How do I take tablets?

VickyA_2

Hi there,

I hope this doesn't overstep the mark....... but I need help!

I've never been able to swallow tablets, crunching them up instead. I've just been given some prescribed some tablets that are absolutely VILE. How do you take tablets? What is the secret trick to swallowing the little b***ers?

Thanks
Vicky

cattie

Hold your nose & gulp?

Bossyboots

I hope this doesn't class as medical advice because it is not intended as such but I simply cannot take tablets of any form with a cold drink. Most say take with water. I always take them with a warm drink, be that milk, tea or a herbal or fruit tea. I put them right to the back of my throat one at a time and take a large gulp of my drink.

julesgr

when i worked in care we popped them in a spoonful of jam for those that found them difficult to take

jenniferpa

I'd go with the jam idea, but if that doesn't work, you need to get them as far back in your throat as possible (without actually choking) followed by water.

Incidentally, before you chop up any tablets make sure than can be crushed. Extended release meds must be swallowed whole as otherwise you get the whole dose at once.

VickyA_2

jenniferpa wrote:

I'd go with the jam idea, but if that doesn't work, you need to get them as far back in your throat as possible (without actually choking) followed by water.

Incidentally, before you chop up any tablets make sure than can be crushed. Extended release meds must be swallowed whole as otherwise you get the whole dose at once.

The ones I've got are quite chewy. Not sure whether they're extended release............ I like the jam idea, but I think most of my problem is psychological - choking on a smartie when I was a child :rolleyes: And no, I'm not joking.

Thanks for all the advice.

inkie

Actually dropping them into your drink immediately before taking them and so they will be swallowed down with the rest of the drink? Worth a try?

annie-c

Practise swallowing a few times (with nothing in your mouth) first. Sounds mad, but when you are scared of swallowing tablets you sort of tense up and 'forget' how.

iwanttosave_2

I cant take tablets either, they make me heave.

The only way I can take them is to take a mouth full of my drink, tip head back, drop in a tablet and swallow and it goes down before I even feel it in there.

susiesaver

Try putting pill in your mouth, take mouthful of water, swallow once,water only then tip head back and swallow pill with rest of water in mouth. Not medical advice but taught this as student nurse. Hope I don't get deleted.

Some tablets must not be chewed. May also be worth asking GP if there is liquid version available.

Bossyboots

VickyA wrote:

The ones I've got are quite chewy. Not sure whether they're extended release............ I like the jam idea, but I think most of my problem is psychological - choking on a smartie when I was a child :rolleyes: And no, I'm not joking.

Thanks for all the advice.

Have you tried working on overcoming the problem as you know what is causing it? Perhaps practising with Smarties and see how you get on.

It is so easy for seemingly simple things from childhood to blight your life later. My brothers and I were playing a game once and I ended up completely wrapped up in a sheet and thought I couldn't get out. Now, I cannot stand to have my face covered and am feeling breathless now just remembering it. I also have to steady myself not to panic on theme park rides when the shoulder things come down as momentarily I have that feeling of being trapped. I have taught myself to breathe through it. I have to remind myself that I can breathe and that I haven't come to harm yet, but it is hard to clamp down on it so I can understand how your experience as a child is affecting you now.