I want to reduce my prozac from 20 to 10 mg. My doctor was suggesting to take the 20 mg capsule every other day but I would prefer to take 10 mg every day.
I can break the capsule and take half... but the powder tastes really disgusting. Is it ok doing it this way? I understand the capsule is for "slow release" but is it also there to protect organs?
2007-03-25 20:18:52 · 3 answers · asked by Appel 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
You should never break open a slow release capsule. It's there so that the medication won't rush into your system too fast. With some medications, breaking open the capsule can result in a dangerous overdose. Even if you're taking a low enough dose that you're not in danger of an overdose, the medication won't work properly if it's all released into your system at once. You should follow your doctor's advice and take one capsule every other day, or else get a new prescription for 10 mg a day.
2007-03-25 20:39:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should never break any kind of capsule in half. Only solid tablets.
Did you ever wonder why two capsules of the same medicine are the same size and weight but have different strengths measured in mgs. ?
That is because over 90 percent of the capsule is made up of glucose and other fillers. Only a pinch of the powder contains the actual medicine.
So in other words that pinch of medicine could end up being all in one side of the capsule. This would give you a double dose one day and nothing the next.
2007-03-25 21:42:46 · answer #2 · answered by Kenneth L 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Never break a powder capsule, as yes they are slow release, and you can't be sure of getting the correct dose. If you feel that you only want to take 10mg a day, go to your doctor and get a new prescription. The only medication you can take half off is those that come in solid form and are scored.
2007-03-25 20:51:30 · answer #3 · answered by judles 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to call your doctor, as you cannot get the correct dose you need by guessing. And it is time released for a reason, not to break the seal on the capsule. You need a new
prescription for 10 mg. Call him first thing in the morning and talk to him before you hurt yourself.
2007-03-25 20:32:59 · answer #4 · answered by Donna L 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋