Antidepressants Induced Dry Mouth – Psychiatry Education Forum

Xerostomia, commonly referred to as dry mouth syndrome, is a result of reduced or absent salivary flow.

Medications are common causes but systemic conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, cystic fibrosis and a variety of autoimmune connective tissue diseases which all can affect salivary gland function. Sjögren’s syndrome is the most prominent chronic, inflammatory autoimmune condition that causes xerostomia.

Among medications, antidepressants are one of the common causes for this dry mouth side effect.

Clinical Features of Xerostomia:

mucosal dryness
oral discomforts and alterations in taste
cracked and peeling lips
dry nasal passages
difficult and/or painful swallowing and speaking
untreated Xerostomia can increase the formation of plaque and dental caries.

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Among antidepressants, TCAs (Tricyclic Antidepressants) carries the most risk of dry mouth side effect. Here is one slide from our academy presentation:

Comparing TCAs Anticholinergic Effects:

This video is part of our third CME course on “Comprehensive Approaches for Managing Adverse Events with Psychopharmacology”, offering 6.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.

If you’re a medical professional looking to enhance your knowledge with evidence-based, clinically relevant material, I encourage you to enroll in the course. It’s designed to provide practical insights for improving patient outcomes in everyday clinical practice.

The risk of dry mouth with antidepressants will be discussed in the following sections:

Clinical Features
Questionnaires to Assess Dry Mouth
Antidepressants to Avoid: with the highest risk of dry mouth
Antidepressants to be used with Caution
Preferred Antidepressants with least/no risk of dry mouth
How to Avoid/Reduce Xerostomia risk with Antidepressants.
10 Must To-Do Management Recommendations for Patients.

This video is part of our third CME course on “Comprehensive Approaches for Managing Adverse Events with Psychopharmacology”, offering 6.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.

If you’re a medical professional looking to enhance your knowledge with evidence-based, clinically relevant material, I encourage you to enroll in the course. It’s designed to provide practical insights for improving patient outcomes in everyday clinical practice.

CME ACADEMY #3

MANAGING ADVERSE EVENTS WITH PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY

TOTAL CREDITS: 6.75 AMA PRA CATEGORY 1 CREDITS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Identify and manage common adverse effects associated with antipsychotics, Mood Stabilizers and Antidepressants.
Develop targeted treatment plans for specific adverse events of antipsychotics like Clozapine and Mood Stabilizers like Lithium.
Evaluate the comparative efficacy of VMAT-2 inhibitors for tardive dyskinesia management to optimize patient outcomes.
Assess the relationship between antipsychotic use and breast cancer risk to guide safer long-term treatment planning.
Recognize and address antidepressant-induced adverse effects, such as bruxism, excessive sweating, and other condition-specific risks, to improve patient comfort and adherence to treatment.

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