Psych Meds After Bypass

[dqisawesome 0]

I'm still in the approval process for bypass (medical checks and whatnot), but I was wondering if anyone out there has experience with changing their antidepressants and/or ADHD meds post bypass surgery. I'm on a combo of meds that are working pretty well and I've been told they can't predict absorption results after surgery which is stressing me out. It's the one thing that has me worried about getting the bypass (sleeve is not an option with my insurance) and I'd like to hear people's experiences. Thanks!

[tabba29 0]

I don't have the answer but that's been my biggest fear as well.

[LarrySm88 5]

i have the answer, relax you will be fine your surgeon will tell you that you can continue using your medication, post operation.

BUT ONLY IN THE CRUSHABLE FORM YOU NEED TO MIX IT WITH A SIP OF Water TO TAKE THEM.

example adderall xr and effexor xr are time released you can not take them .

you doctor can prescribe you crushable versions of each drug.

[woolspool 0]

I had my surgery on March 19 (bypass). I have depression and ADHD. I used to take Concerta (XR Methylphenidate) 36 mg per day, and 75 mg Zoloft.

My Zoloft has stayed the same since this is not an extended release formula, and I have not noticed any change in my mood in the 3 weeks since surgery. My doctor changed my methylphenidate rx from Concerta to regular old, instant release Ritalin, 20 mg/day (one tablet with Breakfast and one with lunch).

So far, this is working...OK. The dosage will probably need to be increased as I feel that it doesn't control my symptoms as well, but it's close I'd say. It also wears off sooner, but for me having my symptoms managed during the workday is the most important, so I'm OK with that.

My family doctor said she'd like to refer me to a psychiatrist to discuss how to manage the ADHD going forward. For now the Ritalin is a good stopgap.

[Dinah55 27]

I was concerned about this too before my bypass. After my surgery, my doctor switched me from extended release to immediate release. It involves taking a couple more pills a day, since I now have to take divided doses, but it's no big deal. The best thing is, I haven't noticed any difference in the effectiveness, and it's been five months since my surgery.

[kellygirl22277 0]

I had this concern as well, I take adderall 30mg because it is not bigger than a m&m my dr said this Is fine as far as my other meds capsules I open them up and mix with applesauce and the others I cut in half with a pill cutter and take. Do not crush your meds without talking to your pharmacist or doctor first they can react different and absorb within your body differently.

[lizonaplane 1,612]

I had initially wanted bypass but because I have bipolar disorder and take a lot of medication for that, the surgeon and my psychopharmacologist both recommended sleeve, which is unfortunate, since I also have GERD. I just don't want to mess around with my meds, so I'm going to go with the sleeve and deal with the GERD.

[Denise68 19]

I had gastric bypass and have bipolar and on a few different meds ,I have no problems with my meds .

[MSWDiet 64]

I had the similar worries because I need a cocktail of daily meds including psych drugs. Over a decade later I'm proof that this can be done successfully immediately post bypass surgery and long term.

My surgeon believed bypass was necessary although I sought him out for his experience with the sleeve. Twelve hours post op a nurse sat with me and showed me how to take 21 tablets & capsules, not including supplements.

I did then and still do this 7 times daily. Among my meds are a few commonly used psych drugs. Both short and long acting drugs were in the mix from the start. My doctor did not allow me to crush pills because medical conditions unrelated to obesity required meds that could not be crushed or broken. He insisted I learn to continue my regular medications beginning on the day of surgery. None were changed to crushable forms.

It took 20 minutes. I went home the day after surgery and swallowed my 3 dozen meds and supplements including psych drugs 7 times a day. Zero complications since 09'. Every single medication worked as it did before surgery.

Best wishes for your success!

MSW

[Lisa LoVuolo 63]

I have cymbalta, amtripoline and buspar

Sent from my U693CL using BariatricPal mobile app

[lmsrny5 51]

I’m on Wellbutrin and Trazodone for my anxiety and OCD. I have to take immediate release for my Wellbutrin and no change to trazodone. I was told I could swallow whole pills as long as they’re not bigger than a M&M. So far so good after two weeks.

[Incredibleshrinkiningkiley 23]

I take adderall immediate realease capsules. They switched me and I’m doing ok but am

getting headaches.

[Lisa LoVuolo 63]

I am on buspirine


Sent from my U693CL using BariatricPal mobile app

[HealthyLifeStyle 351]

I was on lithium for 27 yrs. and 2 months (45 lbs. lighter) after my surgery became "toxic" and ended up in the hospital because they never lowered my dose.

My husband said I was acting weird one day. I was changing in and out of different pj's every 20 minutes or so. Then he told me I was taking out bath towels one by one, wetting them and placing them around the house in different spots. Cussing at him for no reason and just acting out of character.

He called my parents, and when they came over, I was in the bathroom naked crouched in a corner and bawling my eyes out. My mom kept telling me to get dressed and I refused. She said she couldn't understand what I was talking about because apparently I was mumbling and couldn't form sentences.

They called the ambulance after they were able to put some clothes on me. I was cussing at the EMT's the entire way.

A lot of other stuff happened. I do not remember ANY of it. They told my husband and parents that I almost died from being so toxic. I ended up in the hospital for 4 days.

When I got home, I called the surgeons office to let them know what happened, they blamed it on my psychiatrist office. Then I called my psychiatrists office and they blamed it on the surgeons office. No one would take responsibility for this.

I still don't remember anything from that awful time. Hubby told me a lot of other weird stuff I was doing, and saying. I am still going to counseling for it because it was so traumatizing that I have a hard time just being in a car. (I was told that it's because of my body remembering the ambulance ride as the last time I was in vehicle)? Even though my mind can't remember, my body remembers.

I am slowly working on it, and can be in a car for a little bit longer each time.

It was and still is bothering me because I can not remember anything that happened.

PLEASE make sure you tell your docs about this. Make sure they are adjusting your meds as you lose weight. Your body won't be big enough to handle the current dosages your used of taking.

I am now taking Gabapentin for anxiety, and it's also used to treat my neuropathy pain from when I was diabetic and now have permanent nerve damage in my feet.

I also take Ativan if I have to go anywhere in the car. If I don't take it, I can't go anywhere.

Edited June 5, 2021 by HealthyLifeStyle

[lizonaplane 1,612]

21 hours ago, HealthyLifeStyle said:

I was on lithium for 27 yrs. and 2 months (45 lbs. lighter) after my surgery became "toxic" and ended up in the hospital because they never lowered my dose.

PLEASE make sure you tell your docs about this. Make sure they are adjusting your meds as you lose weight. Your body won't be big enough to handle the current dosages your used of taking.

I am now taking Gabapentin for anxiety, and it's also used to treat my neuropathy pain from when I was diabetic and now have permanent nerve damage in my feet.

I also take Ativan if I have to go anywhere in the car. If I don't take it, I can't go anywhere.

I'm so sorry this happened to you. Lithium is particularly dangerous because it has such a narrow therapeutic window. Most psych meds don't need to be adjusted so acutely due to weight (there are a few). But I'm sure if you lose like half your body weight some will need to be adjusted. People should keep in touch with their psychiatrist/psychopharmacologist to get levels checked where appropriate and to keep abreast of symptoms.