Extended Release Medications

[KDM74 186]

Does anyone take extended release meds after bypass? I am on Effexor for depression and prior to surgery I took the XR capsules, which slowly release in your intestine. Since surgery I have been taking the immediate release tablets twice a day. The tablets are difficult for me to swallow and I have to take twice as many. I would like to switch back to the XR capsules but haven't gotten a definitive yes or no from my surgeon. What is everyone's experience taking XR capsules after bypass? Is the medication as effective?

[choosehope 233]

My understanding is that it runs through the digestive tract and empties too quickly to get any benefit from the extended release properties. Haven't had surgery yet, but saw that in something I read. Makes sense.

[TXMissy 211]

I was told that if I was on any extended or time release meds to talk to a physician about changing. The meds just are absorbed in our systems the same way nor do they stay in our systems very long.

[KDM74 186]

That's what I thought. Meh. Well, hopefully the surgery and losing weight will help my depression and I can scale back on my meds in the near future. We'll see.

[Sreeves 56]

I am just taking mine by opening the capsule and dumping the little beads into my yogurt in the morning and it is working fine for me. I also tried to do the immediate release ones twice a day and I didn't find any difference between the two so I am staying with the extended release. I have not had any noticeable difference in my symptoms, and I don't know if that is because my depression is getting better of it the medication is working, but either way I am doing fine taking it the way I am. I hope this helps.

[RazorbackSusan 17]

I'm taking a venlafaxine (generic Effexor) extended release tablet. I'm six weeks post op and have had zero issues. I'm very sensitive to side effects when I miss my med, so I believe it is working perfectly well since I've had no issues. My surgeon said that it would be no problem and that has been my experience.

[anaxila 501]

My understanding is that Extended-Release formulas are a thing of the past post-surgery, permanently, for the same reasons cited above. RNY digestive tracts are too short for the ER formulas to break down, and they end up passing in and out before doing their little medication-goodness.