Question:
I take 2 forms of antidepressants; my surgery is 7/25/03; post-op impact?

will the lap rny surgery impact the absorbtion/effect of my anti depressants on my depression? The meds will go into the new little pouch but then what? thanks, very sincerely, Mary H.    — Mary H. (posted on July 5, 2003)

July 5, 2003
Hi Mary, I had the same concern prior to my surgery... my PCP changed my perscription to from a SR tablet to a regular one, so I could break it in half to allow me to consume it. Seemed ok, but after about a month I noticed myself falling into a funk... DANGER SIGN!!! Perhaps it was the side effects of the surgery, perhaps it was the regular wellbrutrin, in any case I high tailed it back to the doctor and had my dosage changed. She told me that the absorbtion takes place primarily through the intestine, not the stomach, but that the surgery may have caused the ever popular chemical imbalance. Communicate with your doctor, make sure you are able to swallow your meds prior to surgery, double check that its ok to break them in half if needed..You know yourself better than anyone, so, watch how you are feeling... and follow up with your doctor if you are feeling worse.... Best wishes for a successful surgery and recovery... Peg L lap rny 4/9/03 311/252/-59
   — Peg L

July 5, 2003
Hi, I am now 5 mths post-op and I have been taking antidepressants for about 2 years now and I had the same worry before surgery too, but My doc told me that it would still be affective after surgery, and the medication still works wonders for me after my surgery. So you should be fine, if you have any concerens though talk with your doctor-k! Good Luck to you!
   — Melodee S.

July 5, 2003
Mary, the only thing I would add to the previous posters is to bring your meds with you to the hospital. I assumed they would give me my Paxil but they never did! I told every nurse on every shift. i was there for 5 days and after 3 I had a smashing headache and my first few days at home I was very emotional. My PCP said it was because you cannot stop Paxil cold turkey and I was having withdrawal. After a couple of days back on it, I was fine!
   — krogers56

July 5, 2003
Mary, I am also on antidepressants and asked my doctor about the absortion rate. I was told that it would be fine. B vitamins DO have that problem and need to be taken under the tongue. Always check with your doctor or if need be a qualified pharmacist.
   — Dr.Marcy