Bellergal (Belladonna Alkaloids) Causes Xerostomia/Dry Mouth/Cotton Mouth

It is rare to find any medication that does not have a rather extensive list of side effects ranging from the slightly uncomfortable to the severe. One of the most common and least dangerous side effects of over 250 medications on the market today is Xerostomia, otherwise known as dry mouth or cotton mouth. Bellergal is one such medication that lists dry mouth as one of its adverse side effects.

Bellergal is used for a variety of diseases and conditions. It is a combination of Phenobarbital, ergotamine and belladonna alkaloids. Bellergal is often prescribed to treat intestinal problems such as ulcers, cramping, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and enterocolitis, although it is also often used to treat severe menopausal symptoms, anxiety and chronic vascular headaches. Bellergal has also been used to diminish urinary frequency in people suffering from incontinence.

The combination of drugs in Bellergal is what makes it so effective in the treatment of such a varied number of conditions. The Phenobarbital in Bellergal is a barbiturate that promotes a sense of calm and sedation by reducing the activity of the brain and nervous system. Ergotamine narrows the blood vessels that aid in circulation and blood flow to the head, and belladonna, which is an herbal derivative of the Belladonna plant, reduces spasms in the urinary and intestinal tracts as well as reducing glandular secretions.

Due to the Belladonna component of Bellergal, the medication aids in decreasing intestinal cramping and is known to reduce fluid secretions from several of the body's organs and glands. Belladonna Alkaloids in themselves are often used to aid in the treatment of excessive salivation. This is why it is believed that Xerostomia is one of the drug's more common side effects. The Belladonna Alkaloids, while reducing secretions in the body, can often stunt saliva production, which in turn causes dry mouth.

Xerostomia, which can also be classified as dry mouth or cotton mouth, is in itself not dangerous. Quite literally, Xerostomia is the diminishing of saliva secretions. However, if left untreated, Xerostomia is one of the main causes of gum disease, chronic halitosis and rapidly developing cavities. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, can also lead to mouth soreness, a painful, burning sensation in the tongue, as well as difficulties in talking, chewing and swallowing. The best treatment for Xerostomia is to drink plenty of water, and in more severe cases the use of saliva substitutes and oral lubricants has been shown to ameliorate the condition.

In most cases, the benefits of taking Bellergal far outweigh the discomfort of Xerostomia. Normally, dry mouth can be alleviated by drinking plenty of fluids, sucking on a piece of hard candy or chewing ice chips. However, if the patient begins to suffer from extreme irritation or soreness from dry mouth, it is essential that they speak immediately to their healthcare practitioner or dentist for further assistance.