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Hi all, Hello from Florida. I am having my surgery in July. I have been on a capsule for the last 18 years that I take every day. The instructions are not to crush or break apart..(Effexor) I cannot switch meds. Has anyone had this problem? Thanks, Eve

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Hi all, Hello from Florida. I am having my surgery in July. I have been on a capsule for the last 18 years that I take every day. The instructions are not to crush or break apart..(Effexor) I cannot switch meds. Has anyone had this problem? Thanks, Eve

Eve - To be sure, I'd consult with your doctor or his staff. I was told not to attempt anything larger than an Advil tablet. Of course, this all depends upon the kind of restriction you have. Chelley

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Eve--I was banded June 9th by Dr. Ortiz....and I too was told NOTHING bigger than Advil...I take Paxil CR, (hopefully not for much longer)...and I was told I really should not CRUSH it either....however, since the day of my surgery I have been and I have had NO Problems...but I would double check with your dr. just to make doublely sure....I WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK ON YOUR SURGERY....U WILL FIND IT A VERY DOABLE DIET...just remember the Band is ONLY A TOOL!!! Cathy

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Eve--I was banded June 9th by Dr. Ortiz....and I too was told NOTHING bigger than Advil...I take Paxil CR, (hopefully not for much longer)...and I was told I really should not CRUSH it either....however, since the day of my surgery I have been and I have had NO Problems...but I would double check with your dr. just to make doublely sure....I WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK ON YOUR SURGERY....U WILL FIND IT A VERY DOABLE DIET...just remember the Band is ONLY A TOOL!!! Cathy

Thanks to you both for your replies. Mine is a capsule, I'll ask the Dr. what to do. I am having my surgery hopefully before the end of July. I am having it done in Florida. Even without insurance the surgery is 15,000. I was told that I need proof of at least 6 months under a dr.s care for weight loss, a nutritional consultation, dr.s report of my high blood pressure and a psychological evaluation (which they provide through the Bariatric center) and my insurance should cover my surgery. I have a hernia from hysterectomy surgery last May and they will repair that at the same time. I have all the stuff so I'm hoping to have alot less than the 15,000 out of pocket. I was surprised to read of charges into the 35,000's! The company I work for is switching our insurance so I have to wait until July 1 to get the new info so the center can send it in for approval. I have gathered all the paperwork and now it is just wait time.I find this forum a real boost. I realize that this is just a tool, have been researching this for 2 years and look forward for a new chance at success. I am very determined and feel confident about the post surgery time. I know it will be a challange but I have a great support system here at home also. Thanks again for your responses, look forward to talking again! Eve

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  • 2 weeks later...

Eve--I was banded June 9th by Dr. Ortiz....and I too was told NOTHING bigger than Advil...I take Paxil CR, (hopefully not for much longer)...and I was told I really should not CRUSH it either....however, since the day of my surgery I have been and I have had NO Problems...but I would double check with your dr. just to make doublely sure....I WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK ON YOUR SURGERY....U WILL FIND IT A VERY DOABLE DIET...just remember the Band is ONLY A TOOL!!! Cathy

You crush your paxil-CR??? You're lucky you haven't had any problems. You may want to ask your doctor about switching to regular paxil, which would be safe to crush.

I am also on Paxil-CR and hope to be able to swallow it, as I don't feel comfortable switching to something else...

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You crush your paxil-CR??? You're lucky you haven't had any problems. You may want to ask your doctor about switching to regular paxil, which would be safe to crush.

I am also on Paxil-CR and hope to be able to swallow it, as I don't feel comfortable switching to something else...

Quick update on Effexor capsules: Was banded on thursday July 13th. Talked to the pharmicist and said there was no problem taking med out of capsule. Companies put do not crush or break to stop people from getting stronger mgs. and dividing meds to save money.My family is thrilled I'm still on my happy pills...Eve

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Quick update on Effexor capsules: Was banded on thursday July 13th. Talked to the pharmicist and said there was no problem taking med out of capsule. Companies put do not crush or break to stop people from getting stronger mgs. and dividing meds to save money.My family is thrilled I'm still on my happy pills...Eve

That's awesome! Yeah, usually the gel capsules like that will disolve all at once and you just get the meds in one lump. With the Paxil-CR, it is made to give your body a little bit over many hours, kind of like 12 hour cold meds. If you crush, break or disolve the meds, you can risk getting too much in your system at one time, and then not enough later.

That is USUALLY only an issue for extended release meds, thankfully.

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  • 3 weeks later...

Dr. Miranda at the clinic will tell you that capsules are OK to take - you don't have to break them open. If a pill is larger than an advil, you should check with your pharmacist - and if its ok to break it, then do that.

I take capsules for migrains and haven't had a problem. I do tend to break apart my fiber pills and my larger medication, but I made sure it was OK with my pharmacist first.

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