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What Causes Dry Mouth Inspite Of Being On Lithium?

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Posted on Fri, 15 May 2015
Question: I took lithium for 6 months. 4 months after cessation I still have dry mouth. Is this normal? If not, what should be done? What type of doctor should I see? What are treatments for dry mouth?
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Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
unusual; consult an ENT doctor or a dental surgeon

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns.

Lithium can cause dry mouth. But you are having dry mouth even after 4 months of lithium cessation. That is a bit unusual.

I would suggest you to get evaluated for this.

Kindly consult an ENT specialist or a dental surgeon for this.

In the meantime, I have some suggestions for you to deal with dry mouth:
1. Use a mouth humidifier, mainly at night.

2. Sip water or sugarless drinks(excess sugar can cause dental caries) often.

3. Sip water or sugarless drinks during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier.

4. Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea. Caffeine can dry out the mouth.

5. Avoid tobacco or alcohol, spicy and salty foods. They dry out the mouth.

6. Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candies to stimulate saliva flow; cinnamon- or mint-flavored candies are good choices.

Hope this helps.

Feel free to ask further.

Thanks.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shubham Mehta

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 2144 Questions

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What Causes Dry Mouth Inspite Of Being On Lithium?

Brief Answer: unusual; consult an ENT doctor or a dental surgeon Detailed Answer: Hello Welcome to HCM. I can understand your concerns. Lithium can cause dry mouth. But you are having dry mouth even after 4 months of lithium cessation. That is a bit unusual. I would suggest you to get evaluated for this. Kindly consult an ENT specialist or a dental surgeon for this. In the meantime, I have some suggestions for you to deal with dry mouth: 1. Use a mouth humidifier, mainly at night. 2. Sip water or sugarless drinks(excess sugar can cause dental caries) often. 3. Sip water or sugarless drinks during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier. 4. Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea. Caffeine can dry out the mouth. 5. Avoid tobacco or alcohol, spicy and salty foods. They dry out the mouth. 6. Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candies to stimulate saliva flow; cinnamon- or mint-flavored candies are good choices. Hope this helps. Feel free to ask further. Thanks.