Psychiatric medication efficacy

[Jonathan Carlson 47]

I take a psychiatric drug and I feel like it may not be working as well as it was pre- surgery. It's not extended release! The surgeon says that it shouldn't be a problem, but I wonder if this is in "theory".... anyone have a similar experience in reality?

[The Greater Fool 1,797]

I have found that most drugs for which I feel an effect don't last as long as the label says. Generally the effect lasts about 4-5 hours where the expectation is 8 hours. I've done time-released medications and supplements, some work fine (or at least well enough), others not so much.

Out of an abundance of caution, me and my medical team tend to take more pills of smaller doses more often. I spread them out through the day or in the case of 'as needed' medications, I am able to take them 'as needed' more often.

Alcohol, also being a drug for which I feel an affect, works much the same as other drugs. I feel the effect quicker, it fades quicker, and on the extremely rare occasions when I achieve a hang over it starts and ends much quicker, such that by early morning it's run it's course.

Hope this helps.

Good luck,

Tek

[LindsayT 448]

It may depend on your surgery. Bypass causes malabsorbtion, and that could carry over to your medication. For one of my mental health medications, they were doing blood work often to check my levels. I would speak to your med provider. They may have to change dosing. Good luck!