Zoloft and Dry Mouth
Zoloft, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is most commonly used to treat depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder but unfortunately, there can be side effects associated with the medication that patients may find annoying, such as dry mouth.
What the Studies Indicate
In clinical trials, dry mouth was one of the most common side effects of Zoloft. Up to sixteen percent of all people taking Zoloft experienced dry mouth during the trials. It is most common in patients who are taking Zoloft to treat depression. Only six percent of patients taking Zoloft to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder reported dry mouth.
It is not completely understood why Zoloft causes dry mouth or how to treat it. There are a number of home remedies patients have introduced to help combat dry mouth. Dry mouth can be extremely irritation and frustrating.
It is generally just considered a nuisance, but dry mouth can have a negative effect on the body. Dry mouth can cause difficult speaking, difficulty chewing and swallowing. Some patients also report a loss of the sense of taste while suffering from dry mouth. Dry mouth can also lead to a dry and rough tongue, along with a burning in the mouth and throat. Mouth sores, infections, cracked lips, and tooth decay are all increased because of dry mouth.
Fortunately, there are some things patients can do to try and help treat their dry mouth.
Home Remedies for Dry Mouth
There are ways people taking Zoloft can prevent dry mouth. Patients suffering from dry mouth recommend sipping water or sugarless drinks often. This helps to moisten the mouth and alleviate the effects of dry mouth.
Caffeine can dry out the mouth so coffee, tea and some sodas should be avoided. Tobacco and alcohol also dry out the mouth and should be avoided if at all possible.
Using a humidifier at night and avoiding spicy or salty foods can also help patients suffering from dry mouth find some comfort. Sugarless gum and hard candies can increase the saliva production in the mouth and help treat dry mouth.
Consulting a Doctor about Dry Mouth
It makes sense for a patient to consult a doctor if their dry mouth is becoming cumbersome or they’re beginning to experience negative effects because of it. A doctor may be able to prescribe medication to help treat dry mouth, change the Zoloft dosage or change the patient’s antidepressant. Patients should not stop Zoloft without first consulting a doctor.
Zoloft is a safe medication that can cause some very serious side effects. Zoloft and dry mouth are known to be linked but it is unclear why. Patients experiencing dry mouth should contact their health care provider if the symptoms persist.
