Tips for swallowing a pill - ADD / ADHD Message Board

sawbuck44 · 10-14-2004, 07:14 AM

I really don't want to have to switch meds because he can't swallow a pill. This morning was a nightmare. We finally gave up. Tried applesauce, straw, chewing food and adding pill when ready to swallow. He got real upset crying and angry that he couldn't swallow it. I don't even know if there are any meds that you CAN safely crush without getting too much in the beginning and have it wear off too soon. I already think he is on too low a dosage but that's where they like to start.

index.html · 10-15-2004, 01:45 AM

First, you are absolutely right that Concerta cannot be crushed. Don't do it. Adderall capsules can be opened and sprinkled into food, but there isn't a way to do this with Concerta.

This is how my kids learned to swallow pills (suggested by our wise allergist). Start with M&M's. You may want to use the smallest ones to begin with. Set out a certain number of them, say 3 or 5. As soon as he swallows one, he gets to eat the rest. If he's not successful, no worries, he can try again later. My kids wanted those M&M's so bad that they succeeded the first time we tried.

Good luck!

sawbuck44 · 10-15-2004, 05:58 AM

No luck yet. He is at school and I am ready to leave for work. We tried tic tacs last night and once this morning. We then tried m&m's but they were the regular size plain. I'm going to get some mini ones today. I've tried the reward when swallowed - probably went a little overboard but he is 12. Told him he'd get the paintball paints he wanted. It didn't work. So now can I tell him the deal's off?! I think I'm developing a nervous tic in my eye. It has been stressful around here.

Kari7171 · 10-16-2004, 01:09 PM

It can be tough to swallow pills sometimes. I am an adult and have swallowed many pills in my life but still have had problems at times. I find that if I do not have enough water in my mouth the pill will get stuck in my throat. So I put the pill in my mouth and then fill it with a lot of water and swallow. I just try to envision that I am swallowing the water. I take a huge gulp of it down my throat with the pill. He may have a fear of choking when swallowing it so that causes his throat to close up. I have that sometimes but am able to get over it because I am an adult. It's scarrier for a kid. I have had it happen to me a couple times even. I cough and cough and it comes out. It's scary though. But try having him put the pill in the back of his mouth almost in his throat and drink a huge gulp of water. Tell him to keep drinking it down. The pill might float to the front of his mouth if he closes his throat though.

Kari7171 · 10-16-2004, 01:23 PM

I have also seen this special cup you can buy to help swallow pills. Type in swallowing pills in a web search and it should come up. They might have something like that at the pharmacy also.