Need Seroquel IR but only have Seroquel XR

[cowboywillie]

Sadly I don't have insurance. My Pdoc is a nice guy so he has free samples of the Seroquel XR. I was doing great on the regular Seroquel IR but the XR gives me insomnia, can't fall asleep like the IR, and I'm tired the next day. I miss my regular Seroquel IR. My question is this: If I split or crush the XR, will it give me the same effect as the IR? I've done tons of research online. Some people say splitting it will eliminate the extended realease while others say crushing it will do the trick? Someone please help! Some who REALLY knows what they're talking about instead of just guessing because I've heard so many differing opinions. Thanks!

[terrydrives1979]

My question is this: If I split or crush the XR, will it give me the same effect as the IR?

I tried cutting a quel XR tablet. I " think " it turns into a placebo, a dud, a lemon coz it's originally meant to be an extended release tablet and IF you cut it, it just sits in your stomach.

[cowboywillie]

You gotta be kidding? That is dissappointing. No disrespect terry but this is the 3rd or 4th opinion now. Thanks for the reply I appreciate it, but I hope you're wrong. Anyone else that can back this up. Thanks very appreciative.

[terrydrives1979]

but I hope you're wrong.

Anyone else that can back this up

I " think "...

I'm not saying I'm right however that's what a nurse told me a while ago...

[cowboywillie]

Ok, I see..It's weird that it could just become placebo. I don't know, to me, the xr and ir are two totally different pills. Thanks Terrry. Please someone let me know if the XR can be "turned" into the IR. I don't know what I'm gonna do if it can't????

[Guest]

It depends on the method they use to get the XR, If its using layers then splitting or crushing causes it to become IR.

If they use granules in the binder then breaking the tablet in half does nothing, you would have to crush it with a mortar and pestle.

Typically (for the second type) you would have to grind it to a powder, and add it into a gelcap to swallow. Or take it with some apple sauce (lol).

Crushing it will not make it inert and placebo like, Far from it. It will be absorbed faster than a normal tablet.

Edited March 21, 2012 by Not me

[Alien Navel Cord]

My psychiatrist told me if you cut it in half, it becomes regular seroquel.

[Chocolate Heartache]

You'd have to grind it to make it instant release, and that's a bit of a pain to do - you'd need a mortar and pestle, the back of a spoon won't do it. Cutting it in half will stop it being as controlled a release as it ought to be, but it won't become fully instant-release either. IIRC Seroquel XR is made like Russian nesting dolls, layered with a thick filmy stuff separating the layers, and it stays in your GI tract slowly dissolving for hours.

*disclaimer* Obviously it's not my recommendation to grind tablets to take them otherwise than your doctor prescribed, and my advise is based only on my experience of messing around with my own medication. If it goes wrong, please don't sue me! */disclaimer*

I really hope you feel better and that you can get the right formulation soon.

[confused]

My pdoc told me to crush it to make it instant release. I think cutting works, too

[saoirse]

When I cut a Seroquel XR pill and took half, it knocked me out like a light. And normal Seroquel XR barely makes me drowsy. So there is definitely a difference.

[Amethyst674]

My Pdoc fave me free samples and told me to break mine in half (the XR). I was new to seroquel so he didn't wanna start me at 50mg. It dosen't knock me out, but slowly helps me drift off, and yes I do have some daytime sleepiness . I ordered some IR through a canadian pharm. b/c I do not have insurance. Those will be the regualar seroquel....So once I start on those (when I run out of the XR) I will report back Best of luck

[MobilisInMobile]

My Pdoc also gave me free samples of XR with the intent of effectively using them as IR.  He first told me to crush them and take about 50mg, but I told him I have a pill cutter and he said that would be fine too.  The cut pills were working somewhat, but not as well as I had hoped.  So I decided to try crushing them up and eating them with cinnamon apple sauce (yum, just be sure all the powder is covered and take it like a shot or yuuuck).  Wow what a difference.  I went from having a mild effect after 45-60 minutes to really feeling it in about 10.  I'm also less tired in the morning using the crushed method so I assume it must metabolize faster when crushed, at least for me. YMMV

[crtclms]

I personally can't speak to Seroquel, and obviously people here have had a variety of experiences, good and bad. But as a general rule, it is a bad idea to cut pills that are extended release. You basically end up dumping the entire dose all at once, instead of over time.

 

Cowboywillie, you asked the members at large what their experiences have been. It doesn't encourage people to give advice to you if they expect to be snapped at, and dismissed for trying to be helpful. You seem to only want answers that fit in with your preconceived notions. If that is the case, why ask the question in the first place?