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Nortriptyline and Dry Mouth

There are several possible side effects of nortriptyline, and dry mouth appears to be one of them. Some suggestions on how to improve a dry mouth include sipping water or sugarless drinks often, avoiding drinks with caffeine, and using a humidifier at night. However, if these suggestions do not help, there are treatments that your healthcare provider can recommend, such as artificial saliva or changing your antidepressant medication.

 

Nortriptyline and Dry Mouth: An Overview

Dry mouth is one of the common side effects of nortriptyline hydrochloride (Pamelor®), although the exact percentage of people it affects is unknown. In fact, dry mouth is a common symptom of all tricyclic antidepressants, including nortriptyline.
 

Nortriptyline and Dry Mouth: Recommendations

For people taking nortriptyline, there are some things that you can do to help with a dry mouth. Some of these suggestions include:
 
  • Sip water or sugarless drinks often.
     
  • Sip water or sugarless drinks during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier. It may also improve the taste of food.
     
  • Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth.
     
  • Don't use tobacco or alcohol; they dry out the mouth.
     
  • Use a humidifier at night.
     
  • Be aware of spicy or salty foods. These may cause pain in a dry mouth.
     
  • Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless, hard candy to stimulate saliva flow; cinnamon or mint-flavored candies are good choices.
     

Nortriptyline and Dry Mouth: Summary

If you have a dry mouth while taking nortriptyline and the suggestions above do not help, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider.
 There is treatment that he or she may be able to recommend, such as artificial saliva. Also, depending on the severity of your dry mouth, he or she may also recommend that you adjust your nortriptyline dosage or try another depression medicine.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;