Zonegran and Dry Mouth

Side effects are possible with Zonegran, and dry mouth is one of the more common ones. In clinical studies, up to 2 percent of people taking Zonegran reported having a dry mouth. Suggestions that may provide relief include sipping water often, using a humidifier at night, and avoiding tobacco. If you continue to experience a dry mouth with Zonegran, your healthcare provider may have additional recommendations.

Zonegran Drug Information

Zonegran and Dry Mouth: An Overview

Dry mouth is one of the more common side effects of Zonegran^® (zonisamide). In clinical studies, up to 2 percent of people taking the drug to treat partial seizures reported having a dry mouth, compared to just 1 percent of those not taking it.

Zonegan and Dry Mouth: Suggestions

If you are noticing a dry mouth that is possibly due to Zonegran, there are some things that you can do to help. Some of these suggestions include:

Sip water or sugarless drinks during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier; it may also improve the taste of food.
Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth.
Don't use tobacco or alcohol, because they dry out the mouth.
Be aware of spicy or salty foods, because they may cause pain in a dry mouth.
Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow; cinnamon- or mint-flavored candies are good choices.
Sip water or sugarless drinks often.
Use a humidifier at night.

Zonegran and Dry Mouth: Final Thoughts

If you develop dry mouth while taking Zonegran and the suggestions in this article do not help, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider. He or she may be able to recommend other treatment options, such as artificial saliva. Also, depending on how severe your dry mouth is, he or she may recommend that you adjust your Zonegran dosage or try another epilepsy medication.