Adderall tabs question

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Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..

This seems pretty basic. But, I want your opinions. Have you crushed Adderall tabs and mixed them in water before? (For a student who can't swallow pills)

Thanks friends.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

Yes I have

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This seems pretty basic. But, I want your opinions. Have you crushed Adderall tabs and mixed them in water before? (For a student who can't swallow pills)

Thanks friends.

If they are not extended release, this should not be contraindicated.

Have you tried putting it in applesauce or pudding (whole, not crushed)? I worry about some of the crushed med dose remaining in the cup when I do that.

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Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..

We have tried hiding it between 2 layers of ice cream. I am just trying to make it easier for the secretary when I am not here.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

Is it that the kid has difficulty swallowing pills but cooperative or doesn't want to take the medicine?

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We have tried hiding it between 2 layers of ice cream. I am just trying to make it easier for the secretary when I am not here.

Does the student just not want to take it?

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Specializes in School nursing.
Is it that the kid has difficulty swallowing pills but cooperative or doesn't want to take the medicine?

That's my question as well.

XR? Nope. But an afternoon supplemental dose? I've taken my pill cutter out and chopped into four small pieces to try and make it easier to swallow. (I do deal with the older kiddos, though, so I try and find a way to get them to swallow it so they can manage when they graduate and don't have my office to cut the tablets, etc.)

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Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..
Is it that the kid has difficulty swallowing pills but cooperative or doesn't want to take the medicine?

Honestly, probably some of both.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

My kid would eat it in pudding, rice pudding, ice cream, chocolate syrup, caramel loaded candy. Anything "bad" even chasing with root beer.

Thank god his nurse is awesome as kid now refuses lunch so she will offer chocolate muscle milk shakes that I supply.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

Of course there is the pudding thing. But I've also had them suck the crushed med/water combo through those little straws like in the cafeteria. Another thing I've done is crush the med and just pour the powder into their mouth and hand them a cup of water to wash it down with.

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Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..

Bless my secretaries heart. She tries so hard. But, I think that we can simplify it and the little one will still be able to handle it. Rather than messing with ice cream. I think I will try to get him to take it with applesauce or pudding.

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Specializes in med-surg, IMC, school nursing, NICU.

I have yet to experience a daily med taker who can't take pills, probably because most of them also take a dose at home in the morning. They are pros. I do have lots of kids who come in with headaches, sore throat etc and when I try to give them Tylenol they are unable to get it down. It drives me nuts, I always ask "Can you swallow pills?" and they always say yes. Then I have to watch them gag, spit and grimace at the taste. Then I give them chewables and they whine that they taste awful, to which I reply "All the more reason to learn how to swallow pills!"

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