Desipramine and Dry Mouth

A number of side effects have been reported with tricyclic antidepressants like desipramine, and dry mouth is among the most common. There are several things that you can do if you are taking desipramine and dry mouth occurs, such as chewing sugarless gum or sucking on hard candy, sipping water or sugarless drinks often, and avoiding tobacco or alcohol. Depending on how severe your dry mouth symptoms are, your healthcare provider can also recommend treatments, such as artificial saliva.

Desipramine HCl

Desipramine and Dry Mouth: An Overview

Dry mouth is one of the common side effects of desipramine hydrochloride (Norpramin^®), although the exact percentage has not been reported. In fact, dry mouth is a common symptom of all tricyclic antidepressants, including desipramine.

Desipramine and Dry Mouth: Recommendations

If you are taking desipramine and dry mouth becomes a problem, there are several things that you can do.

Some of these suggestions include:

Sipping water or sugarless drinks often.
Sipping water or sugarless drinks during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier. It may also improve the taste of food.
Avoiding drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth.
Avoiding tobacco and alcohol. They try out the mouth.
Using a humidifier at night.
Being aware of spicy or salty foods. These may cause pain in a dry mouth.
Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless, hard candy to stimulate saliva flow; cinnamon- or mint-flavored candies are good choices.

(Desipramine and Dry Mouth Continued: Page 2)