Parents of Children with ADHD Support Group

This community is designed as an open forum where the parents and guardians of children with ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) can give and receive support, as well as discuss ideas, techniques, concerns, surprises, and challenges they may face with their children.

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FatherofADHD 12/27/2012

I don't know about you guys but it took me a year of trial and error, but I finally found something that worked! Here's what we did. We usually open the capsule then sprinkled it on a spoon full of applesauce. We started to save the two pieces of the capsule. Then I would put the smaller part of the capsule on a spoon full of applesauce. It took awhile but my six year old finally swallowed it. Once he was just getting use to swallowing the small half. I switched for a couple weeks ,he then swallowed the large side. Now that didn't take as long for him to get down. Finally we Tried the whole capsule, and he did it, I was so proud of him! I'm sharing this because ADHD is so stressful, and taking the medicine shouldn't have to be. So I hope this can at least help somebody out#No one knows what ADHD parents go through.

deleted_user 12/27/2012

Luckily, our medicine is not a very large pill. My trick is to use a straw with the drink. It works for us :)

deleted_user 12/27/2012

oh yeah, the straw thing works well for us, too, and early on, taking the pill with jelly (more slippery than applesauce!).

since age 7, zach has been able to swallow pills with no problem at all--

these small victories or improvements are great, aren't they???

bd

rockym 12/29/2012

Our son was not able to swallow pills either. We don't medicate anymore, but when he found out he was going to have to take a pill everyday when he was 12 he wanted to learn how. I bought him 2 packs of tic tacs and he practiced swallowing them. He learned it in one night. If the pills are larger you can practice with regular m&ms as well. This is the advice I got fom our psychologist.

deleted_user 12/31/2012

What great advice!! I remember trying the pill thing and it was so stressful! Now Ricky is a pro but the nerves that came along with everything else that was something we shouldn't have to worry so much about ;)

deleted_user 01/01/2013

When my son started meds he was 6 and started on adderall capsules which we would open & sprinkle med into a yogurt shake in the mornings. We were concerned about the meds not having a lasting effect since the capsule disolving is what controls the extended release of the med so we had him practice swallowing small soft foods without chewing like rice and noodles. After just a few of each he was confident enough and swallowed his whole capsule the next morning. The following month doc was pleased he could swallow the meds at only 6 years old and switched him to concerta which had a much better and lasting effect than the adderall.
Another tip: I remember when i was young and afraid to swallow pulls my mom used red-hot candies and then tic-tacs for me to practice.

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