Question:
Have any lap band patients had trouble with taking Cymbalta post-op?

Hi. I am still pre-op Realize band, but I am concerned about one of my post-op medications (and I forgot to ask my surgeon). I take Cymbalta for depression, and it has done wonders for me. I failed on 3 other antidepressants before this, so I don't want to switch meds. I am concerned that the pills will be too large to take after my lap-band surgery, and they only make the pills in one size (regardless of dose). Has anyone had experience with this type of pill? FYI (for those who don't know): The pills are oblong capsules, approximately the size of a Tylenol capsule. Thanks!    — ads2e (posted on February 21, 2009)

February 21, 2009
You might want to post this over in the lapband forum. All I can tell you, is that I was told to avoid medication in the capsule form, as they cannot be cut into smaller pieces like tablets can. You really should call your surgeon on Monday and ask. They may have a liquid form of Cymbalta. I used to take anti-depressants before my surgery. I am now off of them, as I feel better each day. Hopefully, you'll find that after surgery, you won't need them either.
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 21, 2009
With the lap bad you should not have malabsortion issues. As for swallowing pills, I never had a problem with mine. Do call your surgeon and ask. Good luck.
   — maria09elena

February 21, 2009
I was told my by surgeon to cut the pill in half and take each half separately. I am now 9 months out from my lapband and I can take pill whole now...unless one seems to be really large and then I will cut it in half and take it then. If unsure always cut...nothing worse than having a pill get stuck. I do this will all my pills, even cold medicines. Hope this helps.
   — Carrie S.

February 22, 2009
let me start with - no medication should ever be cut or crushed without asking your doctor or pharmacist -- only vitamins and minerals can be crushed or cut with not problems in their theraputic value -- that being said -- i had RNy 27 months ago and since i got home from the hospital the day after turkey day 2006 i have taken my vitamins and medication by the handful just like i always did -- that is 2 prenatals, 2 B-12, 1 calcium, 2 stool softeners, 1 levothyroxine -- i then do my chewable aspirin -- i have never had any pill get stuck or come back up -- just throw them all down with some water -- this is h ow i have always taken my meds -- good luck -- in the past i have also taken Day-quil and other over the counter meds for colds and allergies and such -- you should be fine -- after surgery consult your dr about dose -- it may effect you differently because it will be metabolised differently -- smaller stomach -- less intestines -- these are all factors with medications -- good luck :)
   — RCassety

February 22, 2009
hi there! i am post op realize band (12/9/08). i too take cymbalta, 60 mg capsules. my pharmacist suggested that i open the capsule and put it in with some sugar-free pudding or applesauce, which i've been doing since surgery. everything has been going fine. check with your pharmacist but it works for me. hope that helps! contact me if i can help further and good luck!
   — cbrooks925

February 22, 2009
I TAKE CYMBALTA AND 13 OTHER PILLS. I TOOK THEM THE DAY AFTER RNY. I JUST TAKE THEM THROUGH OUT THE DAY ABOUT FIVE MINUTES APART SO THEY DONT BUNCH UP AT THE STOMA. THEY GO DOWN FINE.
   — cecilie

February 22, 2009
Cymbalta is in capsule form. I take it and I had RNY in July of 2008. In order to take it you have to open up the capsule and dump the contents into something. I use a teaspoon of sugar-free Cool-Whip. It has been almost 8 months and I continue to have good success with the medication and the way that I take it. Hope this helps! Lisa
   — ldillabough

February 23, 2009
I take a pill similar in size and capsule. i don't do anything to it just take it in the am with warm cup of tea helps disolve it. i had lap 8 months ago but have taken it since preop. How about the cymbalta any side effects especially sexual. sorry had to ask i went off my antidepressants but feel i may need them
   — Nurse343