Hydroxyzine and Dry Mouth

Certain side effects may occur with hydroxyzine, and dry mouth is one of them. Although this problem tends to be mild and temporary, it can be severe or prolonged in some cases. If you experience dry mouth with this drug, you can try sipping water or sugarless drinks often and avoiding caffeinated drinks. Your healthcare provider may also adjust your hydroxyzine dosage or recommend another medicine.

Hydroxyzine Drug Information

Does Hydroxyzine Cause Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth is a possible side effect of hydroxyzine (Atarax^®, Vistaril^®). Often, this is a mild and temporary side effect of this medication. However, some people may experience severe or prolonged dry mouth. It is the "anticholinergic" effect of hydroxyzine that is believed to cause dry mouth.

Recommendations to Relieve Dry Mouth With Hydroxyzine

For people taking hydroxyzine, there are some things that you can do to help with a dry mouth. 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.
Refraining from tobacco or alcohol use because they dry out the mouth.
Using a humidifier at night.
Being aware of spicy or salty foods because they 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.

If these suggestions do not seem to help, it is a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider, as a chronic dry mouth can lead to dental problems.

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