Struggling to swallow pills

It's a cool idea, but you have to be super careful about what meds you do that with. A lot of meds are time-release or extended-release so dissolving it like that would not give the same effect and you'd get WAY too much at once. It could actually be extremely dangerous. That could potentially work for immediate action meds, but idk. Maybe ask your doctor or pharmacist before trying that one...

@Catmom21 that’s a really interesting method! I’ve never seen it before! Unfortunately we take roughly 48 every day so doing that for every pill would take way too long

I have this weird issue where I have the pills in my mouth, my mouth is full of water, and I forget how to swallow. Like I just completely blank on what the next step is in this process. I have the regurgitation issue with all my pills, but capsules are the worst about immediately coming back up. My partner gags every time he takes his calcium pill because he has a SUPER sensitive gag reflex but I don't think he's ever actually coughed it back up, although we both also have the issue of swallowing the water, but not the pills. My GI referred me for a barium swallow and it was not only normal, but my airway protection was textbook perfect, despite me choking on almost every sip. My SLP could not figure it out so she and my GP came together and gave me this advice: ✨ idk just suck it up I guess ✨

You are not alone! I was so incapable of swallowing pills I chewed or denied pills which took a toll on my health considering my dependence on prescriptions (I make like no hormones lol) I got my first surgery on my femur at 17 and while I was completely out of it under anesthesia the nurse walked up to me and casually asked me to take some Tylenol and without a second thought in my altered state I took them without incident. Ever since then I have been able to take even large pills with only the occasional gag (which is huge for me because I gag at everything from smells to coughing). I think it was just the fact that I was so relaxed and not over thinking “am I going to be able to do this without embarrassing myself, harming my health or throwing up that made it easier. I know that is definitely easier said than done but you could try and practice swallowing things like tic tacs that are inconsequential so the pressure is off. I also found taking pills with thick drinks like smoothies or milkshakes makes it much easier because you can’t feel where they are in your mouth.

No

Try taking your pills with applesauce instead of water. Learned this when I was in dialysis. Taking a carb such as a slice of bread right after may also help.

I really struggle with this every once in a while. For me, it is mostly because I am thinking about it and then I can’t do it. If I just do it and don’t worry then it works for me. And when I start to dread taking my pills and worry about it, it gets worse. Sorry this isn’t really advice, but maybe it would help someone! I also ALWAYS eat a bite of a protein bar, drink water, take the pill, drink water, then eat the rest of the protein bar. So that helps me too to not taste it at all!

Hey! I saw this video on my TikTok a while ago that could be helpful basically what u do Is get a syringe (you can get one at your local pharmacy) and drop the pill in and put 2 cc of water in the syringe , get the air out and plug it with your thumb. Then pull back on the plunger and let it hit a few times . This will dissolve the pill into the water and u can just squirt it in your mouth or mix it with something. I’m sorry if my explanation is bad here is the link better explaining things. https://www.ladbible.com/news/viral-people-amazed-by-students-syringe-hack-that-crushes-and-absorbs-pill-20210730.amp.html

Update: I’ve been trying to take my pills with my head tilted down and it seems to be working so far! Thank you!

I had something where if I took my Depakote on an empty stomach it would feel weird in my throat and make me feel super off in my stomach. Which was really weird cause normally your food intake doesn’t effect your throat but it did happen and it did feel like my body was rejecting my meds.

I used to only be able to take one pill at a time and only if I put it on the very very very back of my tongue, almost down my throat! Then quickly drink a ton of water - almost like I was trying to not let myself notice the pill. It worked until I got more comfortable with it, now I can swallow handfuls at a time, as long as I have water. I still understand what you mean about swallowing the water without the pills. I hate when that happens and it happens all the time! I usually end up just drinking a lot of water as I keep trying 🙄 Something else you could try, though I wouldn't do it ALL the time, is to "practice" with small food items (emphasis on small!). I still remember the second day I got my braces in 7th grade, the cafeteria served sandwiches for lunch and I couldn't chew to save my life it hurt so bad. So, I tore off little pieces and swallowed them. I didn't go hungry, and I got a little better at swallowing whole, non-chewed things. I understand that you may not think you have an issue with the idea of medication, and you very well may not, but maybe practicing swallowing something small like little balled up peices of bread (still with water of course!) may help to detach the idea of swallowing with medicine. Honestly, I have no idea. Like others have already said, everyone seems to just find their own tricks. I hope you find something that helps you!

This happens to me every time I try to take them with water. I have found for whatever reason my body will allow them to go down if I take them with something carbonated. I think the fizz helps push them down. Or it could all be in my head but for me it works. Once they are down then I drink plenty of water. Thought I’d share.

when i used to have a hard time swallowing pills my doctor told me you’re actually supposed to lean your head forward. like bring your chin down to your chest. leaning your head back actual causes the pill to float forward towards your teeth

Tilt head back, close throat, poor water in mouth, put pill in mouth, swallow like a drink of a water and you won't even notice the pill

Sometimes tipping your head back sometimes front, taking them with water. The only success I have had is taking them with food, more specifically anything applesauce-like in texture. I couldn’t have apples for many years so pureed baby food worked just fine. Everyone has their own tricks and its all about what works for you. You got this! Good luck!

For me, it helps to tilt your head up/back when you swallow, so there's more space for it to go down

This used to happen to me!! Unfortunately, the only thing that helped me was getting used to it and drinking water after, so I can’t offer any help :(

I have no advice but have the same problem with pills. I have to mental qualms about taking them I just CANT GET THEM DOWN