Question:
Does any one still take effexor XR after WLS.

I am 2 week post-op and feeling very depressed. I was wondering if my effexor XR is not being absorbed properly. If you were on it did you switch to regular. Thanks in advance.    — JoAnn P. (posted on November 16, 2003)

November 16, 2003
i did take effexor xr before surgery but was told by my surgeon not to take any extended release tablets after surgery. so now i take regular effexor twice a day.
   — kimberly T.

November 16, 2003
I asked my surgeon twice, and both times he told me XR would be just fine. I am 5 mos. post op and I think mine is working just as well as it did before surgery. But everyone is different. You may want to ask your surgeon, or the doc who prescribed it for you. I believe the regular Effexor has to be taken three times a day.
   — Cosmo K.

November 16, 2003
I was on Effexor XR before my surgery and my pcp switched me to zoloft, because he did not want to take a chance on me not absorbing enough. So far so good with the zoloft
   — dimccoy

November 16, 2003
Hi! I am almost 2 1/2 years post-op and I have continued to take Effexor XR all along. My psychiatrist told me to just open the capsule and mix it with yogurt or applesauce, it goes down great and seems to work fine. He said the outer casing of the capsule holds no medicinal value and to just throw it away. Good luck to you! Anita
   — ALF

November 17, 2003
I have taken both Effexor XR and immediate release Effexor and have noticed no difference. My surgeon said he didn't see a problem with me taking time-release meds. Currently I'm taking 150 mg of the XR twice a day. Best wishes!
   — fowlerloriann

November 18, 2003
I took the XR before surgery, and my doctor switched me to the immediate release Effexor until I could swallow capsules (about 1 month post op). I remember feeling really awful at about 2 weeks, just totally run down and exhausted. Just keep taking your medicine. IT WILL GET BETTER!! :) I'm 3 months post op, down 69 pounds, and I feel great. So hang in there! God bless.
   — Angie M.