Posted by bleauberry on December 13, 2007, at 20:41:58
In reply to Re: need help,please. Minimum dose too strong » Phillipa, posted by sunnydays on December 13, 2007, at 19:45:39
The post copied below is false.
Cymbalta is not a delayed release capsule. It is a plain ole capsule with delayed release beads inside it. Breaking or opening the pill does not cause too much of it to be released all at one time any more than if you swallowed the whole thing. Whether you swallow beads from the capsule, or swallow the whole capsule, the beads themselves are not going to be released until they reach the intestines. With a capsule you get 200 beads releasing all at once. With a custom 5mg you get 50 beads releasing all at once.The term "delayed release capsule" is misleading. Sure it is true that cymbalta is a delayed release medicine, but it is not the capsule that does that. Each bead inside the capsule has an enteric coating, which the capsule itself does not have.
More people than I can remember have used this neat trick when titrating up or weaning off cymbalta or effexor, and the strategy proved to be a lifesaver for them saving tons of agony.
Obviously the drug companies do not want you doing this because it lowers their sales.
> Phillipa - From http://www.drugs.com/cymbalta.html
>
> Do not crush, chew, break, or open a delayed-release capsule. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. It may take 4 weeks or longer for your symptoms to improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Do not stop using Cymbalta without first talking to your doctor. You may have unpleasant side effects if you stop taking this medication suddenly. Store Cymbalta at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
>
> I have heard lots of problems with medicine being released too quickly if a delayed-release capsule is opened. I would ask a doctor's advice before opening such a capsule.
>
> sunnydays
poster:bleauberry
thread:800540
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20071213/msgs/800668.html