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Suggest Ways To Manage Drooling In An Elderly Person

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Posted on Wed, 8 Jun 2016
Question: I suffer from over-active salivary gland which are especially troublesome in the evening and at night. In the morning my pillow cases are soaking and unpleasant. This condition embarrasses me and causes drooling etc when talking to friends. I have cerebral vascular disease. What can I do to alleviate this condition? I am 78 years old.
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Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (49 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Read below.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

While not officially labeled for that particular use there are medications which can be used to treat your excess saliva production and drooling.

One example are Hyoscine patches. It is used for travel sickness, but its action includes inhibiting salivation. There are several forms of Hyoscine (injections, tablets), but the ones I would suggest are patches which mediate a constant action during the day.

Another option might be amitriptyline. It is an antidepressant which causes dry mouth. Actually it is considered a side effect, an unwanted effect of the drug, but in your particular case it would be beneficial.

Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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Suggest Ways To Manage Drooling In An Elderly Person

Brief Answer: Read below. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. While not officially labeled for that particular use there are medications which can be used to treat your excess saliva production and drooling. One example are Hyoscine patches. It is used for travel sickness, but its action includes inhibiting salivation. There are several forms of Hyoscine (injections, tablets), but the ones I would suggest are patches which mediate a constant action during the day. Another option might be amitriptyline. It is an antidepressant which causes dry mouth. Actually it is considered a side effect, an unwanted effect of the drug, but in your particular case it would be beneficial. Let me know if I can further assist you.