RebekahJoy: Weigh or dissolve tablets? Which is better?

[RebekahJoy]

Hi there, 

 

I'm planning ahead for my taper from Sertaline (previous 3.5 year hell from venlaflaxine) 

 

I'm just wondering what peoples views were on shaving/weighing tablets VS dissolving in water and reducing??? 

 

Which is more accurate and less time consuming? 

 

Thanks 

RebekahJoy

 

2015

1.5 years venlaflaxine 

3.5 years tapering off

 

2023-present

Sertaline 

 

Edited October 11, 2023 by Emonda
Name to title

[Emonda]

Hi @RebekahJoy,

Welcome to S.A. 

 

I appreciate you included your drug history in your post, but could you please follow these instructions to set up your drug signature. That way, your drug history will appear at the bottom of each of your posts, making it easier for those who try to assist.

 

On 10/9/2023 at 4:28 AM, RebekahJoy said:

shaving/weighing tablets VS dissolving in water and reducing??? 

 

Which is more accurate and less time consuming? 

 

Personally, I make my own liquid. It doesn't take long and will be beneficial at very small doses. Can you buy liquid Sertaline where you are located? That'd be easier than making your own....you just need to read up on transitioning from tablets to liquid. There is info on this site regarding that.

 

I know others here use a gemini-20 scale, which you can buy on eBay. People seem to speak highly of it...but I have no experience with it.

 

The following link may be beneficial for you: 

 

 

 

Sing out with any questions.

 

Emonda

[RebekahJoy]

Thanks so much, I've changed my signature. Hopefully it's correct. 

 

I believe the liquid is available but I'd rather do it by myself if possible as being persribed the liquid venlaflaxine for years lead to alot of anxiety around whether my GP would stop it because of the high cost. 

 

My thinking was to maybe do the larger first few drops using the scales then move to liquid as I get lower. 

 

I thought I'd be OK shaving amounts off the tablet, weighing and making up a few weeks batch. 

But did read somewhere about crushing the whole tablet and putting into capsules which sounds like a pain in the backside! 😂 

 

It would be great to hear about both options. 

 

[Emonda]

Thanks for attending to your signature; much appreciated, RebekahJoy.

 

13 hours ago, RebekahJoy said:

being persribed the liquid venlaflaxine for years lead to alot of anxiety around whether my GP would stop it because of the high cost. 

 

I've never purchased the liquid....I can't believe they charge more for that...or maybe I shouldn't be surprised!

 

13 hours ago, RebekahJoy said:

I thought I'd be OK shaving amounts off the tablet, weighing and making up a few weeks batch. 

But did read somewhere about crushing the whole tablet and putting into capsules which sounds like a pain in the backside! 😂 

 

For my DIY liquid, I crush a pill between two spoons, pulverise it into tiny pieces, use a small funnel to get it into a 20ml syringe, add 10ml of water, shake vigorously for a while, and then remove what needs to be removed for the taper with a 0.5ml syringe. Two minutes, and I'm done. I do note that not all AD tablets should be crushed like this.

 

Have a look around the site, especially in the tapering section, use the search function, and you'll be able to read the experiences of others.

 

Good luck with it...Emonda