Dry mouth, medically referred to as xerostomia, is the number one phentermine side effect. Weight loss medications like phentermine promote this feeling of dryness in the mouth, lips, and tongue due to their stimulant effect.
Thankfully, most patients report that phentermine dry mouth is only temporary and noticeably improves as treatment progresses.
Yes, dry mouth is the most common side effect of phentermine weight loss pills [1].
According to an online poll, 4 out of 5 phentermine users experience dry mouth. In fact, dry mouth is 30% more common than the next most-reported side effect of insomnia.
Phentermine does not have any tongue-specific side effects listed on the box, but they can (and do) sometimes occur secondary to phentermine dry mouth.
Patients with dry mouth are at increased risk for oral yeast infections. Also known as thrush or candidiasis, these infections typically present as a white, clumpy plaque, but may also appear red and irritated. Pain or change in taste is possible but rare [2].
If you think you have thrush or other phentermine tongue side effects, speak with your dentist and prescribing doctor to determine a plan of action.
Phentermine is thought to produce weight loss via activation of the central nervous system (CNS).
In this heightened state of alertness, which is responsible for the extra energy and decreased appetite, neurotransmitters signal the body to divert resources away from non-critical functions like digestion. Although you may not immediately think of the mouth as part of the digestive tract, the teeth and saliva start digesting food as soon as it enters the body.
So, when the brain sends out an order to delay digestion and divert resources to "fight or flight" functions, saliva production immediately decreases [3]. This explains why your mouth feels so dry when you are nervous or scared, and also why dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a common side effect of phentermine.
The severity of xerostomia varies from person to person, but most patients report improvement in symptoms after about 1-2 weeks. Staying properly hydrated can also help alleviate some of the most bothersome symptoms.
Unfortunately, phentermine dry mouth and bad breath often occur together. The dry oral environment serves as a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, some of which cause bad breath. Due to dryness of the surrounding tissues, it is also possible to experience phentermine dry mouth and sore throat together.
The at-home phentermine dry mouth remedies below can provide some relief if you are struggling dry mouth and related bad breath or sore throat. Still, if phentermine dry mouth persists even after trying at-home treatments, speak with your doctor and dentist to explore alternative solutions.
Thirst is not the only thing that makes your mouth feel dry and uncomfortable while taking phentermine; this cotton-mouth feeling is also a common side effect of stimulants. As a result, many patients wonderhow to get rid of dry mouth from phentermine.
The American Academy of Oral Medicine offers thefollowing dry mouth remedies [4]:
Phentermine produces both extreme thirst and dry mouth, so drinking lots of water is essential. Take frequent sips of water throughout the day to keep tissues moisturized. Ice chips provide the same benefit if you prefer to munch on ice.
Hydration is also critical to suppress hunger, support healthy metabolism and decrease bloating. Carry a bottle of water with you at all times to help you stay hydrated.
The motion of chewing gum or sucking on candy and mints encourages the production of additional saliva, which can help alleviate dry mouth.
More, phentermine dry mouth and bad breath often come hand-in-hand. Peppermint or other breath-freshening gum or mints tackle two problems at once by decreasing dryness and improving breath. Still, it is important to opt for sugar-free options (such as xylitol-containing gum) to minimize extra calories and minimize cavity risk.
Regular checks at the dentist and regular brushing, flossing and rinsing ensure good oral health and are an important part of your overall health. However, dental problems like cavities and sores worsen faster if your mouth is dry, so if you experience prolonged periods of phentermine dry mouth, pay extra attention to your oral health and see your dentist regularly.
A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can prove an effective phentermine dry mouth treatment – especially if you live in a dry climate, use central heating or have chronic respiratory issues. Place a humidifier in your bedroom to increase humidity and help alleviate bothersome dry mouth symptoms.
Sometimes it is hard to drink enough water throughout the day. Thankfully, not all hydration needs to come in liquid form.
It is also helpful to eat more foods with a high water content. Menu items like fresh fruits (e.g. watermelon, strawberries, melon and grapefruit), vegetables (e.g. cucumber, celery, lettuce and peppers) and soup are great options to boost hydration and combat dry mouth at mealtime [5].
Caffeine is a mild diuretic, meaning that it increases fluid loss. So, while drinking the occasional coffee, tea or cola can contribute to fluid overall intake, it unwise to rely on caffeinated drinks as your primary source of hydration.
Plus, phentermine is a strong stimulant so it is recommended that you minimize or eliminate caffeine (another stimulant) intake while taking this medication.
Instead, choose caffeine-free, sugar-free options like water or herbal tea to combat the cotton mouth feeling.
Another reason to avoid soda is its high levels of fermentable carbohydrates, which wreak havoc on oral health by creating a perfect environment for bacterial growth. Due to the increased risk of oral decay in the presence of dry mouth, it is best to steer clear of these quick-digesting carbs.
Chapped lips are one of the most annoying symptoms of chronic dry mouth. Keep an oil-based balm on-hand to soothe dry lips.
If the above phentermine dry mouth remedies are not working, using an over-the-counter liquid or gel can help to decrease the parched feeling. These products’ effects are temporary, but may provide some short-term relief.
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References
1. Cosentino, G., Conrad, A., & Uwaifo, G. (2013). Phentermine and topiramate for the management of obesity: A review. Drug Design, Development and Therapy, 267. doi:10.2147/dddt.s31443
2. Redding, S., & AAOM Web Writing Group. (2015, October 21). Oral Yeast Infections.
3. Miranda-Rius, J., Brunet-Llobet, L., Lahor-Soler, E., & Farré, M. (2015). Salivary Secretory Disorders, Inducing Drugs, and Clinical Management. International Journal of Medical Sciences, 12(10), 811-824. doi:10.7150/ijms.12912
4. Sankar, V., Rhodus, N., & AAOM Web Writing Group. (2015, October 15). Dry Mouth.
5. Breastcancer.org. (2014, March 25). Eating When You're Dehydrated.
7. Invest in Lip Balm