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Prozac and Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, one of the most common side effects seen with Prozac, occurs in up to 12 percent of patients. If you are taking Prozac and dry mouth develops, you can try sipping water or sugarless drinks often, avoiding tobacco or alcohol, and chewing sugarless gum to stimulate saliva flow.

 

Prozac and Dry Mouth: An Overview

Dry mouth is one of the most common side effects of Prozac® (fluoxetine hydrochloride). In studies, up to 12 percent of people reported dry mouth as a side effect of Prozac. Dry mouth was most commonly seen in people who were taking the medication for OCD (12 percent). It was least common in those taking Prozac for panic disorder (4 percent).
 

Prozac and Dry Mouth: Recommendations

For people taking Prozac, 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.
     

Prozac Dry Mouth: Summary

If you have a dry mouth while taking Prozac 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 how severe your Prozac dry mouth side effects are, he or she may also recommend that you adjust your Prozac dosage or try another medicine.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;