tnewton8351 0 Posted September 17, 2009 I was trying to crush mine and half them etc in the beginning. It was absolutely horrible. The bitterness would make me gag and felt like it was burning. Then I just decided to take them one at a time with Water and you know what? I haven't had one problem. I also take buproprion and a couple of others. My doctor and pharmacist said that if the pill is no bigger than an m&m then it should not be a problem to swallow whole. I'm 3 weeks post op now and don't even think about it. Hope you find something that works for you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
onikenbai 33 Posted September 17, 2009 Speak to your pharmacist about it. Brand name and equivalent generics are not always identical. The pharmacist may be able to accommodate your needs by giving you a smaller version. Also, sometimes the 50mg pill is smaller than the 100mg pill and you can ask your pharmacist to give you double the number of 50s and you take two at a time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hmarko 0 Posted September 18, 2009 OH and could you switch from allegra to zyrtec? It's LOTS smaller? Hi RM - I usually switch over time between allegra and clarinex (which is really small) but allegra tends to work the best. I keep trying zyrtec but end up w/ a cough (it doesn't control that). But I may go back to clarinex. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hmarko 0 Posted September 18, 2009 I was trying to crush mine and half them etc in the beginning. It was absolutely horrible. The bitterness would make me gag and felt like it was burning. Then I just decided to take them one at a time with Water and you know what? I haven't had one problem. I also take buproprion and a couple of others. My doctor and pharmacist said that if the pill is no bigger than an m&m then it should not be a problem to swallow whole. I'm 3 weeks post op now and don't even think about it. Hope you find something that works for you. Actually the hospital told me the same thing about the M&M - buproprion I thought was too large. I am seeing my Surgeon tomorrow will ask her (BUT their instructions say crush all pills from now on). Its the buproprion that is really NASTY!!!!! NOTHING masks that - i tried milk and honey nothing works. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RestlessMonkey 7 Posted September 18, 2009 I think that obviously some people can take pills without any problems, just like some of us can eat white bread or dry chicken (or whatever). Whether one wants to try it to see which category he/she is in is personal. I am grateful I was told I could take them without crushing etc, and that I can and do take them that way. If you are one who WANTS to just take them, ask your surgeon if you can try it. If you are afraid to risk it, crush 'em. Simple. Obviously though crushing/melting/halving isn't a "must do" for all of us. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hmarko 0 Posted September 18, 2009 I think that obviously some people can take pills without any problems, just like some of us can eat white bread or dry chicken (or whatever). Whether one wants to try it to see which category he/she is in is personal. I am grateful I was told I could take them without crushing etc, and that I can and do take them that way. If you are one who WANTS to just take them, ask your surgeon if you can try it. If you are afraid to risk it, crush 'em. Simple. Obviously though crushing/melting/halving isn't a "must do" for all of us. I'm going to ask because i just can't do the crushing thing. I'm not even really restricted yet. So they are probably just being strict. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RestlessMonkey 7 Posted September 18, 2009 Good luck! :thumbup: I hope they relent and let you try it! :smile2: I KNOW they can't just sit there, truly, because I'd be spitting pills like a machine gun by now! :eek: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hmarko 0 Posted September 18, 2009 YAY they let me halve them and the allegra do in thirds. Thats good enough for me. Thanks all! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
123crod 170 Posted September 18, 2009 Just pop a couple of TicTacs after you take them that is what I did for the 6 weeks I crushed everything. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RestlessMonkey 7 Posted September 18, 2009 YAY they let me halve them and the allegra do in thirds. Thats good enough for me. Thanks all! Great! Conservative but flexible. A great trait in a surgeon! :biggrin: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carjoan 0 Posted September 18, 2009 I am on an antidepressant called Cymbalta and it is in a time-release capsule. My psychiatric nurse practitioner said to open the capsule and take half in the AM and half late afternoon. Applesauce sounds great as my other medications taste awful when ground up and taken with Water.< img src="https://s.bariatricpal.com/uploads/emoticons/default_sad.png" alt=":(" srcset="https://s.bariatricpal.com/uploads/emoticons/sad@2x.png 2x" width="20" height="20" /> Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Divamom 1 Posted September 18, 2009 I have to take 3 large capsules every morning---they can be opened. Put in applesauce. Make alittle hole in your applesauce then empty your capsule or add you crushed pill, cover it up with applesauce and then scoop it out with a spoon and swallow. Works for me everyday. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mbranham0306 0 Posted September 19, 2009 I forgot about something. I had to take my actigall for the first few weeks by opening the capsule and mixing it with something. I also used sugar free koolaid for a few weeks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites