How to Swallow Pills Easily

You don’t have to suffer from “Phagophobia”, or “the fear of swallowing” to experience problems when you’re trying to take pills. Even though some pills are small in size, others are not. Especially when it comes to tablets. Some tablets, such as Vitamin C and E, can be quite large in size. Prescription drugs aren’t always small in size either. And they can be difficult to swallow.
But, relax, because you can learn how to swallow pills easily.

Sometimes, a person tenses up when they are attempting to take pills. This can actually cause the muscles of the neck and throat to tense up too. This can make it difficult to swallow even the smallest of pills. If this happens to you, before you attempt to take the prescription drugs or vitamins pills or tablets, stop. Take several deep breaths and relax your neck and throat muscles. Breathe in and breathe out deeply until you feel calm again.

If you still have a problem swallowing pills or tablets because your neck or throat won’t relax, don’t worry. Try sucking on an ice cube or a Popsicle right before you need to take your vitamins or prescription drugs. The ice cube or Popsicle will help numb your throat. In turn, your gag reflex won’t be as sensitive.

If you’re accustomed to throwing pills into the back of your throat to take them, that can cause problems too. Because, when your throat is stimulated by- what your mind perceives to be a foreign object- your natural gag reflex kicks in. You can end up gagging and coughing, (and not swallowing the pills or tablets), simply because they were put in your throat.

Instead, learn how to swallow pills easily by placing vitamins and prescriptions on the tip of your tongue. Then, take a small drink of water and tilt your head back slightly. Swallow the water and the pill or tablet should go down easily with the liquid.

Taking a small drink of water before you place the pill on your tongue can also help you swallow the vitamin or prescription drug easier too.

Large pills or tablets can also be cut in half with a pill cutter. Pill cutters are inexpensive, and they can be purchased at your local drug store. A pill cutter will reduce the pill in size and can make it easier to swallow. Before you cut your pills or tablets in half, though, check with your healthcare professional first to make sure it’s okay to do this.

You can also learn how to swallow pills easily when they are mixed into food. Some people don’t like to take pills or tablets, no matter how small they are. The solution? Crush your pills up and mix them in with a small serving of apple sauce, gelatin, or pudding. Eat the applesauce, and you won’t even notice the pills hidden inside. Again, you’ll need to check with your healthcare professional before you crush your pills or tablets. Some prescription drugs aren’t meant to be crushed before taking them. For example, drugs that are designed to be time-released are not to be crushed.