Cutting A Time Released Pill

I don't understand, if a pill is 60mg time-released, what's the problem with cutting it? If you get all the med at once you will only get 60mg right? What am I missing?

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Hi Sanaa,

To my understanding, it's simply a word of caution to those who may be at risk of overdosing on something their body hasn't yet built a tolerance to (namely when it comes to pain medication, although it could pertain to any drug). Personally, I'd never advise doing so without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first, as there may be immediate-release options available in smaller doses. However, I do see your point and think that if this was a last resort option one can mitigate possible risk factors under the right conditions (i.e. having a high tolerance, etc). Of course, if you ask most doctors, they'll likely shun you as a patient for even thinking about tampering with your prescriptions. So from a clinical standpoint, any alterations are done at your own discretion.

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Re: David (# 1)

But was I correct? If the pill is a certain mg..if you get it all at once you will get just what the mg is.

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Re: Sanaa (# 2)

Yes, I absolutely agree with you on that! Theoretically, you would get the whole 60mg at once without the time-release mechanism in place.

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Re: David (# 3)

So would that be dangerous?..reason I'm asking..I'm perscribe 60mg time release..if my pain not that bad I was told take 30mg..Dr won't perscribe 30 and 60mg

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