son can’t swallow pills | ADHD Information

cchdaja, I'm so glad that cup is working for you.  I'm glad you saw my post about it in other threads.  In case someone sees this thread and not other ones where it's mentioned, I'll repost the info.  EZY Dose makes a special cup where there's a spot to put the pill, and then you drink out of the cup regularly and supposedly the pill just slides down the throat.  It worked great for my child, and I'm glad to hear it's worked for your child, too.  It costs less than , so it's well worth trying.  You can find it at CVS and other places.  By the way, after a couple of days, my child stopped using the pill-taking cup and now takes the pill with a regular cup.  This special cup gave him the confidence that he could do it, and that was key.  He had hang-ups about a pill getting stuck in his throat, and this "special cup" where it just glides down your throat was what he needed to get him over that fear.

 

Before my child was able to swallow a capsule we took it apart and mixed the inside with a spoonful of pudding or applesauce and spoon fed her to ensure it is in.  As for learning the skill  your child practice with a tic tac try to make it into a game so it is fun.  I saw years ago there used to be a cup you can buy and the pill was in a special spot so as the child would drink the pill will flow with it.  I hope something works for you.

My son first practiced with little bits of fuit snacks - I cut them into small pieces, then as he got that down I used little pieces of pretzel sticks, so he would get used to the feeling of something hard.

We also had him take his pills with soda (root beer) for the first month or so - someone had told us it was easier for them to use soda, and then there was the 'fun and special" factor of getting soda in the morning that made him more willing!

Thanks for all the info.  I did read in here about a special pill cup.  I rushed right out and got it.  It worked!!!!! I used strawberry milk, it's a little thicker.  First attempt was not good.  But I told him to take a normal drink(he tried to pucker up).  He also thought he had his own special cup.  I hope tonight goes well.  With practice I think he'll be fine.  Thanks again.My 5 year old son just started taking strattera.  The first 2 nights he swallowed the pill just fine, tonight he just can't get it down.  Any tips on how to make it easier for children to take these capsules?  We've tried water, pudding, etc.  Then his dad made it worse by putting it on my son's tongue and of course he choked, now he really is to scared to try.  Any tips would be greatly helpful.ice cream, yogurt, try giving him some tics tacs to swallow first.........reminder that it will go donw ok.Are they capsules? I heard somewhere that you should always look down
instead of up, because they float. Maybe if he took a big drink of water
with the pill, then had to look at or reach for something below him as he
swallowed... (like a skittle or M&M?) This would be using the distractibility
to your advantage!

The method I use is to have my son eat several crackers or some dry cereal - whatever you want that will get the mouth really dried out like he's "out in the hot desert and desperate for a canteen."  Then I give him his pill and drink (usually something yummier than water - like juice or milk), and he's so ready for a big slug of drink, that he washes the pill right on down.

my son also couldn't swallow the pill. nor could he have adderall sprinkled in anything.  It became a psycholgical thing I think.  He have been on the patch Daytrana for 8 months.  On the hip once a day, you might want to try that if your doctor thinks it is the proper med .