take Effexor XR capsules and that is how I take them.

What med concerns you?

Mimi

I am so glad you said that as I take the same thing and that is on my list of things to ask at my preop appoint Nov 11th.

Hmmm so does that go for Cymbalta also? I was started on that yesterday. Should I be trying something different instead?

I don't know about Cymbalta yet but Effexor XR and Nexiuum both specifically say they can be taken apart and the granules taken orally. I ran out of time researching Cymbalta, but call your Pharmacist and discuss it. Maybe you could be changed to Effexor XR if Cymbalta is not the best med for you.

Best wishes,

Mimi

I just found the Cymbalta answer in the Professional prescribing information on Cymbalta.com. It specifically said NOT to take it apart and NOT to use in cases of delayed Gastric emptying.

Mimi

Some medications can be prescribed as solutabs. My doctor issued me Prevacid that dissolves in your mouth without me even asking. She is so thoughful! I love my PCP she is the best!

I just found the Cymbalta answer in the Professional prescribing information on Cymbalta.com. It specifically said NOT to take it apart and NOT to use in cases of delayed Gastric emptying.

Mimi

Thanks! I'll call my doctor in a little while and talk to her about it.

The problem with extended release is that the medication dosage tends to stay and you will feel the full power of the medication all at once instead over a long period of time......I was takeing a pain medication UltramER 300 mg for a herniated disk for over two yrs. One dose of this medication after banding I had to discontinue it put me into another world not stuck just out into space...................... I was switched to just plain ultram and I was fine.

LarraineM, interesting about the UltramER, thanks for posting.

Amanda, please post what happens.

Mimi