Too lazy to google

[Pi.R^2]

My current modified-release venlafaxine (75mg) comes in a gelatine-containing capsule which as a vegan is somewhat challenging. I feel like this didn’t use to be a problem- does anyone take the same thing in a format that I wouldn’t find morally problematic? If so, is it something I can speak to a pharmacist about or is it a prescribing issue?
Do let me know if I should ban myself for seeking medical advice and to be clear I will still take the capsules. Not ideal but better a slightly flawed vegan than a mad vegan.

[Elmer]

When I took venlafaxine I had XR tablets - I just asked the prescriber to specify tablets not capsules :)

But if this isn’t a thing that they can do then I agree with flawed is better than mad and I’m pretty sure most tablets have lactose in anyway so… eh.

[Auror.]

Google does say that the tablets are gelatine free. However, they may not be able to give tablets because of how extended time release pills work. Unsure, but definitely worth asking about!

It's just the way bodies take time to digest capsules, and absorb them differently is what tends to make them extended release, versus absorbing tablets all at once. (Sorry if common knowledge/ you already knew this.)

[Elmer]

Yeah, my extended release venlafaxine tablets had a coating that made them work the same way as the capsules but before I got the doctor to specify that I wanted tablets, I got whatever the pharmacy had happened to order.

[Serendipity.]

I am prescribed a particular brand of venlafaxine xr - not for any particular reason, I think one GP did it by accident and no one has bothered to change it! But they can do that so I would maybe speak to your GP about it?

[Pi.R^2]

Great stuff, thank you all! I shall work out how my surgery's weird online thing works and see if I can message or speak to a GP :)

Thanks!

[Pi.R^2]

Assume everyone was on the edge of their seats over this so I'll generously provide an update.
Month 1: when I ordered my prescription I put a note to ask to change to tablets and this was not noticed.
Month 2: decided to repeat exactly the same action and hope for a different outcome and remarkably I received a text saying that my message had been received. When I went to collect the prescription having ran out and enjoyed a day of Terrible Withdrawal, I discovered that I had indeed been prescribed the tablets, but half the usual dose so had a Big Faff going between the surgery and the pharmacy to deal with that. Also the tablets have lactose in but better than gelatine imo.

tl;dr: got tablets instead of capsules, thnx guys.

[Auror.]

Yay! That sounds very frustrating but good job getting it sorted.