Posted by Rick on October 16, 2002, at 16:59:54
In reply to treating Dry mouth Rick, posted by utopizen on October 16, 2002, at 11:10:54
Thanks for the great tips, utopizen.
I'll have to look into the Salagen or Evoxac. I don't have heart problems, although sometimes my heart rate is pretty rapid (NOT anxiety-related as far as I can tell).
I do use Biotene -- both the mouthwash and the tootpaste -- on my pdoc's recommendation. My problem would clearly be even worse without them. I'll also try the Colgate product.
I've also been doing the lots-of-water thing, which I know helps a lot of people, but I'm not convinced it helps me. Always good to stay well-hydrated, though, so I'll continue.
I long used Beconase AQ, which is a nasal steroid like Flonase, for allergies. Tried restarting it when the postnasal drip got really bad, but unfortunately it didn't seem to help the PND.
Interesting you should mention the waterpik, because one thing I tried was the Grossan nasal irrigator tip that you attach to a waterpik for pulsing saline solution through the sinuses in order to flush them, remove allergens/irritants, and improve the function of the cilia. I know a few people who absolutely swear by it, but thus far it only seems to help me for about an hour.
Do you -- or anyone reading this -- find that any of the following supplements can cause dry mouth (at the moment I'm taking the first six listed):
Typical multi vitamin-mineral
Vitamin E Gelcap (I doubt that would be drying)
Ester-C
B-12 (NOT sublingual)
Calcium Citrate
Magnesium Citrate
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Panax Ginseng
Chromiun Polynicotinate ("Chrome Mate")
B Complex
Thanks,
Rick
> Rick,
>
> it seems every med gives me dry mouth.
>
> Ask your doctor about Salagen (pilocarpine) or Evoxac. For some reason, it's only indicated for treating dry mouth of chemo patients. Maybe the app was never filed, but I think it's weird it hasn't been just approved for dry mouth in general.
>
> My dentist, dermatologist (Accutane, finished now) GP and Psyc doc never heard of it. My GP gives iSalagen to me, but I will switch to Evoxac soon because it lasts longer and my insurance co-pay drops from $25 to $10.
>
> If this doesn't work, try adding Flonaise. Someone just told me it helps post-nasal drip, which you appear to have. It will also help to thin the mucous by drinking 8-10 glasses of water/day.
>
> Your doctor may not prescribe or find it approrpriate to prescribe Salagen or Evoxac. It's not for people with heart problems, since Salagen can do bad things to people with heart conditions. DO NOT try a beta blocker along with this- it's contraindicated. Unless your doctor seems very confident in the combo, don't take a bteta blocker within the same day.
>
> Also, it is essiential to only add a dry mouth drug on top of a good dental regimen. My dentist advised me to pick up Colgate Phosfur, a $16 bottle of flouride rinse. Rinse for 30 seconds every other night before bed.
>
> Also expensive, but worth it, is Biotene toothpaste and mouthwash. Totally need these things. Oh, and floss. I use the electric waterpik thing. And I use the UltraSonex toothbrush (salton.com). But any electric toothbrush will leave you with much less plaque.
>
> good luck!
poster:Rick
thread:123676
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021012/msgs/123917.html