Amoxapine and Dry Mouth

There are a number of potential side effects that may occur with the use of amoxapine, and dry mouth is one of the most common. Dry mouth, which occurs in up to 14 percent of patients, can often be relieved by sipping water or sugarless drinks often, chewing sugarless gum, and avoiding drinks with caffeine.

 

Amoxapine and Dry Mouth: An Overview

Dry mouth is one of the common side effects of amoxapine (Asendin®), occurring in up to 14 percent of people. In fact, dry mouth is a common symptom of all tricyclic antidepressants, including amoxapine.
 

Amoxapine and Dry Mouth: Recommendations

For people taking amoxapine, there are some things that you can do to help with a dry mouth. Some of these suggestions include:
 
  • Sip water or sugarless drinks often.
     
  • Sip water or sugarless drinks during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier. It may also improve the taste of food.
     
  • Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth.
     
  • Don't use tobacco or alcohol. They dry out the mouth.
     
  • Use a humidifier at night.
     
  • Be aware of spicy or salty foods. These may cause pain in a dry mouth.
     
  • Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless, hard candy to stimulate saliva flow; cinnamon or mint-flavored candies are good choices.
     

Amoxapine and Dry Mouth: Summary

If you develop a dry mouth while taking amoxapine and the suggestions above do not help, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider. There is treatment that he or she may be able to recommend, such as artificial saliva. Also, depending on how severe your amoxapine dry mouth side effects are, he or she may also recommend that you adjust your amoxapine dosage or try another depression medicine.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;