Can You Open Effexor XR Capsules?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not it is safe to open Effexor XR capsules.
Hello. I am taking Effexor XR. Can I open these and sprinkle them on something?
Sep 01, 2022- Effexor XR capsules can be opened and the beads sprinkled onto applesauce, then swallowed right away without chewing. Do not chew the beads or store the mixture, as the drug will start to be released once the beads contact moisture. If you have trouble swallowing, ask your pharmacist about immediate-release venlafaxine tablets as an alternative option.
Answer
Yes, it is perfectly safe to open Effexor XR (venlafaxine extended-release) capsules and sprinkle the contents onto food, like applesauce or pudding, and take it that way.
The prescribing information for Effexor XR recommends applesauce if you are opening the capsules:
If you cannot swallow EFFEXOR XR capsules whole, the EFFEXOR XR capsules may be opened and the entire contents sprinkled on a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the EFFEXOR XR and applesauce mixture right away without chewing. Follow with a glass of water to make sure you have swallowed all of the EFFEXOR XR pellets.
What Is In Effexor XR Capsules?
When you open the capsules, you'll notice they don't contain a powder, as you might expect, but rather, a number of tiny drug-containing beads. When you take a dose by mouth, the drug is released slowly over time from these beads via diffusion.
If you do open Effexor XR capsules and sprinkle the beads onto food, be sure to take the dose immediately, and don't store it for future use. Once the beads come into contact with moisture, the drug will start to be released.
Are There Alternatives?
Alternative forms of venlafaxine include venlafaxine immediate-release tablets and extended-release tablets.
I assume if you are opening capsules, you have trouble swallowing. The only real alternative here for you would be immediate-release venlafaxine tablets that you can crush. The extended-release tablets cannot be crushed.
As opening capsules and sprinkling the contents on food is generally easier than crushing tablets and taking a dose that way, I imagine the capsule form of venlafaxine is your best option.
Final Words
Thanks for your question and be sure to reach back out to us in the future!
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Extended-release
- A medication formulation designed to release the drug slowly over many hours instead of all at once.
- Diffusion
- The process by which a substance gradually spreads or moves from an area of higher concentration to lower concentration.
- Beads
- Tiny pellets containing medication that are enclosed in a capsule and release the drug slowly over time.
- Venlafaxine
- The active medication in Effexor XR, an antidepressant drug used to treat depression and anxiety.
- Immediate-release
- A medication formulation that releases the full dose of drug quickly into your system, usually within a short time after taking it.
- Prescribing information
- Official medical instructions from the drug manufacturer that describe how a medication should be taken and any important safety information.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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