[ SECRET POST #3280 ]

[case]

⌈ Secret Post #3280 ⌋

Warning: Some secrets are NOT worksafe and may contain SPOILERS.

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Notes:

Secrets Left to Post: 03 pages, 053 secrets from Secret Submission Post #469.
Secrets Not Posted: [ 0 - broken links ], [ 0 - not!secrets ], [ 0 - not!fandom ], [ 0 - too big ], [ 0 - repeat ], [ 1 - posted twice ].
Current Secret Submissions Post: here.
Suggestions, comments, and concerns should go here.

Comments

Medical Question

[(Anonymous)]

I have a drug question. So I've been on anti-depressants for years. I was on Zoloft at first and then switched to Prozac a few years ago. I can't swallow pills, so I've been opening the capsule and just taking the powder.

Only I just read a thing that says Prozac is time released and that it shouldn't be ground. Am I doing something really bad?

And the other thing is that I read it does come in a liquid form. If I switch over, will the copay cost me more than for the capsules?

Re: Medical Question

[(Anonymous)]

It depends on the Prozac. It probably comes in normal release and extended release forms. Does your prescription bottle say "do not chew or crush" on it? If not, you're probably good. If so, look into other approaches.

I have never heard of liquid Prozac. If it's new, it wouldn't surprise me if the copay's higher (or it might not even be covered because insurance is stupid that way), but that's a question for your insurance.

Re: Medical Question

[(Anonymous)]

You can ask the pharmacist, but in general, it's usually not a good idea to do that. The stuff's in capsules for a reason and by taking it in different way, you might be changing the efficacy of the medication.

I feel you on the difficulty of swallowing pills. I assume this is more a mental block issue than a physical problem? It took me a while to get over my problem, but keep working at it. It'll make your life a LOT easier.

Re: Medical Question

[(Anonymous)]

It's both mental and physical. I have a really strong gag reflex. Even with food I can't swallow chunks. And I also nearly choked as a kid, so even tiny pills will get stuck in the back of my throat and I can't swallow them.

Re: Medical Question

[(Anonymous)]

Ditto. I had to take chewable childrens' versions of stuff into adulthood, but unfortunately, they don't make chewable versions of most prescription medication. What helped me is realizing that even when I'm swallowing, say, a mouthful of juice or food, the total volume is still larger than the largest pill I've ever had to take. It also helps to take them with plenty of water (or maybe something slightly thicker, like chocolate milk), relax, and this is the hardest part-- do NOT think about it. Take a few deep, calming breaths, blank your mind or distract yourself, tell yourself you're not swallowing a pill, you're just swallowing a spoonful of [insert favorite food here].

Re: Medical Question

[herpymcderp]

Yes, you are essentially rendering your medication ineffective.

I have no idea about the copay.

Re: Medical Question

[raspberryrain]

I think most capsules are designed to dissolve in the stomach. I don't think you're affecting the time-release to any significant degree at all, if that's even the kind of pill you're taking.

And if it were time-release, your psychiatrist should have told you. It likely isn't.

Re: Medical Question

[(Anonymous)]

Hey! im a pharmacist let me help you out. No, you should not break open the capsule and take the powder. the capsule may be delayed release which means the capsule dissolves in a certain way and without the way, the drug is less effective. and even still many drugs are unstable as powders and i dont recommend that except for a few durgs, (not prozac unfortunately.) but i know the capsules are really big. they come in tablets as well that are really small. those might be much easier for to swallow. It also comes in a liquid. there is a generic form so it really might not be that expensive! it would be worth giving your insurance a call! and i dispense the liquid prozac all the time, so you are not alone! and most big chain pharmacies carry it.

i hope this helps you a little. if you still ahve questions, ask your doctor or local pharmacist. ( we dont mind =] )

Re: Medical Question

[(Anonymous)]

same anon from above. forgive my typos. on my phone! ;P

Re: Medical Question

[(Anonymous)]

ugh, im sorry. same anon. I just wanted to add- you ARE getting the drug! and it IS helping! you just might not be getting the full and same amount every day. which is not ideal. and there are better options for you. okay, im really done know!

Re: Medical Question

[(Anonymous)]

Holy shit you are not a real pharmacist, this is completely wrong.

Re: Medical Question

[(Anonymous)]

Pharmacy technician with over 18 years of experience here, and married to a clinical pharmacist.

You can open the capsule and take the powder; sprinkling it on some applesauce can make it more palatable. You cannot do this with all capsules, but with regular-release Prozac, this is fine. You can always call up your local pharmacist and ask them if you're unsure of any drug-related questions, they're happy to answer them.

As for the liquid Prozac, you'd have to call your insurance company to see if they cover it. It's been out long enough that there's probably a generic version of that too, so I'd imagine it wouldn't be too big of an issue.