Management of Dysphagia in Patients Taking Aripiprazole

Swallowing Assessment and Screening

All patients reporting difficulty swallowing medications should undergo a formal swallowing assessment by a healthcare professional trained in using validated swallowing screening tools, to identify specific swallowing impairments and prevent complications such as aspiration 1, 2
Screening should identify specific swallowing impairments to guide appropriate interventions and prevent complications such as aspiration, with warning signs of dysphagia including coughing while swallowing, wet vocal quality after swallowing, and poor secretion management 1, 3

Chin-tuck posture (chin-down) has proven useful in the majority of dysphagia cases by opening the valleculae and preventing laryngeal penetration, and head rotation may be beneficial for patients with hypertonicity or incomplete release 4

For patients who cannot use alternative formulations, consider using thickened liquids or semi-solid foods with high water content to aid swallowing, and throat clearing every three to four swallowing acts to prevent post-swallowing inhalation 4

Involve speech-language pathologists for comprehensive assessment and management of swallowing difficulties, as they play a crucial role in the multidisciplinary team 3

For patients with neurological conditions, consider referral to a specialist multidisciplinary team, as they may require extra vigilance and specialized care 5

Nutritional supplementation may be necessary to ensure adequate nutrition if medication-related dysphagia affects food intake, and temporary use of a soft or liquid diet may be considered while addressing swallowing difficulties 6, 7