Question:
Shots vs. pills

Why do some doctors prescribe monthly B-12 injections while others prescribe taking it orally? I would much rather take a pill than get the shots which require a doctor's visit each month. Also, I heard that the injections have been known to increase symptoms for those with panic/anxiety disorder. Does anyone know about this? How do you know how much B-12 is too much or too little---someone mentioned on this site that they have their levels checked---I don't ever recall having this done---can you request to have your doctor run this test for you? One more question---has anyone experienced fatigue or lack of energy a week to 2 weeks prior to getting your next injection? Thanks for any advice or info in advance!!! Take Care All :) Andrea    — Andrea H. (posted on September 5, 2003)

September 5, 2003
B-12 pills are NOT an option! They won't be absorbed. You can either take the shots or use SUBLINGUAL tablets (you hold them under your tongue to absorb the B-12). I use the liquid like the sublingual, just squirt it under my tongue and hold it there a while. I take mine every morning. At 1000 mg I don't really need it every day, but I would rather do that than try to remember whether I should take it today or tomorrow. It is a water-soluble vitamin, so extra is peed out.<p>In addition to your B-12, you'll need to take a multivitamin with iron and calcium CITRATE (not at the same time as the iron and no more than 500 mg at a time). This plus plenty of protein and water will keep you healthy!
   — ctyst

September 5, 2003
I do my own shots. And yes, I'm as needlephobic as anyone else. I know I wont' do sublinguals or other kinds of things that are held in the mouth (never liked hard candy, either), so shots it is. I can do it myself, for cheap OR get 'em free at the doc and wait. I do them myself & it is SO no big deal. signed, queen of all wimps
   — vitalady

September 5, 2003
I also hated needles and took the sublingual for quite a while along with my many other daily vitamins. But then a friend told me she had taken the injections and thought they were no big deal. I figured it's worth a try and after the first time, if I didn't like it I figured I would just go back to the sublingual B12 like I had been taking anyway. I went and was so suprised that it didn't hurt at all! Infact, I was still waiting for the pinch when she said she was all done! I think it probably depends a lot on who gives you the injection. But I can tell you that even though I HATE needles, I like these much better than one more pill to take orally everyday. I just mark my calendar the beginning of each month, no problems. I hope that helps. Oh and by the way, you asked about fatigue. That is one way I remember that I have missed my monthly injection, I seem to feel much more tired that usual. I know of some people that choose to get injections twice a month rather than once. I think it depends on the person. Once a month seems to work fine for me. Good luck! P.S. You won't know how they work for you without trying them at least once. :)
   — Laurel C.

September 5, 2003
I forgot to ad one thing to my post. You said something about the injections requiring a doctors appointment, not always true. I think it probably depends on your doctors office and their policies but I don't make an appointment when I go. I simply call them and let them know I am coming so they can have it ready for me. As soon as I get to the office they call me right back and the nurse does the injection and they bill my insurance. It's a breeze. Okay, I have used enough space now, I suppose I should leave room for others to respond eh? :)
   — Laurel C.

September 5, 2003
I do the sublingual B-12 tablets with my daily routine. I asked my nurse practitioner at my surgeon's office what the difference was and she said the tablets I was taking were just fine as long as I didn't have symptoms of deficiencies in my blood work. I'd rather take a pill than have to go over there for a shot.
   — Cathy S.

September 5, 2003
I used to do the pills but I was always tired....switched to shot once a month and I feel much better. I give my own and it does not hurt AT ALL.
   — Oldsoul