I awaken in the middle of the night with my tongue glued to the roof of my mouth. I know how incredibly disgusting that sounds, but it feels as if I've eaten school glue! (My breath must be really sweet and probably smells of roses)
This is not a huge problem, just annoying, and the benefits of neurontin far outweigh the glued tongue situation.
Thanks,
Tilly from philly
Neurontin, Gabapentin - anyone have a severe dry mouth on this?
Question posted by Anonymous on 31 July 2012
Last updated on 4 April 2022 by Rosiegirl62
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
20 Answers
I am currently taking oxybutin for kidney stones. This medication causes dry mouth like no other medication I have ever taken. Dry mouth is severe and I’m dry everywhere. My skin ect. The dry mouth is so disgusting. My lips are even peeling. I’ve tried everything. I’m worried about my dental health with absolutely no saliva and eating anything dry is a health risk.I can barely swallow anything!!!
No. I had researched dry mouth (Drug-induced Xerostomia) for at least 5 years. The document was to be completed before August but my wife passed away on August 4th.
My dentist did not want to know that medications will cause cavities. Finally, I gave some information on how to stop cavities from growing to my gastroenterologist and he was completely surprised. The liquid is called Sodium Diamine Fluoride. It can be applied by a hygenist.
Yes! I had dry mouth that was practically debilitating for two months. I couldn't swallow at all, and could barely speak. Biotene didn't help, nor did cough drops, lifesavers, and least of all, water. I'm also on oxycodone and oxycontin, so I figured it was a conglomeration of all three.
Here at week 8, my saliva has returned, though I still wake up with dry mouth in the middle of the night from time to time, but that's probably because I'm a mouth breather. Just give it some time. I found licorice wheels really helped when the dry mouth was at its worst.
Though I've noticed another side effect even more annoying and strange, that I wonder if anyone else has experienced...
In addition to having zero appetite, spicy foods and sweet foods are EXTREMELY exaggerated to my taste buds, and I can't figure out why. There doesn't seem to be much explanation online, so I'd like to know if anyone else has this on any one of the tree meds I'm on. ( neurontin, oxycodone, and oxycontin)
I hope this helps you!
I am a dentist who is trying gabapentin for hot flashes. It appears to cause significant dry mouth in my case even at a moderate dose. Biotene products help as does chewing gum with xylitol. Lemon drops may help with producing more saliva, but especially at night, can cause extensive gum line decay on your teeth. The relative lack of saliva to buffer the acids produced by mouth bacteria, and also the sugar in the drops that feeds the bacteria are the problems. Stick with sugar free and xylitol that helps decrease decay and increase saliva flow.
I have noticed since I have increased my gabapentin my lips are extremely dry. I’ve always had dry lips and a addiction to Chapstick but they are much more dryer than usual. I’ve read here that most are having dry mouth issues but is lips included with anyone's dryness associated with this medication? Thanks in advance!
I am a singer and it has almost ruined my voice. I have a strong falsetto and when my mouth and throat get dry, it's over. I'm lead singer too. I sang for several years without a problem. It has to be my gabapentin.
I have exactly the same problem and have to keep a litre bottle of water by the bed at night time and often drink the lot! It sounds strange, but the only thing that really gets my saliva flowing freely is that sip of communion wine on Sunday morning!!
I’ve read everyone’s comments &completly agree!! Agony & frustration!! When trying to talk to ppl omg my lips can stick to my teeth ... mouth so dry n embarrassed to have to excuse myself to suck sour things !! I wake up in middle of night cuz mouth painfully dry & raw!! Now my toughs covered in yuck n my throat red & raw laryngitis! I’m using biotene products. I’m driving down rd n picking up heavy bottle of biotene product. Must have something to spit that out in lol. My tongue is nasty :( HELP!! I need to keep taking gabapentin as helps w/ fibro. I also have serious osteoarthritis and too many diagnoses with my spine to write on here. I want to enjoy life again but pain rules :( gabapentin helps but I’m worried I’ll wind up loosing my teeth too!! Help. I’m sucking every sour candy I find, sipped lemon water too. What helps heal tongue n horrible dry mouth?? I’m too young to give up. I want to date!! Can’t date with this serious dried out mouth. I’m begging for more suggestions. Tu
Since I was prescribed Neurontin for my back, I have experienced intense dry mouth, and I have to always have water with me to sip. Mouth candies like ginger or any mint candy will help tremendously and Biotene makes some good products for the problem. Don't drink too much water or it could give you a Liver or Kidney problem, or so I was told. I am NOT a doctor, just a suffering patient.
Hi,
I have the same exact problem. When I was away staying at a hotel I thought I was going to die, the water at the place was nasty, and they didn't have any soda machines it was not a night I want to repeat anytime soon. To answer your question though, I have found keeping a cup is candies by my bed helps, not hard candy because you don't want to sleep and choke, not gum because you don't want it in your hair, but I've gotten the butterscotch candy that is gooey in the inside, found its the only thing that helps, best of luck to you!
Hello Tilly! Good day to you! Coconut water is good, also if you suck on hard candies be sure and get sugar free as dry mouth does promote tooth decay just as sugar does. They also have the biotene in a spray. I like the mouth spray better. Cut down on coffee and alcohol consumption. Both are diuretics and can leave your mouth feeling as dry as the Sahara. Try mouthwash without alcohol to. Good luck to you my friend! ... pamee
Yes dry mouth is one of the side effects of this medication. I can totally relate to what you are saying. There is different types of stuff you can buy OTC that works. I usually end up drinking a half of bottle of water a night. Kathy
Thank you butterflylynn, I've got a few OTC things, like Biotene products, but I will get lemon drops tomorrow and some gum as well.
I fear my teeth are in danger of cavities from my dried up mouth, I'm forever drinking water though, so hopefully my teeth will be OK.
Anyone heard of increased cavities from dry mouth? Makes sense to me, what about you guys?
Thank you all
Philly,
Yes I have actually had alot of teeth problems & cavities the dentist said it was because of the dry mouth. When you don't have enough saliva it throws off the balance of your teeth.
KathY
thanks Kathy, makes perfect sense.
Hi Philly, Yes I did notice the dry mouth on this medication I would chew on sugar fee gum which helped me, but of cause you can not do this whilst sleeping. My dentist told me to try a mouthwash called Closis, it really helps. It is more expensive then your average mouthwash but it might help you too. Take care Liz.
Thank you Liz, I hate chewing gum for some reason, I never have done it in public before, but I could chew gum at home.
I will look for that mouthwash, Closis. I don't mind extra money as long as it helps, it will be worth it!
Take care Liz,
Tilly
Hi Tilly!
Out of all the advice I like the martini idea best... I think I'll start carrying one water bottle & one water bottle look-a-like! Lol! Jk :) after both my seizures they said my potassium levels were extremely(scary) low... I was thinking maybe it was because I was drinking so much water because of the dry mouth & flushing out my electrolytes :( I drink a lot of coconut water now & it seems to take care of it. Coconut water is a godsend for SO many things! From clearing acne, to give u bright, glowing skin, ( reduces aging like crazy) to help with ANY digestive or tummy issues, top notch hydration... The list goes on & on. Plus one cup has as much potassium as 2 bananas so it helps me with the dry mouth extremely well. If you get a good one, not from concentrate, it is pretty good so I can drink it straight or I mix it in smoothies or protein drinks or whatever I'm cooking :-) it's awesome! Everyone should look it up & try it out :) loves Tilly, as I know how frustrating dry mouth can be :( hugs & be healthy Jewels
Thanks Tilly, I am going to try the Coconut water myself and I will let people know if it helps me in some way, Thanks Liz.
Thank you, sweeterthanrain, I really would like to try coconut water. Where do you purchase it, health food store? Is it available at a pharmacy?
Hope you answer so we (that want to try it) can give it a go, sounds like it's just wonderful for you.
Thank you for your answer,
Tilly
Iforgot to say, Liz, it would be great if you try coconut water and let us know how you feel with it, I know I would appreciate it,
Thank you again Liz,
Tilly
I will as soon as I have tried it, how soon before you should notice a difference if it is going to do anything, Thanks Liz.
You can get coconut water pretty much anywhere nowadays. I get mine in bulk at Costco but health food stores, target and even Walgreens carries it now as well. Just make sure it says it is not from concentrate. I also just found chocolate
coconut water and I love it! Vita Coco is my favorite because it is more mild but Zico i think is from concentrate so I try not
to get that one unless nothing else is available. They are all pretty much comparable :-) it tastes nothing like
coconut which is kind of funny and at first it doesn't taste that great but it's not bad... you just get used to it. It kind of
tastes like sweetened water and it is best if it's chilled but you can mix it in anything. I just drink it straight by the glass full now and I love it because my skin is so clear and glowing! If you have an upset stomach or feel anything like nauseous or any gurgling or anything like after a heavy meal it does wonders! Just do it for a
week and you will be amazed :-) please let me know what you think and how it is working for you as I tell everyone about it :-) hugs Jewels
Thank you Jewels, I am going to get coconut water as soon as I am able. You really should be the sales rep for one of the companies! You'd be great at it, you've convinced me.
I can't get it in the next few days as my hubby needs my car, and I refuse to drive his little sports jobby, too many blind spots and it sits too low to the road for me, but will get it soon. You really are great and quite convincing about coconut water.
I shall report back when I try it.
Thank you Jewels!
Hugs from Tills
Haha! With as many people as I tell about it I really should ha ha! I've always been told I was a nurturer because I cannot stand to see anyone or anything suffer :( if I know something that can help
someone alleviate their pain or suffering I will do it no matter what :-) like I am the
person that would be fighting with the doctor who doesn't want to give a terminally ill patient pain medication because they don't want them to become "addicted" ... HELLO! They are going to
pass away anyway so who cares if they are addicted just let them go in peace for heaven sakes! Doesn't your Hippocratic
oath mean anything to you? First, do no harm? I mean seriously, you really don't get that? Oh man, I'm on one... Sorry!!
But yeah you should google benefits of coconut water and there's a whole lot more too so when you can get it go ahead and try it and let me know. My kids drink it for teenage breakouts & they always know when they're not drinking it everyday because they're skin starts breaking out :( it's a little pricey but that's why I get it at Costco because it keeps the price down :-) even now like on Dr.
Oz and the doctors they say to use it as a base for your smoothies or any kind of cooking that requires liquid so I think it's catching on plus my daughters travel for their jobs and stay in very high-end hotels around the country and in all the gift shops they have coolers full of every
brand of coconut water for the celebrities so I guess that's their best kept secret! It truly is amazing so I would encourage
anyone to not just try it but stick with it because the taste at first is not the best I'll be honest... it's not bad but it just doesn't taste like something that you would prefer to drink but after a few times it's no big deal at all I promise! :-) anyhow loves
and hugs to all and I hope you get some
Tilly! I hope it works and just let me know!
Have an awesome day! Jewels :))
Sweeter than rain, can you please tell me which kind of coconut water you like. I have only tried it once and it was so thick, that I just couldn't handle the idea of it again. All the other positives you listed are things I need! I look forward to your reply.
Hi Lamar :) sorry for the late response... My favorite is Vita Coco and it is just a tiny bit thicker than regular water. The taste is fine too. Some of the thicker ones made from concentrate are too sweet but really any do fine. I've noticed way more hydration & benefits from the pure " not from concentrate " but if u can't get the Vita Coco from Costco or any health food store, any coconut water is better than none :) just start with one... I even found some in Walgreens that was pretty good & on sale :) you will notice differences right away if u drink it everyday ;) hope this helps! Hugs Jewels
Dear Tills, I know the feeling all too well. Ever since I started the gabapentin, I've had the worst cases of cottonmouth in my life. Just the bad side effects of the medicine. I'm off to see the ortho doc this afternoon. I'll keep you posted on what I find out. Take care!
In peace,
Tee
Yes Tee, let us know how it goes at the ortho doctor today. Hope you are feeling better.
Tills
hugs
Oh yes it was a huge problem for me, but it went away after several mths. Unfortunately its about the only thing its done to me it sure hasnt helped me one bit with my pain. Im glad its helping you. How long have you been taking it? That should go away real soon :) ... shine
Hi shine, glad the dry mouth went away for you. Hope that happens to me.
I've been on it about three weeks, I think, not sure, need to check my notes.
It really has helped the pain. I hope you find something that helps your pain.
Thank you again,
Tills
I'll tell u what worked for the dry mouth with was lemon drops, I'm telling you they make your mouth water. I always kept some in my purse and by my bed. I bought a darn tub of them at walgreens :) It goes away I promise but these lil candies will help you..shine
Thank you Shine, I will get some lemon drops today. Either that or keep a jar of dill pickles by my bed, just looking at those will make anyones mouth water, but lemon drops sound like they would be tastier!
Related topics
neurontin, xerostomia, fibromyalgia, gabapentin, mouth, tongue
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