HEALTH
Ask Dr Mark
YOUR QUESTIONS / ANTIOXIDANTS / BUILDING STRENGTH
Our expert offers advice on swallowing capsules, RSV vaccine eligibility and the possible causes of night sweats
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NICK LOWNDES
SHUTTERSTOCK
I am having trouble swallowing some new capsules (fluoxetine 20mg) that my GP has prescribed to help depression, which I have struggled with since losing my husband last year. I am OK with pills and was wondering whether there is an alternative to fluoxetine that isn’t a capsule?
I am sorry to hear about your husband.
You have a number of options on the fluoxetine. First, make sure you are taking the capsule properly (this applies to tablets too). Rather than tilt your head back when you swallow, most people are better off doing the opposite. Place the capsule on your tongue, take a sip of water, tilt your chin down towards
‘Rather than tilt your head back when you swallow a capsule, most people are better off doing the oppositeˇ
your chest and swallow. Counterintuitive though it may seem, studies show people find this makes swallowing pills and capsules much easier.