Question:
I am currently taking antidepressants. Can I take before and after surgery?

I have taken Effexor XR for 5 years. If I don't take or forget I have terrible nightmares or can't sleep. I was wondering how this will be handled in the hospital?    — Carol C. (posted on November 28, 2002)

November 27, 2002
effexor comes in a liquid (I am 75% sure), so that is not a problem. You will not be able to take the XR post op (stands for extended release), you will have to go to the regular stuff. But yes, you can take your medicaions, just needs a little tweeking!!
   — Vicki L.

November 27, 2002
Hi: I was on antidepressants off and on for 13 years previous to surgery. I broke my Zoloft into 2 small pieces and swallowed them for about a month after surgery with absolutely no ill effects. About 2 months ago I stopped taking all antidepressants. It seems they all make you so dry, even in your eyes. I developed such dry skin after surgery (I am also 49 years old), so not young with dewy moist skin, that I could not tolerate the antidepressants for that reason. Since I have stopped them 2 months ago, my skin is still extremely dry, but not as bad as it was. Maybe you are younger, and this will not work for you, but it has for me. Good luck.
   — Grace H.

November 27, 2002
I have been on anti-depressants since 1995 and am doing well. When I talked with the surgeon yesterday I told him I have to get my Celexa and my sleep disorder medication starting right away after surgery. There are enough things to deal with after surgery that I don't want my depression flaring up bad and if I don't get my meds to stay awake they can forget about me ever waking up and walking etc. He said they would crush the pills and give them to me that way at first. That should work. If it's a pill that can't be crushed then they find something else temporarily to work - maybe a homemade concoction with the same similar properties. The rest of my meds I can do without for a while, but need those 2. So I wouldn't worry to much, but make sure you point that out to the surgeon - that you MUST have it. Good Luck!
   — zoedogcbr

November 27, 2002
Yes PLEASE take your antidepressant either WITH you to the hospital, or have your doc order it so the nurses can give it to you. I didn't and by day 3 or 4 I was crying like a baby! Boy I wish I took it, it took 2 weeks or more to get my level back up, and I was crying A LOT! GOOD LUCK!!
   — Tammy .

November 28, 2002
Carol, the best person(s) to ask would be either your PCP or your current surgeon that is going to be responsible for your care *IN* the hospital...I would say to make your surgeon aware of it, but if you are taking the medication prescribed by your PCP, then it's wise & safe to let the surgeon know so that everyone will be on the same sheet of music. Take the medication to the hospital with you so that all concerned will know~the final decision is up to your physician(s), not any of us. Hope this helps...
   — yourdivaness

November 29, 2002
We would not have had this surgery if for any time we could not take our meds. There was never a break in meds. My surgeon understands this. If your surgeon does not understand have him speak to a Psychiatrist about the danger of not taking our meds.
   — faybay