I have seroquel xr 50mg, it hangs me over , so could I cut in half?
Can I cut a Seroquel XR 50 tablet in half?
Question posted by chris57 on 3 July 2010
Last updated on 30 November 2012 by luttekes
5 Answers
luttekes
30 Nov 2012
Hi, If you feel you are hung over in the morning, you might want to cut it.
It will probably affect the slow release. Some Slow Release tablets are formulated that they can be cut in half, there would be a score on the tablet like for toprol XR. Normal Seroquel has a halflife of appr. 6 hours with some extended effect of a metabolite. So after 6 hrs appr. 25mg would be left in sytem. XR works longer at lower concentration. (total dosage is extended over longer period) Cutting the tablet will release the product faster resulting in higher peak dosage (if you take both halves:) peak might be equal with half tablet but effect will be less in duration. Some indications are mentioned for XR use, some are not necessarily XR, tablet could be taken twice daily. Interestingly the XR formulation came on the market shortly before the patent expired, that should indicate how "important" the XR is. you probably stopped the medication by now.
I am surpised about the answers that will just relate to the wrinting on the box, that is in most cases all that a doctor knows about it as well. (Ii stumbled on it because I needed to know if XR could be halved while retaining its properties)
Laura121971
10 March 2012
I know this question is old, but I am answering it in hopes of helping anyone who may run across this question, themselves looking for answers.
You should NEVER cut an extended release tablet (XR); altering such medication in anyway will affect how it is absorbed into the body, will increase side effects, and will no longer be 'extended release'.
Extended release medication is especially coated, so it will pass through the stomach and dissolve in the intestines.
I hope this helps someone!
Rajive Goel
4 July 2010
Since the tabs are 'extended release' tabs not recommended to either be crushed, split, broken, or chewed. They should be swallowed whole. Hope this helps?
toffeeman92
28 July 2010
Not ideal to split them but you can. It is better to split them than take a dose that you feel is too much.
Rajive Goel
29 July 2010
Extended Release tabs when cut could be either less or more effective, as the med is so manufactured to timely release the active slowly, hope 'am able to explain?
Inactive
4 July 2010
I wound not tell you it's ok.
You need to contact your health provider and let then know what's going on.
Bucky1
Inactive
3 July 2010
Hi ,
I take seroquel 300mg (among many other meds) for about 4 or 5 years, you don´t want to cut in half otherwise your Doctor/Psyachiatrist would have told you too..ok . I know who you feel the next day..it is terrible... you said it my friend like a hang over..In my worse moments I have gone up to 900mg ( suffering from a manic episode..I am bipolar) your organism will eventually get used to it.
Before you get in your car and drive make sure you are well awake for I have crashed a couple of times!
If you are bipolar , anxiety comes with it so avoid coffee, you have to hang in there..I know it is hard..been there myself... but it does go away..plus you are on a low dose.
Good luck my friend
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