Gagging

KMD1106

Hey ladies. I know this could go in my Ticker Change tomorrow, but I wanted to get a larger viewpoint and maybe some tips.  I can't swallow medicine (I take a daily pill for ulcerative colitis) or brush my teeth without gagging and sometimes puking (sorry if that's TMI). Is anyone else dealing with this? Do you have anything that helps? 

chickyclg

The last few nights (maybe almost a week now) I've been having issues swallowing my meds.  The brushing the teeth gagging got better when I switched from paste to gel toothpaste and I use use a tongue scraper (gross I know) instead of brushing my tongue.

KMD1106

@chickyclg, a tongue scraper is a good idea! I feel so gross when I can't brush my tongue well. This would help.

MollyandD

I'm right there with you. I can take medicine, but I have thrown up in the sink while brushing my teeth. Gross, I know. 

KMD1106

@MollyandD, that happened to me this morning! Glad I'm not the only one! 

CarmCeG

I can't believe I didn't think of getting a tongue scraper! Thank you @chickyclg

ShadeofGreen816

This sounds weird but I gag worst while brushing my teeth if I breathe through my nose. I switched to breathing deeply through my mouth and it seems like it's helped. No suggestions on the pills though

Wildflowers and Ferns

I've also found that everything/anything leads to gagging lately, even though my MS hasn't been particularly severe.  So far taking several deep breaths and then using very cold water while taking my meds seems to help enough that I can usually get them down.

Gel (less foamy) toothpaste likewise seems to help somewhat although not fully solve the toothbrushing discomfort.

enpowers

I would gag on my meds until I tried taking them with something bubbly and making sure they were all the way to the back of my mouth. 

nda_roxybabe

Deep breaths always help with me with the gagging. Several deep breaths, fill mouth with water, insert pills, swallow, more deep breaths.

fbmandy55

Yeah.... I keep gagging too. Brushing teeth, swallowing pills, sometimes just from taking a bite of food. Just add to the list of things I didn't have to deal with in my first pregnancy. 

LeilaD123

I had bad morning sickness with my first and now again. Brushing my teeth was the biggest provoker of gagging for me. I try to make sure I don't lean my head back so nothing touches the back of my throat. Doesn't solve the prob completely but helps.

march2008

I gag and nearly vomit if I brush my tongue. Brushing my teeth makes me gag every one in awhile.

Swallowing pills is hard. I'm usually OK if I drink ice water and use a straw for some reason.

SparkySunDevil

I can usually swallow pills. But talking makes me gag. And my job is in customer service and requires me to be social and talkative with my customers, cashiers and fellow associates. If it happens while I'm with a customer, I just apologize and sometimes offer an explanation of "battling morning sickness". 

LCRbelle

I'm having the same thing! Every time I take my pills or brush my teeth I gag for about ten minutes and almost puke.  I dread doing those things now!!

MTB16

Right there with you on the teeth brushing leading to gagging and more often than I like throwing up in the sink!  I am dying for the day I can fully brush again without issue!

I have been using either ACT or listerine before brushing - I'm finding it helps numb up my mouth a little so I can get in there and brush quickly before the gagging comes on, it also helps reduce the amount of tongue brushing required.  I switched from pronamel to crest too and for some reason I gag a little less with crest.  Good luck!

Luckyu317

I was hoping once the morning sickeness slowed/stopped that the gagging would stop too. Nope. Brushing my teeth is the worst. No advice, but solidarity.

sarah0985

For this pill, ask your doctor is you're allowed to cut/chop it into smaller pieces or if you can dissolve it in a small cup of water. (some meds this can be done with and some it cannot) 

eta. A pharmacist should also be able to answer this question