silly question!

[mishel]

ok so as you know i am way too paranoid about side effects to take effexor! then i got an aidea from someone, I have effexor xl/er 37.5mg's.
i was thinking I could open up the capsule and throw away most of the beads inside, so i could start myself on a lower dose than normal, so if i got any side effects they would be very mild. then as i grow braver i could remove less and less beads.
wanted to ask you guys is this safe??? i cannot see why not:blush: ,
just wanted to check in case i'm missing something here .

[mishel]

also if you guys think this is a sane idea i will also ask my doctor, as this is the only way i feel i could start taking effexor

[jonstar]

Quite safe and reasonable to do that, ask your doc and see what s/he thinks about it

37.5mg is a very low dose, you should be able to be taking a full capsule after the first week.

The effective dose is usualy between 75 and 150mg per day, build upto it slowly and you will do fine!

Good luck

[Dahlia]

I'm not a doctor, but I would say that breaking open the capsules might be a no-no. You have been given the extended release capsules, and perhaps opening them up and taking half the contents would mean you weren't getting the extended release effect? I'm not sure how much of a role the capsule itself plays in extending the release. (Extended release capsules apparently limit side effects, from what I have read)

It's definitely worth checking with your doctor though - because it would be ideal for you to start at an even lower dosage. And if half the capsule can't be taken, ask if they come in tablet form (which can easily be broken in 2).

[jonstar]

Its ok to open effexor capsules, the slow release mechanism is in the small beads inside the capsule, not the capsule it self

[Dahlia]

Aha - thanks for clearing that up Jon! After I posted it, it occurred to me I was being a bit dim lol.

I took a quick look on the manufacturer's website, and although it says not to divide/crush/chew the tablet, it does say you can open it up and sprinkle the contents on to a spoonful of applesauce (?!), swallow immediately and then drink a glassful of water.

I'm not sure if it has to be applesauce! Mishel, perhaps you could sprinkle a tiny bit onto a spoon of applesauce? Do you even like applesauce?!

[mishel]

you can sprinkle it on sauce? wow ha ha, i thought the capsule also played a part in the extended release. apple sauce yummy!!! ha ha
i know i'm being a baby! but thanks you guys, i sure will say it to my doctor first, he knows what i am like with medication, so i don't think he'll be too surprised.

[mishel]

daliha your so not dim! see i even spelled your name wrong!

[mishel]

yay my doctor says it is ok! even my mum is afraid for me! case last time i went a bit mental on antidepressants(darn side effects) it so doesn't help that my mum is such a nervous person! if i have a panic attack she gets mad, but i know its only because i am scaring her! weird ain't it,
thanks everyone for being understanding x

[MyNameIsntRich]

Effexor is not good to start or be on low doses... I hope you dont do this and talk to your Dr before doing so. Several Dr's have told me effexor in a low dose form raises blood pressure. Do not just start yourself on a self medication with this drug it is simply not safe. Reading your posts about effexor i would strongly suguest that you avoid this drug since you seem to have several worries about it...