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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Dry Mouth When Diagnosed With Sjogren's Syndrome And Arthritis?

I have diagnosis of Sjogrens and RA. I am taking injections of Enbrel for the RA because I have great pain and was initially bedridden . The past six months or more, my Sjögren s symptoms have become very severe. I have trouble speaking properly, can no longer sing, and my throat dries out after speaking just a few sentences. I have had dry eye for years, but the extent of the dry mouth is extreme. I had a HA two years ago, and it seems ever since my cardio added metoprolol to my meds, that this dry mouth problem became worse. My doctors say it couldn t be, but but nothing else has changed. Also, my pharmacist says metoprolol is known to have those side effects, I was taking and still take diovan, also, but it never bothered me. The extreme dryness is affecting my quality of life . I am aware of the products for it........my dentist looks for anything and everything, but it really is terrible now. Any suggestions on the meds? Also, my rheumatologist is a researcher and teaches, and is a great guy to boot, but seems unsure how to help this. Thank you. KathyB
Wed, 29 Jul 2015
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns..

As per your complain Sjogren's Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis are both autoimmune diseases and in case of Sjogrens syndrome there is a hallmark symptom of Dry eyes and Dry mouth and you have both of them and in case of this you need to take saliva stimulants and saliva substitutes for relief..
Metoprolol has been seen to cause some level of dry mouth while Diovan although rare but can also lead to dry mouth and this can lead to additive effect on dry mouth..
You should consult your physicians and get evaluated and if possible get the dosage of the drugs reduced or get the medicine changed..
For Sjogrens syndrome you can take:
1.SALIVA SUBSTITUTES- Contains Methyl cellulose which can be instilled frequently in mouth during the day to prevent dry mouth.
2.SALIVA STIMULANTS - Lemon drops. sour candies and sugar free chewing gums can be taking many times during the day as it helps in stimulating saliva flow from glands..
3.PILOCARPINE drug has a secretory action and stimulates the salivary glands to produce more saliva..
4.Drink plenty of water throughout the day..
5.Take a soft and bland diet..
6.Avoid stress and take sufficient rest..

Hope this information helps..

If you find the answer helpful please give me a Five Star Review and click on found the answer helpful as a token of appreciation..

Thanks and regards..
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora..
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What Causes Dry Mouth When Diagnosed With Sjogren's Syndrome And Arthritis?

Hi.. Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns.. As per your complain Sjogren s Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis are both autoimmune diseases and in case of Sjogrens syndrome there is a hallmark symptom of Dry eyes and Dry mouth and you have both of them and in case of this you need to take saliva stimulants and saliva substitutes for relief.. Metoprolol has been seen to cause some level of dry mouth while Diovan although rare but can also lead to dry mouth and this can lead to additive effect on dry mouth.. You should consult your physicians and get evaluated and if possible get the dosage of the drugs reduced or get the medicine changed.. For Sjogrens syndrome you can take: 1.SALIVA SUBSTITUTES- Contains Methyl cellulose which can be instilled frequently in mouth during the day to prevent dry mouth. 2.SALIVA STIMULANTS - Lemon drops. sour candies and sugar free chewing gums can be taking many times during the day as it helps in stimulating saliva flow from glands.. 3.PILOCARPINE drug has a secretory action and stimulates the salivary glands to produce more saliva.. 4.Drink plenty of water throughout the day.. 5.Take a soft and bland diet.. 6.Avoid stress and take sufficient rest.. Hope this information helps.. If you find the answer helpful please give me a Five Star Review and click on found the answer helpful as a token of appreciation.. Thanks and regards.. Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora..