10 Types of Medication That May Cause Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is listed as a possible side effect for hundreds of specific medications. Dry mouth is not only uncomfortable but can lead to complications, including difficulty swallowing and chewing. Dry mouth can also lead to tooth decay and other dental problems.

Here is a look at 10 types of medications that may cause dry mouth.

10 Types of Medication That Can Cause Dry Mouth

Common medications that are prescribed to treat 10 different health conditions are known to cause dry mouth. The 10 types of medications that can cause dry mouth include:

1. ADHD Medications

2. Antibiotic Medications

3. Antidepressant Medications

4. Antihistamine Medications

5. Antipsychotic Medications

6. Anxiety Medications

7. Blood Pressure Medications

8. Diuretic Medications

9. Opioid Pain Medications

10. Overactive Bladder Medications

ADHD Medications That Cause Dry Mouth

Stimulants are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorders ([ADHD][1]) in children and adults. They may cause dry mouth in some individuals who take them.

### Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine (Generic Adderall)

Adderall and its generic, [amphetamine/dextroamphetamine][4] are used to treat ADHD. Dry mouth is a possible side effect of these stimulants.

Methylphenidate Hydrochloride (Generic Ritalin)

[Methylphenidate hydrochloride][5] is the generic for the brand drug Ritalin. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It may cause dry mouth.

[1]: https://www.rxsaver.com/conditions/adhd

[2]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/amphetamine-dextroamphetamine/coupons

[3]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/methylphenidate-hydrochloride/coupons

[4]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/amphetamine-dextroamphetamine

[5]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/methylphenidate-hydrochloride

Antibiotic Medications That Can Cause Dry Mouth

Antibiotic medications are used to treat bacterial infections. A possible side effect of some antibiotics is dry mouth.

### Amoxicillin

[Amoxicillin][3] is a penicillin-type antibiotic that stops the growth of bacteria. It is prescribed to treat dozens of bacterial infections. Amoxicillin may cause dry mouth.

Metronidazole (Generic Flagyl)

[Metronidazole][4] is a commonly prescribed antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections. Dry mouth is a possible side effect of metronidazole.

[1]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/amoxicillin/coupons

[2]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/metronidazole/coupons

[3]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/amoxicillin

[4]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/metronidazole

Antidepressant Medications That Can Cause Dry Mouth

Various types of antidepressant medications may cause dry mouth. These include SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants.

### Amitriptyline

[Amitriptyline][7] is a tricyclic antidepressant that helps to balance natural chemicals in the brain. Amitriptyline may cause dry mouth as a side effect.

Citalopram (Generic Celexa)

[Citalopram][8] is the generic for the brand drug Celexa. It is used to treat depression. Citalopram is an SSRI medication that may cause dry mouth.

Doxepin

[Doxepin][9] is a medication known as a tricyclic antidepressant. It helps to balance neurotransmitters in the brain. Doxepin may cause dry mouth.

Escitalopram (Generic Lexapro)

[Escitalopram][10] is the generic for the brand drug Lexapro. It is an SSRI antidepressant that may cause dry mouth.

Fluoxetine (Generic Prozac)

[Fluoxetine][11] is the generic form of Prozac. It is prescribed to treat depression. Prozac and fluoxetine may cause dry mouth.

Sertraline (Generic Zoloft)

[Sertraline][12] is the generic for the brand drug Zoloft. It belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Sertraline may cause dry mouth.

[1]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/amitriptyline-hcl/coupons

[2]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/citalopram/coupons

[3]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/doxepin-hcl/coupons

[4]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/escitalopram-oxalate/coupons

[5]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/fluoxetine-dr/coupons

[6]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/sertraline-hcl/coupons

[7]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/amitriptyline-hcl

[8]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/citalopram

[9]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/doxepin-hcl

[10]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/escitalopram-oxalate

[11]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/fluoxetine-hcl

[12]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/sertraline-hcl

Antihistamine Medications That Cause Dry Mouth

Antihistamine medications used to treat allergies may cause dry mouth. These medications work by blocking the production of histamine made by the body during an allergic reaction.

### Cetirizine (Generic Zyrtec)

[Cetirizine][4] is an antihistamine medication that may cause dry mouth. It is used to relieve symptoms of allergies.

Desloratadine (Generic Clarinex)

[Desloratadine][5] is a generic form of Clarinex. It is used to treat allergy symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, hives, and itching. Desloratadine may cause dry mouth.

Hydroxyzine (Generic Vistaril)

[Hydroxyzine][6] is the generic form of the brand drug Vistaril. It is used to relieve symptoms of allergies. Hydroxyzine pamoate and Vistaril may cause dry mouth.

[1]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/cetirizine-hydrochloride/coupons

[2]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/desloratadine/coupons

[3]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/hydroxyzine-pamoate/coupons

[4]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/cetirizine-hydrochloride

[5]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/desloratadine

[6]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/hydroxyzine-pamoate

Antipsychotic Medications That Cause Dry Mouth

Antipsychotic medications, which are prescribed to treat mental and mood disorders including [schizophrenia][1] and [bipolar disorder][2] may cause dry mouth. These medications work to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain.

| [risperidone][6] | $4.00

Clozapine (Generic Clozaril)

[Clozapine][7] is used to treat schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders. It is an antipsychotic medication that may cause dry mouth.

Haloperidol Lactate (Generic Haldol)

[Haloperidol lactate][8] is an antipsychotic medication that may cause dry mouth. It is prescribed to treat schizophrenia.

Olanzapine (Generic Zyprexa)

[Olanzapine][9] is the generic for the brand drug Zyprexa. It is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Olanzapine may cause dry mouth.

Risperidone (Generic Risperdal)

[Risperidone][10] is the generic form of the brand drug Risperdal. It is an antipsychotic medication that is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Risperidone may cause dry mouth.

[1]: https://www.rxsaver.com/conditions/schizophrenia

[2]: https://www.rxsaver.com/conditions/bipolar-disorder

[3]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/clozapine/coupons

[4]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/haloperidol-lactate/coupons

[5]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/olanzapine/coupons

[6]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/risperidone/coupons

[7]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/clozapine/coupons

[8]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/haloperidol-lactate/coupons

[9]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/olanzapine

[10]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/risperidone/coupons

Anxiety Medications That Cause Dry Mouth

Medications known as benzodiazepines are used to treat [anxiety][1] and [panic disorders][2]. These anxiety medications may also cause dry mouth.

### Alprazolam (Generic Xanax)

[Alprazolam][6] is the generic for the brand drug Xanax. It is prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Alprazolam may cause dry mouth.

Diazepam (Generic Valium)

[Diazepam][7] is the generic for the brand drug Valium. It is used to treat anxiety. Diazepam may cause dry mouth in some people who take it.

Lorazepam (Generic Ativan)

[Lorazepam][8] is the generic form of Ativan. It is used to treat anxiety. Lorazepam has been associated with dry mouth as a side effect.

[1]: https://www.rxsaver.com/conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder

[2]: https://www.rxsaver.com/conditions/panic-disorder

[3]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/alprazolam/coupons

[4]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/diazepam/coupons

[5]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/lorazepam/coupons

[6]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/alprazolam

[7]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/diazepam

[8]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/lorazepam

Blood Pressure Medications That Cause Dry Mouth

Medications known as alpha-blockers and beta-blockers may cause dry mouth. These medications are used to treat [high blood pressure][1] (hypertension).

### Metoprolol Tartrate (Generic Lopressor)

[Metoprolol tartrate][5] is the generic form of Lopressor. It is used to treat high blood pressure. Metoprolol tartrate and Lopressor may cause dry mouth.

Propranolol (Generic Inderal)

[Propranolol][6] is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure. It may cause dry mouth.

Terazosin (Generic Hytrin)

[Terazosin][7] is an alpha-blocker prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It is the generic form of the brand drug Hytrin. Terazosin may cause dry mouth.

[1]: https://www.rxsaver.com/conditions/high-blood-pressure

[2]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/metoprolol-tartrate/coupons

[3]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/propranolol-hcl/coupons

[4]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/terazosin-hcl/coupons

[5]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/metoprolol-tartrate/coupons

[6]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/propranolol-hcl/coupons

[7]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/terazosin-hcl/coupons

Diuretic Medications That Cause Dry Mouth

Diuretic medications are commonly called “water pills” because they work to create more urine in your body. This gets rid of extra salt and water. Diuretic medications are often prescribed to treat high blood pressure.

| [hydrochlorothiazide][2] | $1.91

Furosemide (Generic Lasix)

[Furosemide][3] is a diuretic that is prescribed to reduce extra fluid in the body. Commonly referred to as a “water pill” furosemide and Lasix may cause dry mouth.

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)

[Hydrochlorothiazide][4] is a diuretic that is used to lower blood pressure. It may cause dry mouth as a side effect.

[1]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/furosemide/coupons

[2]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/hydrochlorothiazide/coupons

[3]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/furosemide/coupons

[4]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/hydrochlorothiazide/coupons

Opioid Pain Medications That Cause Dry Mouth

Opioid pain medications have many possible side effects including dry mouth. These medications are used to treat moderate to severe pain.

### Hydrocodone (Generic Zohydro)

Hydrocodone is an opioid pain reliever used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Hydrocodone may cause dry mouth.

Oxycodone (Generic Oxaydo)

Oxycodone is the generic drug for the brand drug Oxaydo. It is used to treat pain. Oxycodone may cause dry mouth.

The Risk of Opioid Use

Opioids are typically prescribed to treat pain but can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Inappropriate opioid use can lead to an overdose. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2018 69.5% of drug related deaths were due to opioid overdoses.

Do not take opioids without a prescription. As with any other medication, if you are currently prescribed an opioid, take them as prescribed under the guidance of your health care provider. Always discuss symptoms, or changes in your medication dosage with your health care provider while taking an opioid medication.

[1]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/hydrocodone-bitartrate-er/coupons

[2]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/oxycodone-hcl/coupons

Overactive Bladder Medications That Cause Dry Mouth

[Overactive bladder][1] and urinary incontinence may lead to a prescription for an antispasmodic medication. Some overactive bladder medications may cause dry mouth.

### Oxybutynin Chloride (Generic Ditropan)

[Oxybutynin chloride][5] is the generic form of the brand drug Ditropan. It is used to treat overactive bladder and may cause dry mouth.

Solifenacin Succinate (Generic Vesicare)

[Solifenacin succinate][6] is the generic form of the brand drug Vesicare. It is used to treat overactive bladder and may cause dry mouth.

Trospium Chloride

[Trospium chloride][7] helps to relax the muscles in your bladder, which gives greater control over urination. Trospium chloride for overactive bladder may cause dry mouth.

The Risk of Opioid Use

Opioids are typically prescribed to treat pain but can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Inappropriate opioid use can lead to an overdose. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2018 69.5% of drug related deaths were [due to opioid overdoses][8].

Do not take opioids without a prescription. As with any other medication, if you are currently prescribed an opioid, take them as prescribed under the guidance of your health care provider. Always discuss symptoms, or changes in your medication dosage with your health care provider while taking an opioid medication.

What causes medicine-related dry mouth?

Medicine-related dry mouth is due to certain medications interfering with the production of saliva. Dry mouth may also be caused by the medicine interfering with the pathways that are responsible for saliva secretions. To manage dry mouth while taking medication the following tips may help:

- Practice good, frequent oral hygiene

- Use a mouthwash designed for dry mouth

- Suck on ice chips

- Chew sugarless gum

[1]: https://www.rxsaver.com/conditions/overactive-bladder

[2]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/oxybutynin-chloride/coupons

[3]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/solifenacin-succinate/coupons

[4]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/trospium-chloride

[5]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/oxybutynin-chloride/coupons

[6]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/solifenacin-succinate/coupons

[7]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/trospium-chloride

[8]: https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/statedeaths.html

Report Side Effects of Medications to Your Health Care Provider

All side effects of medications should be reported to your health care provider. Many side effects may resolve themselves as your body adjusts to the medication. Other side effects, such as dry mouth can be managed with tips from your physician. If side effects from medications are particularly bothersome, your health care provider may change your medication, or adjust your dosage.

amphetamine/dextroamphetamine: 20 mg / 30 tablets methylphenidate hydrochloride: 20 mg / 30 tablets amoxicillin: 500 mg / 30 capsules metronidazole: 500 mg / 30 tablets amitriptyline: 25 mg / 30 tablets citalopram: 20 mg / 30 tablets doxepin: 10 mg/ml / 120 ml escitalopram: 10 mg / 30 tablets fluoxetine: 20 mg / 30 capsules sertraline: 100 mg / 30 tablets cetirizine: 1 mg/ml / 150 ml desloratadine: 5 mg / 30 tablets hydroxyzine pamoate: 25 mg / 30 capsules clozapine: 100 mg / 30 tablets haloperidol lactate: 5 mg/ml / 1 ampul olanzapine: 5 mg / 30 tablets risperidone: 1 mg / 30 tablets alprazolam: 5 mg / 30 tablets diazepam: 5 mg / 30 tablets lorazepam: 1 mg / 30 tablets metoprolol tartrate: 25 mg / 30 tablets propranolol: 10 mg / 30 tablets terazosin: 5 mg / 30 capsules furosemide: 20 mg / 30 tablets hydrochlorothiazide: 25 mg / 30 tablets hydrocodone: 5mg-325mg / 30 tablets oxycodone: 5 mg / 30 tablets oxybutynin-chloride: 5 mg / 30 tablets solfienacin succinate: 10 mg / 30 tablets trospium chloride: 20 mg / 30 tablets

*Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 2/16/2021. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.