Does zoloft give you dry mouth?

Zoloft, the popular antidepressant medication, has been known to cause a range of side effects – from loss of libido to excessive yawning. One of the most common complaints among those who take Zoloft is dry mouth. In this article, we delve into whether or not Zoloft gives you dry mouth.

What is Zoloft?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of dry mouth and its effects caused by taking zoloft (aka sertraline hydrochloride) , let’s discuss what exactly it is.

Zoloft belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which affects chemicals in your brain that may be unbalanced and causing depression, panic attacks or obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

Why does Zoloft Cause Dry Mouth?

One possible explanation for why people on zoloft often experience dry mouth might be because SSRIs affect neurotransmitters in the brain- one such neurotransmitter being acetylcholine , which plays a role in saliva production.

In addition to decreasing salivary flow rates due to reducing activity levels in submandibular glands related nerves under parasympathetic control as proven by some studies . It can also alter responses from odour receptors inside our mouths which subsequently will influence taste sensation perception leading finally through indirect effect induced by changes at oral pH values altering flavour preferences.

Now that we’ve established how much fun it isn’t when your once-plentiful spittle takes flight like dandelion seeds with each conversation you have while on meds ,

How would if know if indeed what has been going on internally ?: See if any following applies .

• Feeling thirsty all the time
• Difficulty swallowing food
• Sticky or stringy saliva
• Cracking behind corners of lips
• A dry, scratchy throat
• A dry or burning sensation in the mouth
• Trouble speaking properly

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms (or suddenly find yourself sounding like Gollum from Lord of the Rings) , there’s a good chance that your medication is causing dry mouth.

Zoloft isn’t alone in its seemingly unquenchable thirst-inducing powers .A number of other types of meds, especially those prescribed for depression and anxiety as well high blood pressure are known to mess with salivary flow rates among other bodily functions.

The list is below but keep in mind we focus only here on sertraline group one:

  • anti-depressants
  • anti-psychotics
  • muscle relaxants
  • sedatives
  • tranquillizers

Complications caused by Dry Mouth Whilst Taking Zoloft

Aside from having a parched tongue/mouth situation all day every day, there are some additional complications associated with taking Zoloft which may be related to it causing dry mouth. They include :

Dental Issues:

Saliva helps neutralize acid produced during normal bacterial metabolism while it also washes away food particles , Hence lack thereof can eventually lead to more cavities forming which means more visits to dental office(s) .

Infections:

Xerostomia (dry-mouth condition accompanied by reduction AND/OR alteration content composition regarding saliva ) makes oral tissues susceptible most commonly Candida albicans overgrowth coupled sometimes periodontal diseases as well.

Other potential issues include difficulties swallowing pills without getting water first; difficulty talking because less-fortified vocal cords don’t get coated in enough lubricating liquids etc .

How Can You Relieve Symptoms Caused By Having Dry Mouth When Taking Seroquel?

So what can done before moving onto another drug based option class soothe that desert-like experience going on inside your own mouth and throat caused by high-power psychotropics? Well look no further than some common sense solutions below:

Drink Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated (of course) which helps in hydrating saliva glands additionally . Soothing beverages like chamomile tea or aloe vera juice can also bring relief. Also, Alcohols/excess caffeine from coffee as well sugar contained drinks , should be avoided.

Suck on Sugar-Free Hard Candies or Chew Gum

Another easy solution is chewing gum with xylitol inside to either stimulate saliva production or adding moistening agents providing additional soothing effect for parched oral mucosa (ie tissue lining the oral cavity).

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Taking care of basic hygienic practices – brushing tongue once daily at least after last meal ; flossing regularly between teeth; using toothpaste/mouthwash that has fluoride components within them all may help reducing dryness problem .

In conclusion, one can’t deny the power of Zoloft’s potential side effects – and dry mouth certainly ranks amongst most undesirable . While it can make navigating day-to-day activities uncomfortable , there are various methods to relieve those symptoms before consulting with physicians again.
If you feel that your meds might be causing difficulties such as this one, schedule an appointment to discuss alternative medication options known not to have these same side-effects….or put up with becoming ultimate water fountain simulator relishing feeling thirsty for eternity !

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