How can I overcome fear of swallowing capsules?

Question

I have to take antibiotics prescribed by my dentist-but as pathetic as it sounds-I cannot swallow them0I suffer with a fear of choking-has anyone got any helpful ideas?I know i sound lame-but I really am very worried.

Answer 1

If to be taken with food, you can open them and add them to some applesauce, yogurt, etc.

Answer 2

Practice with capsule shaped things that aren't drugs, for example tic tacs.

A very useful and effective way to take tablets and capsules sounds a bit silly but trust me it works.

Take a mouthful of liquid - water, milk, juice etc. Make sure its not too warm, nor icy cold. The size of mouthful should be maximum that you can swallow in a single gulp.

With mouthful of liquid tip your head back, open your mouth, pop in the capsule and gulp down the liquid. At first it may be helpful for someone else to pop the capsule into your mouth.

If you have problems swallowing tablets DO NOT put them into your mouth first then take a mouthful of liquid.

Remember to take the pharmacist or doctors advice about whether it is safe to open a capsule .

Answer 3

This answer was given by at least two other people and I agree with it: Capsules can be opened and the powdered contents mixed with a teaspoonful of applesauce, pudding or something like these. Be sure to use no more than a spoonful. (You're taking Amoxicillin?)

If this comes up again in the future, bear in mind that while capsules can be opened and emptied, not all tablets can be crushed. There's a long list so if you also have trouble with tablets, ask your pharmacist if your medication is one of these.

Answer 4

I taught i was the only one that couldnt swallow tablets but unfortunatly i have to take tablets reguarly now so this mite sound horrible but this is the only way i can swallow them eith out the fear of choking i get a spit in my mouth then do it again just before i take my tablet then i get another spit and put the tablet in and just say im swalloing my spit it worked for me i hope it will work for you im on 14 tablets a day for months at a time??

Answer 5

It's actually quite refreshing to know that this is a widespread issue!! I was never able to take tablets...not even paracetamol..until last year!

I had laser eye surgery and I HAD to take these massive tablets (for pain relief and antibiotics) over a period of 5 days (2 a day!!). My mum had to help me - As soon as i put the tablet in, she stuffed the water down my throat, kept my head back and the glass to my mouth, and didnt let me spit it out!! Sounds nasty, but it worked. By day 4 I was able to take it myself!! It is the thing about panic i reckon...once i was calm, I could do it much more easily!

Hope that helps :)

Answer 6

I had that problem until I was about 14 then I had back surgery and had to take extra iron before hand so I had no choice but to get over it.
But this what I still do I only take a pill with soda I find it goes down easier? Okay so fix you a glass of soda put the pill as far back in your mouth as you can without gagging and then take a drink of soda and it slides right down.
Good Luck

Answer 7

Can you open then and dissolve them in a little water? I know you can do that sometimes without affecting the absorption rate. You should ask your pharmacist. Another thing you can do is request an injection of the antibiotic. I always do that because I can't remember to take the pills.

Answer 8

To help my children learn how to swallow pills, I bought the mini-M&M's and made a game into it. After they succeeded, I also presented them with the regular sized M&Ms. They enjoyed the candy and it helped them with their fear of swallowing pills. Also, keep drinking lots of water. Good Luck! :-)

Answer 9

I have the same problem, I can't swallow large pills, they have to be extremely small. If I have to, I'll try to break the pill in half or crush it. Ask your doctor for liquid antibiotics next time.

Answer 10

Try drinking lots of water, Then, put the tablet in your mouth and drink some water. By that time, you're already so used to drinking the water that you don't even notice the tablet go down your throat. Remember, if you panic, that is just what might cause you to choke.

Answer 11

I used to throw up at the thought of swallowing tablets.

I can just about manage it now.
My tips are (and it works for me), Take tablets with milk, it helps the tablet slide down easier, i found water just disolved them quicker, plus milk disguises the taste better.
Take deep breaths beforehand and try not to tense up. you need to relax your throat otherwise you'll gag.

Good luck!