Trileptal and Dry Mouth

Up to 3 percent of people taking Trileptal experience a dry mouth. If you are taking Trileptal and dry mouth symptoms occur, you may be able to find relief by using a humidifier at night, avoiding drinks with caffeine, and sipping water often. If your symptoms persist, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider.

 

An Overview of Trileptal and Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a possible side effect of Trileptal® (oxcarbazepine). A dry mouth occurs in up to 3 percent of people taking Trileptal.
 

Recommendations for Trileptal and Dry Mouth

If you are taking Trileptal and dry mouth becomes a problem, there are some things that you can do. 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.
     
  • Avoiding tobacco or alcohol, 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 you develop dry mouth while taking Trileptal 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 dry mouth side effects are, he or she may also recommend that you adjust your Trileptal dosage or try a different epilepsy medication.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;