New medication side effects- very dry mouth

[aliasjoey]

Am already trying the saliva replacement like Biotene which helps a bit but not much. Will the side effects go away eventually? I know it's a very mild complaint but it's making me miserable.

Not helped by mouth ulcer caused by a rough tooth, plus jaw pain from tension/migraine.

Last night I had a nightmare that all my teeth fell out! It's subconsciously worked its way into my mind even during sleep.

I can't change the medication, it's Vesicare and they already tried Betmiga. Now the doc has said to try taking both together.

Although actually she didn't seem too sure what was wrong... 😕

Dry eyes and dry mouth are an expected side effect of Vesicare; your GP should really know this. If it's really intolerable let her know and keep up with the artificial saliva. Bonjela for the mouth ulcer? Can you get to a dentist to look at the rough tooth?

I take Vesicare - its horrid. Not only do I struggle with dry mouth itchy eyes but it affects my vision as well. I didn't know you could get artificial saliva? I have been taking Vesicare now for 6 months and I still am getting side affects - they don't seem to lessen unfortunately.

Aargh that's frustrating if it never goes away! Yes I do need to go to the dentist too.

Just can't believe it's giving me nightmares!

I have dry mouth/eyes as part of a syndrome and find sucking boiled sweets or chewing gum helps a bit.

It is annoying at night as I find myself drinking loads and then having to keep getting up for the bathroom so I sympathise....

I've found Iglu is better than Bonjela for ulcers.

This thing do you get on okay with Iglu? When my DD had braces and they were really rubbing her the orthodontist recommended Iglu - bought it DD used it once and said it was the worse thing she has ever put in her mouth and would rather suffer the pain. I thought she was over reacting but tried it at her insistence and I had to agree with her.

I too take water to bed with me and suck boiled sweets during the day.

Mymate yes I found it hurts more to apply than Bonjela, but once it's on it definitely helps and the ulcers go quicker than just with Bonjela. It's very much a short term pain long term gain thing for me!

Having said that, I'm absolutely brimming with painkiller meds so my tolerance might be increased!

Also thought, in case it helps anyone, with my dry mouth I used to get terrible chapped lips and cracks at side of mouth, a MNer recommended Aveeno (I just use the daily moisturising lotion) and it's amazing - a thin layer before bed and my lips are soft and smooth. I have tried every single thing going (and every single lip balm!) but Aveeno is the only thing that has ever made a difference. I remember starting a thread about it in tears once when I couldn't open my mouth!

Betmiga normally causes much less side effects. You can take both together but it is normally a consultant who prescribes that.

If you are having side effects though adding in another medication will make it worse. You can get Oxybutynin in a patch that sometimes is tolerated better.

Or maybe ask for a Urogynaecology referal and ask about Botox to bladder.

Sorry if you already tried/know about the above.

Thanks for all the replies. Yes I am already on Betmiga as well, and the consultant has suggested trying both together.

It's only been a few days but I think the combination maybe working. If it does, I will just be grateful and put up with the side effects. The Biotene helps, and I'll get some gum too (thank you for that suggestion)

The very expensive mints from the Fresh Breathe company (they claim to help dry mouth) do nothing except hurt my wallet.

I don't have dry mouth from the same medication, but I have salivix pastilles which help. Bioxtra gel is ok. Saying that though I quite like the mints you've mentioned.

Fizzy drinks help more than water for me. I have trouble swallowing and if my mouth gets too dry I can't stop coughing. My mouth is full of ulcers at the moment too.

The enzymes in fresh pineapple and pineapple juice are good for a dry mouth.