Medication issues, any suggestions?? - ThinnerTimes

Gladitsme · 07-06-2007, 11:56 AM

Hey everyone. I've been having one heck of a time with meds not getting absorbed into my system. I was on effexor xr and finally got changed to the regular type. Plus, my dr. put me on liquid Paxil.

But yesterday, I was put on an antibiotic for an infected tooth, and the pharmacist warned me that it's a very strong medicine, and would cause diarrhea.

I've taken several doses, and I'm starting to think it's not getting absorbed. Any suggestions?

I'm allergic to a bunch of antibiotics, so the choices are limited for me. Should I pull the capsule apart and take the inside stuff without the capsule?

I'm finding that lots of doctors have no idea how things will react with me, or why they don't act like they do with everyone else. Have you had that experience??

Dave T in SD · 07-06-2007, 01:58 PM

Hey Nancy,
Long time no see!!!

Glad your back...
I have the same problems as the entrance to my small intestines is larger than it should be, so stuff goes into my guts faster than it should...

I've had to break down capsules and chew some of my meds just so the can get into my system.
I also had to stop taking my other drug that helped my digestion, becasue it was working too good!! So I take it only when I am starting to get the feeling that the guts aren't moving.
Talk about getting in touch with your body!!!

Hope to see you at the next support group!!

kittens4 · 07-08-2007, 07:46 AM

I didn't even know paxil came in liquid. Good to know. I take a little paxil pill in the morning. I used to take Effexor too, but stopped after surgery because it's an extended release. I did try regular, but it made me sick. I take xanax at night..but I don't swallow it, I let it dissolve under my tongue. It tastes gross, but gets the job done. As for pain, I think Lortab elixer is pretty good, although Dyann said dilautid is good also, I've never tried that. I do have hydrocodone for when my back hurts. It works, but only for a few hours now. So, instead of 1 every 4-6 hours...I'll take 1 every 3 hours or so when pain is bad...which thankfully isn't too often. I was sick a couple of months ago and took a z-pak and it worked like a charm! I'd talk to your doctor and see what he thinks. I'm lucky, I work for a group of GI docs, so they tell me what I can and can take. I trust them, but I still run everything by Dr Dyann here...because she knows a lot from first hand experience!!! Take care. Hope you find the right meds that work for you. xoxoxo

Vickie · 07-08-2007, 04:38 PM

First Let me say im new to this board but I am a regular on Renewed reflections. The medicine problems your having is common. If there is any way you can get your antibotic in a liquid form do so. If all they have are pills You will need to cut them in half. Example. 1 every 4 hours. Cut it in half take one half then in two hours the other one. You need to let your pharmist know and your Dentist know so they can together fix your medications so you can take them and do some good. Taking them in the way I suggested will help you absorb them much better. Good luck with the tooth.

Gladitsme · 07-10-2007, 12:17 PM

Vickie, thanks for the info. The antibiotic I'm on comes in a gel capsule. I haven't been emptying it out, but maybe I should.

If the infection doesn't go away, I'll ask for liquid antibiotic next time.

LisaBoston · 07-10-2007, 01:14 PM

Any meds I take I get in liquid form and don't take with any food or liquid as it goes through so quick. If its a pill and I can chew it, then I do that and have a little sip of something with it. Key for me is to keep it in the pouch as long as I can without anything else. I have also found that pain meds don't last as long as they used to. If it says every 4 hours, by about 2.5 hours I am ready for more...so usually I cheat and take 1/2 the amount and then again in 2 hours and its lasts me the full 4 hours. can't do that with all medication, but this one I can. Check with the doctor about if you can cut the dose in half and take more often...

Didn't recognize your new name Nancy......glad to see you again!

mssg13marinewife · 07-10-2007, 04:55 PM

I to get all my meds in liquid form, also in child doses as well. I have to take it a little bit longer but thats ok. With everything coming to me in liquids I can get them flavored..hehe. I take nothing that has that "easy to swallow" coating around it. Its just better for me that way-

Vickie · 07-10-2007, 05:01 PM

The only reason I felt comfortable to give you the advice I did is because Im a Nurse. This really helps Bypass patients and allows them to absorb the meds.