Serzone and Dry Mouth

A number of side effects may occur in people taking Serzone. Dry mouth appears to be one of them, occurring in up to 25 percent of people taking the antidepressant. If you are taking Serzone and dry mouth occurs, let your healthcare provider know so he or she can recommend suggestions for dry mouth relief, adjust your Serzone dosage, or prescribe another depression medication.

 

Serzone and Dry Mouth: An Overview

Dry mouth is one of the most common side effects of Serzone® (nefazodone hydrochloride). In studies, up to 25 percent of people reported dry mouth as one of Serzone's side effects, compared to 13 percent in people who were not taking the medication.
 

Serzone and Dry Mouth: Recommendations

For people taking Serzone, 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.
     

Serzone Dry Mouth: Summary

If you develop a dry mouth while taking Serzone 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 Serzone dry mouth side effects are, he or she may also recommend that you adjust your Serzone 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;