Question:
Can I keep taking my sustained release carbatrol after surgery.

I am on a medication for Bipolar disorder called carbatrol. it is basicly a time release form of tegratol. Has anyone had any experience with how this reacts on the stomake after surgery. My psychiatrist brought up the fact that i might have to switch to a different form of the medication due to the form that it wont break down in the system. I was just wondering what others knew.    — Jade G. (posted on November 6, 2003)

November 6, 2003
It's my understandig that time release or delayed release pills do not work on pateints who have had gastric bypass. They don't stay in the stomach long enough to be effective fully. You for sure can discuss this with your surgeon too.
   — LMCLILLY

November 6, 2003
I've read the same thing about time-release medications, that generally, they're not effective after the gastric bypass. But, you may want to have your shrink check with the manufacturer of your medication. They should have biochemists on staff who will know how important stomach acids are to the even distribution of this medication.
   — Suzy C.

November 6, 2003
I agree with the poster who said this needs the word of a biochemist. If the medication is absorbed in the intestinal tract, the amount you have had bypassed might affect absorption. My DH was switched to Wellbutrin XL recently (extended release) and has had no problems with it. Works just as well as the SR (sustained release) and he only has to take it once a day. I take a lot of the things I read here that are written as "gospel" with a grain of salt, as I have not seen any scientific eveidence to back up claims such as this - that we don't absorb timed or extended release medications.
   — koogy

March 12, 2007
I also take carbatrol and my Dr. said it comes in a liquid form and really seemed unconcerned about any problem after surgery. Surgery is next week so I can't tell you for sure yet
   — seeinglessofme