How can I learn to swallow pills?

Question

I used to be able to swallow pills, but I almost choked on one about a year ago, and since then, I haven't been able to swallow pills - so obviously it's purely psychological, but I still can't swallow them, even though I've recognized this fact and have tried to get over it. I used to take multivitamins, and I would like to start back with taking them. The only way I can do it is if I cut the vitamin up into 8 pieces or more, so that they will dissolve when I swallow them with water. Unfortunately, not all pills can be taken this way, and I would really like to know a better way to take them.

Answer 1

Sometimes I'll float the pill in my mouth with a big gulp of water and swallow it all at once.

Answer 2

Try putting the whole pill in your mouth, take a big mouthful of water, swallow twice, first swallow just some of the water, immediately swallow a second time, water and pill, the first swallow wets your throat so the pill doesn't get stuck, second swallow is usually automatic. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I had a mental block as well with this...I started small with Advil (or even try swallowing M&M's whole), and I try to choose caplets instead of tablets (I still can't do tablets...especially if they aren't coated!...Tylenol tabs, forget it!). Work your way up...when you swallow the smaller ones, congratulate yourself and tell your brain that it's no big deal. Also, try taking them with milk instead of water..they slide down more easily. The thing that got me over it completely is when I had surgery and I HAD to swallow Darvocet or be in excruciating pain!! That cured me!

Answer 4

There are certain points, if you carefully arrange the situation, that your body has no choice but to respond- put the pill in you mouth, and knock it back in your mouth till it is practically touching your tonsils. Then take a gigantic gulp of water and *ZOINKS* down it goes.

Answer 5

Crush the pill until it's tiny pieces & mix it with a teaspoon of jam.