Warning about breaking pills

Hi all, I wanted to share my experience with everyone. I was on the 150mg Trazadone that could be broken into different doses. Anyone who has been on this knows it is a pretty big pill!

In the middle of may, I had broken one end off to make 100mg and I choked when I took the medication. I was eventually able to get the pill most of the way down by drinking a lot of water, but it felt like it was stuck.

I woke up three hours later with horrible chest pain. I had scratched my entire esophagus and the pain I felt was esophageal spasms. I have been on four or five different heartburn medicines and am currently on two at the same time plus carafate and a GI cocktail for pain.

I had an endoscopy done a month ago, over three months after the original injury and I still have severe esophagitis in the lower third of my esophagus.

I just wanted to let everyone know if your doctor wants to put you on this
medication ask for the 50mg pills. You can just take multiple pills to get to the right dose. When I showed the gastro dr the pill he couldn't believe they even manufactured it like that.

Sorry this is so long! Hope everyone has had a low pain weekend :)

Post Edited (upbeat) : 10/3/2011 6:02:59 AM (GMT-6)

Thanks Debbie, you are right it could be any pill. My gastro dr said you should always take a drink of water, then take your pill with more water to ensure they don't get stuck.

My husband takes trazadone for sleep. It helps him a lot and his mood has been really good since taking it. I think it is 50mg that he takes a night. I am so happy about his moods. Makes for a better day.

I am sorry about your esauphagus (sp), I hope that it heals okay. Remember, plenty of water when you take your meds. I hate that feeling when a pill gets stuck in your throat. Even after it is gone, it feels like it is still there.

I hope that you have a fine and dandy painfree day.

Hugs, Karen

I take a large drink of water when taking "horse pills" and pretend I'm swallowing a piece of steak.  Let's face it, we swallow larger pieces of food all of the time!  I know I do.  I have an absolutely huge prescription potassium pill I am taking right now and I take a big drink of water with it...not just a little sip.  Upbeat is right about taking a drink of water before taking the pill, too.  It does help. 

 

Thank you for letting us know what happened to you.  I hope things settle down for you, soon. 

 

Sherrine

Don't assume that it is in your head if you can't swallow (large) pills!!!  I'm an excessive chewer, always have been, bec I choke otherwise.  If I had a dollar for every time that I've received advice on how to swallow pills, I'd be rich :)

In August, I went for a second scope of my esophagus (my last, and horrible one, was 20 yrs ago) and the GI was SHOCKED at the extend of the stricture of my esophagus.  It is less than 4 mm in diametre.  He has no idea how I've been able to eat solids.  I'm now being referred to a thoracic surgeon bec the GI was uncomfortable even attempting a bougie dialition (sp?).

So no, I don't swallow larger pieces of food (or when I have, I've had to receive or even self administer the Heimlich manoeuvre) EVER!  Now my mouth has gotten ultra sensative to some meds (like Ibuprophen) and it burns horribly.  Compounding some meds isn't possible (like extended release) and is very pricey (and not covered by my insurance).

I cringed horribly when I read this post, being a bit over sensitive about anything to do with injuring one's esophagus.  If a pill can be broken, it can be crushed - don't risk a repeat of that event and don't feel at all poorly about not being able to swallow enormous pills!!!

Thank you everyone for the replies!

Chloes mom - I am so sorry to hear about the problem with your esophagus. I hope the other doctor is able to dilate it for you!