Medication Gets "stuck"

[Sarcolmar 6]

I've been banded since Nov 10th, 2011. I've finally hit a point where I don't need fills every month. Eating is ok. I I take my time and chew small bites I'm fine. The past week I've been having serious problems taking my daily meds. It's like they get "stuck" at the top of my band and slowly dissolve there, burning my esophagus and throat at the same time. One pill is Synthroid which is tiny, I don't suspect that that's the problem. I take Zoloft (about the size of a tic tac) ad Wellbutrin (about the size of an m & m). I stopped taking the Wellbutrin it's just too big and can't be split or crushed. I'm not sure I need it as a lot of my anxiety and depression was caused by my weight. I'd like to keep taking the Zoloft. Does anyone have any experience crushing pulls and if so what do you "take" it with?

Advice and suggestions very welcome.

Thanks!

[losingoncemorewithsurgery 4]

I crush my anti-depressants everyday. I put crystal light in a shot glass, crush them, pour them on top of the crystal light and take it like a shot. It's the only way I can stomach the taste.

You should talk to your pharmacist and ask for an equivalent to your medication that can be crushed and bring that medication name to your prescriber and have them change the pill.

Best of luck!!

[Grider 92]

Ask the pharmamcist what can be cruched or your Dr to give you alternative,,, honey they shoot you up at hospital with IV so I'm sure meds come in other forms.. to help ya out.

[electronicart 120]

I have to bite my meds in half. They will not go through the band:( So far, now side effects) I take the 800mg ibuprofen and they are huge! I bite them into several small peices.

[Grider 92]

Sorry I was told no pain meds besides tylenol n now I take that in liquid form . I had ulcers and million other stomach issues from those aspirin/ advil -pain meds etc.. so be careful.. I bought a pill crusher from Walmart for $5 works great for my other meds.

[Grandma3 73]

I cut mine with a pill cutter. The smaller ones I cut in half and the larger ones I cut in half and cut again.

Then as I get ready in the morning I take two pieces at a time with Water every 1-2 minutes.

I have one capsule I open and put on a spoon applesauce.

I tried crushing and mixing it in applesauce and it is disgusting.

[katwomantexas 2]

I have had trouble since I got my band. Do not lay down after taking them. I also had the burning and my NP told me to take a Nexium for a few days and it would help and it does help. So when it comes back I take the nexium for a couple of days and it goes away.

Kat

[adorkbl 156]

Zoloft would give me horrible heart burn. Every time. I eventually stopped taking it. I would rather be on it... but I simply cannot take pills with my band. Half of it is mental... and I know it. But between the heartburn from Zoloft and a stuck episode once... I gave up.

What DOES help is hot tea. I would cut my Zoloft up into smaller pieces and then wash them through with hot tea. Make sure to take with an empty pouch so you can flush it through. eat something after to fill the pouch and help move through any remaining.

Good luck!! Be careful with crushing pills. Some pills can absolutely NOT be crushed. Always ask a pharmacist first.

[bdjohns 1]

I have a hard time with pills too. I thought it was just me! If at all possible, try taking your meds later in the day, instead of first thing in the morning. That helps me a lot. Also, taking meds with warm drinks def help too! Son't let the pill sit and feel like it is burning in your throat, bc you can get a "chemical" burn that way. It is not fun, know from experience.... Good luck!

[Betelnut 10]

Maybe start taking them at night as I have found that the band loosens up throughout the day.