Doxepin and Dry Mouth: An Overview
Dry mouth is one of the common side effects of
doxepin hydrochloride (
Sinequan®), although the exact percentage of patients experiencing this side effect is unknown. In fact, dry mouth is a common symptom of all
tricyclic antidepressants, including doxepin.
Doxepin and Dry Mouth: Recommendations
For people taking doxepin, there are some things that you can do to help with a dry mouth. Some of these suggestions include:
- Sip water or sugarless drinks often.
- Sip water or sugarless drinks during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier. It may also improve the taste of food.
- Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth.
- Don't use tobacco or alcohol. They dry out the mouth.
- Use a humidifier at night.
- Be aware of spicy or salty foods. These may cause pain in a dry mouth.
- Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless, hard candy to stimulate saliva flow; cinnamon or mint-flavored candies are good choices.
Doxepin Dry Mouth: Summary
If you develop a dry mouth while taking doxepin and the suggestions above do not help, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider.
There is treatment that he or she may be able to recommend, such as artificial saliva. Also, depending on how severe your doxepin dry mouth side effects are, he or she may also recommend that you adjust your doxepin dosage or try another
depression medicine.
