If swallowing a pill makes you tense up before it even reaches your mouth, you are far from alone. Many people try to solve the problem by breaking tablets or crushing them into food, especially when they feel the medicine is too big or gets stuck. The catch is that changing a pill’s form is not always a smart move, because it can alter how the medicine works or irritate the stomach. That is why an easier, no fuss technique can be worth trying first.
A doctor named José Manuel Felices recently shared a practical tip on Instagram that focuses on something most of us rarely consider. The key is that capsules and tablets behave differently once they meet water, so they should not be swallowed in the exact same way. If you treat every pill the same, you might accidentally make the hardest ones even more difficult to get down. His approach is about working with physics rather than fighting it.
For capsules, Dr. Felices points out that they are light and tend to float. When you tilt your head back, the capsule can drift away from the path it needs to take, which may make you feel like it is hovering in your mouth. Instead, he suggests placing the capsule on your tongue, taking a sip of water, and then gently tipping your chin slightly forward before swallowing. That small change can help the capsule move with the water toward the throat more naturally.
Tablets are the opposite. They are heavier, they do not float, and they can cling to the tongue or the roof of the mouth. If you lean forward while trying to swallow a tablet, the water may not guide it as smoothly, and the process can feel more awkward. For tablets, Dr. Felices recommends a slight tilt of the head back so the water can help the pill slide down more easily.
A few common sense habits can make this trick work even better. Take a calm sip first to moisten your mouth, then place the pill, then take another sip and use the right head position for the type of medicine. Try not to rush, and avoid tossing your head dramatically, because the goal is a small adjustment, not a big movement. If you still struggle, ask a pharmacist whether a smaller dose form, a different brand, or a liquid option exists, and never change a pill by crushing or splitting unless a professional tells you it is safe.
Have you ever tried changing your head position to swallow a pill, and did it work for you? Share your experience and your best pill swallowing tips in the comments.
