Hi - I am on three medications that I really should not stop taking. Has anyone else had this situation? Is there a certain time frame I need to stay off them? Will I be able to swallow the pills post surgery? Thanks for any advice

I am very interested in this topic also. I take Prozac daily and Xanax as needed. I really don't want to b in a position where I can't get those down. I've been wondering if they make liquid Prozac. Great question. Thx for asking

I was on citalopram when I had my surgery (still am..) - they managed to get a liquid form of that and also everything else I was on apart from the pill, which I just stopped taking for a while.. its amazing what is out there - with Prozac being such a big name, I would imagine they have a liquid form of it available out there.

They do make a liquid form of Prozac. But, to be honest, I did not make that switch. I've been taking the 40 mg Prozac capsule since day 2, and have not had any issues. (I'm 5 weeks out now).

I was pretty worried about this as well, but it has not been an issue for me.

Good luck!

I was on citalopram and levothyroxine before and after surgery. The pills were small enough that I could swallow with no problems. The bigger pills though I had to split in half. it's a good idea to buy a pill splitter before surgery.

I didn't have any trouble getting pills down at all. I've never heard of a health professional requiring or recommending that you stop taking antianxiety or antidepressants for surgery. They usually remind you frequently NOT to do that. You should take your prescription pills 12-24 hours BEFORE surgery at home. The hospital will give you your next dose AFTER surgery within the next 24 hours and everyday after that depending on the length of your stay. Once you get home, just stay on your regular everyday pill schedule. The only drug that might have to be stopped briefly before surgery is a narcotic antagonist because it decreases the effectiveness of the painkillers they give you in the hospital. There may be other drugs that have to be stopped briefly, but I know antianxiety and antidepressants aren't one of them. You shouldn't have a problem taking one pill at a time after surgery. Taking more than one at a time can cause problems, however.

I had my dr. switch me to the tablets to crush. The pharmacist said this was fine for the short term. I plan to crush and mix into a small bite of yogurt or protein shake.

I was worried about this also (I'm on Lexapro and Wellbutrin) because I had read about pausing meds for the surgery, but my surgeon said that he would never ask a patient to hold off on meds.

Phew.

My surgery is next week, so I can't testify for swallowing or crushing, but I was relieved to see the other posts that they were fine.

QB

No problem at all swallowing Prozac here.

I had my dr. switch me to the tablets to crush. The pharmacist said this was fine for the short term. I plan to crush and mix into a small bite of yogurt or Protein shake.

This was what my surgeon advised as well since for the first week she does not allow pills in any form. I spoke with my pharmacist over the weekend and she said there was no problem crushing the tablets I take, Synthroid, Lipitor, Metformin, Exforge-HCT, Elavil, Zoloft. My surgeon also gave me a script for Nexium in powder form.

The problem pills are the extended release. I take Effexor ER. Apparently there is a liquid form of the drug that my doctor will prescribe after my surgery on Dec. 19.

I could not get a liquid Effexor so I was prescribed pills to crush and told I nsy need them twice a day now. Crushing was hard and horrible for me to get down. I was taking pills with liquid one week out and I had to start taking my b1 that way too. I could handle it.

I just saw my psychiatrist a couple of days ago. He said everything I take can be crushed except my Wellbutrin, which has been extended release. He gave me a Rx for the regular kind so I'll have to start taking it 3 times a day instead of once. Hopefully, I can remember to keep on schedule with that. I think they also make a liquid but, I opted to stay with tablets.

I'm guessing I may go 24 hours or so without because of restrictions immediately before and after surgery but, that's it.

I take Zoloft, zyprexa, and traZOdone. do they come in liquid form? I also take Topamax for my sezures I need to find out if any of these meds come in liquid form?

I'd just call the dr that prescribed them. I know the Zoloft can be crushed, not sure on the other two. Actually, you can just ask your pharmacist and then call the dr and ask for an Rx for the liquid, if there is one.

I have been taking effexor xr as well, i was taking the same way never stopped. It was fine for me:). Good luck