Fasting During Illness

Shalom uVracha, Tisha B’Av falls exactly on the first day of my period, which is usually the hardest day for me. I suffer from very strong cramps—sometimes I double over in pain—and I also experience weakness and occasional nausea. Most of the time I need pain relief, but I can’t swallow pills without water. It’s very hard for me to go without drinking, and I’m worried.I wanted to ask in this situation:A. Can I drink in small measured amounts (shiurim) during the fast? B. Can I take a pill with a little bit of water? C. And if it’s really hard for me—would I be allowed to not fast at all in my situation?Thank you in advance for your understanding and help.

Shalom uVracha,

1. Someone considered a “choleh” (ill person) is allowed to eat and drink normally. But someone who is not halachically classified as ill may not drink even in measured amounts (shiurim).
2. It is permitted to take a pain-relief pill on the fast.

If you’re able to swallow it without water, do that.
 If not, you may swallow it with a small amount of water—preferably water that has been made bitter with a bit of tea concentrate or something similar.

1. If the weakness reaches a level where you need to lie down because of it, or the pain causes your whole body to feel weakened, you are exempt from fasting.