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Real members of MyMSTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
January 23, 2017
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Answer Summary

Members shared a wide range of strategies for managing medication swallowing difficulties, with the most common approaches being taking pills... Read more

Members shared a wide range of strategies for managing medication swallowing difficulties, with the most common approaches being taking pills with thicker liquids like milk, chocolate milk, yogurt, applesauce, or smoothies, drinking plenty of water before and during, tilting the head down (not back) while swallowing, and taking medications one or a few at a time rather than all at once. Several members described having their esophagus stretched through a medical procedure, working with speech therapists on swallowing exercises and techniques, and requesting liquid or smaller-dose versions of medications from their doctors or pharmacists. A recurring theme was the importance of finding what works best for your own body, staying patient with the process, and consulting healthcare providers when swallowing issues persist or worsen.

A MyMSTeam Member

Check out a compounding pharmacist in your area. These guys have great ways of taking your meds and making them palatable and swallowable. They have patients of different needs, cancer, Parkinsonism, and in particular young patients. Spoke to mine many years ago and he said he often makes them into lollypops or those "freezies" that youngsters like. They. know what they are doing

June 3, 2017
A MyMSTeam Member

A friend suggested I use a straw to take my tablets with as I have often had problems with swallowing them (currently take 5 in the morning, 2 @ noon and with evening meal and 4 before going to bed). Especially by using a wide-bore straw, the fairly large "stream of water", quite effectively directs the various shaped and sized tablets straight down into my throat without any choking (which I quite often experience) and now, no longer "panic" doing this!! Might be worth a try? x

February 18, 2017
A MyMSTeam Member

And stay strong and always keep positive and keep smiling πŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ˜‚πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜€πŸ˜€πŸ˜€πŸ˜€βœŒοΈβœŒοΈβœŒοΈβœŒοΈβœŒοΈ

February 21, 2017
A MyMSTeam Member

I am a nurse, also. I would bring that up to my doctors attention. If a pill is not scored, you can half it where it's scored but do not crush without approval. Some pills have an elixir(liquid) form. As stated by others, mixing with applesauce or pudding is another great option. You can also purchase thick drinks like ensure, boost, special K or thick smoothie type drink. Take 1-2 pills at a time and try using a straw. The straw helps channel your drink and pills in the right direction, otherwise, you can aspirate ( take food into the lungs which is called aspiration pneumonia ). I personally had to have an EGD ( scope of my esophagus-upper GI series). I had to have my esophagus stretched. Your MS doctor will typically refer you to a specialist. I started out seeing an ENT( Ear, Nose, & throat ) first. He had an in office scope, then scheduled me for a swallow study with and without contrast. A swallow study provides information on what foods/drinks you are able to swallow without choking. Then I was referred to a GI (Gastrointestinal doctor) for further testing. I hope this helps some.

February 2, 2017
A MyMSTeam Member

I don't find pills a problem with swallowing. I find it with other foods. I get scared to eat at times, knowing that there is a good chance I could choke on it.

November 1, 2017

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Oxnard, CA