What Causes Pill Like Object In Stool After Consumption Of Pristiq?

Posted on Tue, 5 May 2015

Question: I take pristiq 50 mg. I believe it is helping but I have a question about its digestion. I have noticed a pill looking object in my stool several times. I know they say the shell may pass. I did however get gloves and open it up and the white powder is still in tact. Am I receiving any of the benefits of the med?

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are taking the drug properly as following

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your concern.
Do not worry if you see what it seems "intact pill" in your stool.

Pristiq pill is formulated to get absorbed slowly when passing through your intestines. The mechanism of absorption is called osmotic release mechanism when water is entering inside the pill without desintegrating the structure of the shell.

The active ingredient is passing into intestinal lumen through osmotic release mechanism still without desintegrating the shell.

What remains at the end include the inactive components. So, do not worry as you are digesting the drug properly.
You can discuss this further with your doctor.

Hope it was of help!
Dr.Albana

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar