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Taking Tablets

Had to take tablet capsules for the past couple of days. Before i have never been able to take tablets but this time i've had to take them as my doctor says there is nothing else for acne. As they are antibiotics it is important to take them. It took me about 20 mins to take one for the last 3 daysand yesterday it took me almost an hour to swallow one. I can't seem to swallow it. Anyone else have this problem? Just wondered how i can do it easier?

Reply 1

beecher

2

I had this problem, I was tilting my head back and trying to swallow it like that. But when you are conciously thinking about it - it doesn't go down :smile:

The thing that works for me is, put the tablet in your mouth, then just drink a glass of water like you would normally.

Reply 2

shinyhappy

14

I'm assuming you've tried taking them with a drink. Other than that, I can't think of much else really. I suppose you could do what we do when we have to give our dog tablets, which is wrap them in food (cheese, or sliced ham) and try swallowing it whole.

Reply 3

tbm

13

Are you taking the tablets with water? If you are, try taking them with a 'thicker' drink for example milk or juice, as this will hopefully make them easier to swallow as you will feel it less in your mouth. I know its hard, but just try and swallow it on the first attempt, otherwise it just makes it worse and you will worry about it!

As for the tablet thing, do you definately have to take them? Because I use a topical treatment for my acne prescribed by my GP, could you not try something like that instead? If you are really struggling to take them then go back to your GP and explain.

Reply 4

Chi3f

1

eat something like a sandwich, then halfway through chewing pop the pill in your mouth, chew a bit more then swallow

Reply 5

Champagne-Dahling

10

I had the same problem. In the end, i just had to force myself, (REALLY force myself), to do it. You need to get over the problem, and once you do, it'll be second nature.

Reply 6

sexysax

14

I was like this, still am to some extent. Turning point for me was when I HAD to take 9 a day for about a week; I just had to get used to it!

Reply 7

Mangaroo

12

stare at your ugly face in the mirror, then look at the tiny pill that will make it all better.

I couldnt swallow pills before, no matter what. My parents said they will give me £100 if i could do it, go figure!

Reply 8

freshestkid

1

tablet as far back on the tongue as you can out it, gobfull of water, knock it back like you're doing a shot and bob's your uncle, no more rabies! (might have trouble with the water tho)

Reply 9

Barny

17

I used to be like this so bad, never took tablets, couldn't take them, used to get worked up and cry if I had to take them(I was 12 though) and generally just couldn't.

Then, I just could, strangest thing in the world, next time I went to take them it was fine. I think it was because I had this feeling I could choke on them, when infact thats impossible.

Reply 10

bedbug

14

I used to have this problem, I could never swallow tablets at all. The first time I swallowed one I could only do it by balancing it just inside a glass of water as I was about to drink it. This stopped me feeling it. The worst is when you wind yourself up about swallowing it. Just relax and drink a glass of water normally as possible.

Reply 11

rikstaa

I have this problem, usually have to take them along with food... i rekon a banana helps quite a bit. If you break off a smallish piece and shove the tablet in it, then try and swallow the piece whole (it's pretty easy with a banana), it usually works!!

It's such a weird thing, but surprisingly common... good luck lol!

Reply 12

smellysocks

I think we can definitely conclude that you are not alone in having an inability to swallow tablets.

I used to too, until (just like many people on here) I was in a situation where I had no choice but to just sit down and swallow them. That was a couple of years ago. Now I can swallow anything, I can even take those massive cod liver ones dry!

I mucked about with different methods, like hiding them in bananas and stuff, but I find the best method is to put the water in first, take a little swallow, then shove the tablet in and swallow again.

If you do think about taking them with milk you should check the leaflet, as I know taking some antibiotics with milk can render them useless, especially for antibiotics used to treat acne.

P.S The powder inside an antibiotic capsule is one the most disgusting things ever!!

Reply 13

xXMessedUpXx

15

I literally just knock em back :smile:

Ocassionaly this plan misfires as i'll either end up hiccuping cos i swallowed to much air, or feel really sick :s:

Reply 14

dannywales

1

its not hard once you get used to it, but i can see your predicament

back when i was about 13 i had to cut paracetamol up into quarters to swallow it LOL

Reply 15

quintsy

17

I have the same problem. I think it's because generally you aren't supposed to swallow things whole due to choking, and your body is aware of this, so puts the gag reflex into action to prevent harm.

So if you think about it, it will be harder to swallow. Try taking it with thick drinks like mentioned, or practise swallowing small sweets (as long as you aren't at risk of choking). Alternatively, go back to your doctor and tell them the problem, because while there might not be another alternative brand, it might come in a different form.

Good luck! :smile:

Reply 16

hello_miffy

Ack, I've never taken a tablet in my entire life, I just don't know how to!

I know it sounds stupid, but it's so common; taking a tablet is acting against a natural reflex at the end of the day.

Sorry I can't be more helpful, but I'm the kind of person who still lives on calpol :biggrin:

Reply 17

quintsy

17

hello_miffy

Ack, I've never taken a tablet in my entire life, I just don't know how to!

I know it sounds stupid, but it's so common; taking a tablet is acting against a natural reflex at the end of the day.

Sorry I can't be more helpful, but I'm the kind of person who still lives on calpol :biggrin:

Me neither!

Whenever anyone has an ache at school my friends are right in there straight away going: "Paracetamol?" "Ibuprofen?" but I can't take any of them! :p:

I live off those heat packs for stomach aches by Curaheat.

Reply 18

hello_miffy

Oh jeez tell me about it!

And going to the front office with a headache, and then trying to explain that "no, I really can't take pills". You ask for Calpol and they look at you like you're so sad :biggrin:

.

I've never tried any heat pack things though, I normally just warm a towel up on the radiator and hug it... desperation leads you to many things :love:

Taking Tablets

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