Are pharmacists always competent ?

[Joethomas]

My pharmacist insists you can take Citalopram on an completely empty stomach in the morning and the drug will be just as effective as if it was taken on a full stomach: That the only reason one would say don't take it on an empty stomach is because it can make some people with a sensitive stomach feel nauseous if you do so. Now although I trust and have respect for all pharmacists I have found people saying it won't be as effective if taken on a empty stomach. It's bugging me because surly they got their infomation from a pharmacist or doctor to ? Because I see my tablets as the difference between me having horrible anxiety or not something like this bugs me constantly. I'm considering seing a doctor to ask, but is that unnecessary do you think ? Do pharmacists know more anyway ? Someone shed some light on this please xxx

[Claire_MHModerator]

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[Paxiled]

Also keep in mind that anit-depressants often are the cause of stomach distress -- it's one of the most common side effects.  This won't be helped by taking it with a meal necessarily because the reason for the stomach upset is the effect the med has on substances in your body that regulate digestion.  When this happens the remedy is to change meds or adjust to the med by altering diet and supplements.  Don't know if this is your problem, but just thought I'd add this in.

[kickanxietysbutt]

If you have any uncertainties about the drugs you are taking, you can always refer to the drug information sheet that comes with them, or look up the drug online.  The majority of drugs can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food, and most of the time when you're advised to take them with food it's to preven stomach upset.  Some drugs are better taken on an empty stomach due to how your body needs to absorb them, but SSRI's don't generally fall under this category.  As for pharmacists, when it comes to drugs, I've found they often do know more than doctors.  They specialize in drugs; doctors specialize in medicine, which encompasses a very wide spectrum.  A pharmacist once gave me the best advice for a cold I've ever gotten, and a doctor prescribed me two drugs, when combined together are lethal.  I'd say overall pharmacists know what they are talking about when it comes to drugs, as this is their specialty, but like any other profession, there are good and bad ones.  If you have any doubts, you can always consult your physician, too.

[Purplecalyxkid]

I've read in the book good drug bad drug to never take anything that hasn't been on the market for more then seven years because the drug companys and the FDA don't realy know that much in my opinion.I also can't belive every other commercial on tv is a drug commercial!,That should be against the law.

[Purplecalyxkid]

I know firsthand that some dont know what they're doing and some don't want to take the time.I think most of them are good but always count your meds when you get themto make sure you don't get shorted as I have.Once you sign for them that's it so count all meds and always get a second opinion.It;s free to call any pharmacy and ask and you'll see that you will get different answers from different pharmacys.I also use the Mayo Clinic website.I find it very helpfull.
Best Wishes,

[mammo]

Sorry I meant to say Citalopram.  I agree with nursegirl, time to stop worrying about how to take it and just do it, follow the directions on the bottle and don't over-think this.

[nursegirl6572]

Thanks for the clarirfication.  It doesn't matter which med, same thing applies.  I think, why you're hearing some varying advice is because there is NOT any kind of specific recommendation about it either way.  I've been told by many a docs that it doesn't matter which way the med is taken.

You would get more uniform advice if you were talking about something that was more of a hard and fast "rule" if you will about meds.  For instance, if you had asked if you will feel better in a few days after starting the Celexa, you would be told, over and over that it takes 4-6 weeks for the med to reach effectivenss.  That's because that particular info is common knowledge and accepted accross the board.

Don't spend anymore time worrying about it, if you're doc gives you the ok, take it however YOU prefer.

[Joethomas]

Mammo seems to referring Clonazepam whilst I'm talking about Citalopram. Thanks for both your input though . Actually it's pharmaists that have told me different things  

[nursegirl6572]

When you say "different things", are you referring to listening to friends and family?  I never recommend asking a bunch of people for their input, as you will hear all KINDS of things.  People will tell you things as if they know what they're talking about, meanwhile, THEY heard it from "Jimmy's cousin's wife's sister's daughter"...you see?

Like mammo said above, it doesn't matter how you take it, it's more about preference than efficacy.  If you prefer to take it with food, then do so.  If not, take it before you eat.  It's not going to effect the medication's effectiveness.

[mammo]

You can take clonazepam on either an empty stomach or with food.  The only time they recommend you take it with food is if taking it without causes stomach irritation, but it is just as effective either way you take it.

[Joethomas]

Ok thanks .It's just distressing to be told different things. It gives my anxiety something to cling on to. No pharmasists have told me a rang of things. Guess i'm doomed

[nursegirl6572]

Do pharmacists know more than WHO?  Doctors?  I wouldn't say they necessarily know MORE, their education is just different, their on the job knowledge is different.

I agree with Paxiled about antidepressants, I also have never heard a fast and steady rule either way.  Just personally, knowing what I know about the digestive process, I would THINK that the opposite of what you're saying would be true, that taking it on an empty stomach would improve absorption, but again, that's just what I would THINK if I had to guess one way or another.

I have had p-docs tell me (a few of them) that the decision to take an AD on a full or empty stomach is up to the patient, and is based on whether that person has GI upset when they take their meds.  I  have been told that either way is fine, that there wouldn't be a huge difference either way.  I've taken my meds both ways, and have never noticed a difference one way or another.

Who are the "people" you have telling you it won't be as effective if taken on an empty stomach?  If they are friends, family, or people without a medical background, I wouldn't be in a huge hurry to believe them over the pharmacists.

Are you having issues with your med?  

[Paxiled]

Theoretically pharmacists know more, but anyone can be lazy and incompetent, and the truth about pharmaceuticals is we really know very little about them except what pharmaceutical companies want us to know.  That being said, this drug has been on the market a long time, so there is evidence out there if anyone bothers to look for it.  I can tell you that I've never been told over many years of this to take an antidepressant with food.  I have been told to take it in divided doses twice a day, but never to take it with food, and to my knowledge the instructions don't say to take it with food.  For whatever good this does for you, since you aren't me.