Certain drugs can contribute to eye and mouth dryness. If you take any of the drugs listed below, ask your doctor whether they could be causing symptoms. However, don't stop taking them without asking your doctor--he or she may already have adjusted the dose to help protect you against drying side effects or chosen a drug that's least likely to cause dryness.
Drugs that can cause dryness include
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Diuretics
- Some antidiarrhea drugs
- Some antipsychotic drugs
- Tranquilizers
- Some blood pressure medicines
- Antidepressants
When there is an inadequate production of saliva, an individual may notice difficulty talking or swallowing dry food. Additionally, the individual may have unusual sensitivity to acidic or spicy foods and notice burning of their mouth. There may be an increased rate of dental decay. The most common cause for a dry mouth is side effects of certain medications, including anti-depressants, anti-motility drugs (used for spastic colon or irritable bladder), and diuretics.
