Xanax (alprazolam) Causes Xerostomia/Dry Mouth/Cotton Mouth

Xanax is a drug that contains alprazolam, a prescription medicine that is part and parcel of the benzodiazepine family of psychotropic substances. Like all benzodiazepines, alprazolam containing Xanax is likely to cause Xerostomia - the fancy medical term for dry mouth or cotton mouth - as one of the more minor side effects.

Of course, considering the very real dangers of dry mouth, it is not surprising that patients encountering this side effect will seek out means with which to overcome the condition. Care must be taken that no over the counter remedies will counteract the alprazolam that is contained within the Xanax.

Substances that should not be used to relive the Xerostomia include grapefruit juice containing remedies or alcohol containing mouthwashes (which are not useful for anyone with cotton mouth in the first place). It is interesting to note that Associated Content is filled to brimming with home remedies that can help patients taking Xanax take charge of their dry mouth and counteract some of it.

Kassidy Emmerson (in the article entitled "Homemade Remedies for Getting Rid Dry Mouth") recommends the use of mint or cinnamon flavored commercially available toothpaste. If you are taking alprazolam-containing Xanax, brush your teeth with this kind of toothpaste after meals or whenever the cotton mouth seems the worst. Kassidy finds that it is the taste of the mint or cinnamon that encourages saliva production.

Fabletoo explored a green tea mouthwash in the article entitled "Rinsing and Gargling with a Homemade Mouthwash Can Get Rid of Canker Sores Quickly." Fabletoo makes a good point when stating that this concoction made of a teabag and the cooled water in which it steeps makes for a great rinse that can also counteract a number of oral hygiene problems. Best of all, green tea does not work against the alprazolam in Xanax, but at the same time fights the oral decay that comes along with dry mouth.

Momie Tullottes wrote about "Bentyl (Dicyclomine) Causes Xerostomia (Known as "Dry Mouth" or "Cotton Mouth")" and gives good advice about overcoming cotton mouth. A bit of advice you are unlikely to find anywhere else, however, is Momie's suggestion to use a vaporizer at night to prevent the further drying of the mucous membranes within the oral cavity.

It is imperative to remember that any and all side effects you may be encountering with Xanax - even if it is only Xerostomia and you were warned to expect it - should be reported to your physician immediately.

Sources: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/213997/homemade_remedies_for_getting_rid_dry.html?cat=5; http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1253950/rinsing_and_gargling_with_a_homemade.html?cat=70; http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1246904/bentyl_dicyclomine_causes_xerostomia.html?cat=70