Prescription Medications

There are many medications that have side-effects but because everyone is different, some people may suffer greatly, whereas others might sail through with no apparent side-effects whatsoever.

Certain medications will directly affect the mouth and if you are taking more than one tablet a day this can increase oral dryness by 40%. The medications that help improve conditions such as pain, depression, social anxiety disorders, allergies (dust, pollution hay fever), sleeping difficulties, hives, insect bites and stings, overactive bladder, high blood pressure and even appetite suppressants will often result in a dry mouth.

Many people may only need to use medications seasonally, such as antihistamines, to manage the symptoms of hay fever. Common symptoms of these medications can result in scratchy eyes and a really dry mouth. To help alleviate this some people will simply drink water, however, this may not be appropriate in certain social situations and will increase your visits to the bathroom.

Some drugs may affect the quantity and the quality of saliva and it’s not unusual for people who want to stop the feeling of a dry mouth to stop taking their medication. If you have been prescribed an anticholinergic to manage bladder issues the impact of a dry mouth can be quite profound and immediate. To counter this people drink water which adds further stress on the bladder, so managing a dry mouth is vital to stay compliant.

One of the side effects of some pain killers and muscle relaxants medications such as oxybutynin and antidepressants such as Citalopram and Fluoxetine (Prozac) may also result in Dry Mouth, but recognising that individuals must continue with taking their medications there is a need to help them with their dry mouth. XyliMelts are simple and easy to use and vital in this.

XyliMelts will not only keep your mouth moist and lubricated but they will prevent tooth decay and cavities which will reduce oral pain and in turn reduce the symptoms of dry mouth caused by drug side effects.