Dry Mouth Causes: Medications
Medication is the #1 cause of Dry Mouth. That dry feeling can be a side effect of more than 500 different medications, including over-the-counter medicines and commonly prescribed medications. These include antihistamines, antidepressants, diuretics and sedatives.
Do you take two or more medications?
By taking just two different types of medication from the list below, you may increase your chance of developing Dry Mouth by up to 40%.
Common Medications that Can Cause Dry Mouth
- Antidepressants
- Decongestants
- Antihistamines
- Muscle relaxants
- Appetite suppressants
- Diuretics
More than 500 different medications can cause Dry Mouth.
Cancer Treatment and Dry Mouth
If you are being treated for cancer, Dry Mouth can be a common side effect of your chemotherapy or radiation cancer treatments.
Why can chemo cause Dry Mouth?
As chemotherapy combats cancer cells it can also affect the cells in your salivary glands and may cause dry mouth. As can some medication prescribed by your doctor during chemotherapy.
Why can radiation treatment cause Dry Mouth?
Radiation treatment for head and neck cancer can cause damage to your salivary glands, reducing the flow of saliva and causing Dry Mouth. It can also alter the pH of your saliva.
Overactive Bladder and Dry Mouth
If you’re being treated for an overactive bladder it is likely you may experience a dry mouth.
Depression or Anxiety and Dry Mouth
If your doctor has prescribed a medication to relieve depression or anxiety, you should know that Dry Mouth could be a side effect.
Is Medication Causing Your Dry Mouth?
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to find out if medication could be causing your Dry Mouth.
In the meantime, try Biotène® Dry Mouth Oral Rinse to relieve your symptoms and see your dentist regularly as part of a good oral care routine.
