What causes xerostomia?
Xerostomia happens when the three sets of saliva glands described above are forced to decrease the output of saliva. There are two basic reasons why the saliva glands might cease to function at full capacity: • Certain drugs which may be taken for various reasons and for various medical conditions may cause the saliva glands to reduce their output. The following is a partial list of broad drug categories that may do this. If you think you may be taking a drug that is causing dry mouth, then check with your physician: • antihistamines (the older types like Benedryl) • Pseudoephederine (also called Sudafed but found in many other brands)–the only generic decongestant now available over the counter. • antidepressants (old style types like Elavil, Flexaryl etc) • anticholinergics (often used as decongestants as well as surgical drying agents like atropine and scopolamine.) • anorexiants (diet pills) • antihypetensives (blood pressure meds) • antipsychotics (psychiatric drugs) • anti-Parki
