I'm New Here...Anyone take Effexor XR with any luck?

Hi Pam and thanks for the awesome news!  It sounds like I should give it a try and see how it goes!  I have had quite a few people from this board and the Ontario board who have said that they take it after surgery with little or no problems!  I will keep an eye on the dosing though.  We dont have the generic in Canada anymore so I think I will do what you did. Thanks again. Debbie H

Hey there. I  had lap rny on feb1. I have bipolar. I take lamictal,cymbalta,risperdal,xanax. I was given these right in the hospital with small sips when I was allowed clear fluids, If you really have your doctors understanding on this and support it can be done. Congrats ont he upcomig surgery! Sarah NJ

Hi Sarah: Did they crush your meds for you in hospital, or did you have to swallow them?  Just curious since different surgeons have different instructions. Thanks for you kind words and best wishes to you. Debbie H

Debbie,

                  hi, I also take the effexor xr, I took it before surgery and continue to take it since my surgery..  I take the capsule the same way as I took it before surgery. I know some people open the capsule and sprinkle it on food, but I only did that once. The inside of the capsule had these little balls , and I found it hard to do it that way, so I called my surgeon and he said it would be fine to take it whole. I also find it works the same as before. Good luck on your upcoming surgery

                                             carina

Hi Carina and thanks for the info.  I am glad that so many people are still doing well with the Effexor XR after RNY.  Thanks for your kind words about my upcoming surgery!  I am really starting to get excited! Thanks again, Debbie H

Debbie, I was on Cymbalta pre op and was switched to the generic effexor because of the absorption issues post RNY (not as much time for the sustained release to get into your blood thru the gut.) Doc switched me to generic and I am crushing it for now and taking with jello.  I feel ok with this, but will look forward to the time I can go back on cymbalta. (I have fibromyalgia and the cymbalta works well for pain.)  I had the same concern as you, but there are ways around the med issue and you are wise to ask now! Take Care, Lura

Hi Lura: Is Cymbalta an extended release drug too?  I was thinking about switching to it one of these days because I have fibromyalgia too.  And if the cymbalta works for pain I am even more determined to try it soon after surgery.  In Canada, they discontinued the Generic version so I either have to break up my Effexor XR capsule into jello or water or swallow it whole.  I hope it works out OK.  I will keep checking around and will see what my surgeon says.   Thanks for the info, Debbie H

Debbie, I think you are going to get many different responses to this question. It seems that each surgeon has a different set of rules. I was on 450 mg of Effexor XR.  Before surgery my surgeon insisted that I switch to the regular Effexor.  My psychiatrist slowly weaned me off one and on to the other. that was not fun. It may have been worse becaue of the high dosage I was taking. In the hospital they ground up the tablets as my surgeon didn't allow whole pills.  the taste was disgusting and I finally refused to take any. The withdrawal was a horrible experience but the taste was making me beyond nauseous. I was afraid I would cause harm to the new pouch. I hope you can find an alternative to Effexor. Going cold turkey was a nightmare. there are plenty of good meds out there.  You just need to do your research. good luck to you.

Hi Annette: I am currently on 300 mg of Effexor XR so that is a pretty high dose too.  I have not heard of one as high as 450 mg.  In Canada, the manufacturer stopped producing the generic due to lack of demand so I either have to continue with the XR version or I have to switch to Celexa.  I hope my surgeon has some advice for me. Thanks for the info. Debbie H

I learned the hard way once NOT to stop Effexor XR cold turkey. It may be different for everyone, but I was PSYCHOGIRL!!!! LOL. I haven't had surgery yet, but I spoke to my PCP, and he encouraged me to stay on this. He said that if I couldn't take it whole (which I can) I can open it and sprinkle it on, as you have heard many say on here. I trust my PCP, and he says no problem to it being an extended release drug, that I should jus****ch and see if i feel that it's "going away" faster. I know my body, and I am sure that if you keep in tune with yourself, you should be fine. I would talk to your surgeon and PCP about this and see what they say.  Best of luck to you!  Talk to you soon, Stephanie