Limbitrol and Dry Mouth

Many side effects are possible with Limbitrol, and dry mouth appears to be one of the more common. To relieve this, you can try sipping water or sugarless drinks often, avoiding tobacco or alcohol, chewing sugarless gum, and using a humidifier at night. If you continue to experience dry mouth with Limbitrol, your healthcare provider may recommend other options or adjust your dosage.

 

Limbitrol and Dry Mouth: An Overview

Dry mouth is a common side effect of Limbitrol® (chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline). The exact percentage of people who developed a dry mouth while taking the drug, however, was not reported. Most likely, dry mouth is due to the amitriptyline component of Limbitrol. Amitriptyline, like all tricyclic antidepressants, is known to cause dry mouth.
 

Limbitrol and Dry Mouth: Recommendations

If you are taking Limbitrol and dry mouth occurs, there are some things that you can do to that may provide relief.
 Some of these suggestions include the following:
 
  • Sip water or sugarless drinks often.
     
  • Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth.
     
  • Sip water or sugarless drinks during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier; it may also improve the taste of food.
     
  • Don't use tobacco or alcohol because they dry out the mouth.
     
  • Use a humidifier at night.
     
  • Be aware of spicy or salty foods because they 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.
     
(Limbitrol and Dry Mouth Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;