Geodon and Dry Mouth

A number of side effects have been reported with Geodon, and dry mouth is one of them (occurring in up to 4 percent of people). If you are taking Geodon and dry mouth occurs, there are some things that you can try, including sipping water or sugarless drinks often, avoiding drinks with caffeine, and avoiding tobacco or alcohol. Your healthcare provider may also recommend treatment (such as artificial saliva), adjust your Geodon dosage, or switch you to a different medication for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

 

Does Geodon Cause a Dry Mouth?

Geodon® (ziprasidone hydrochloride) is a prescription medicine used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression). Like other medicines, it can cause side effects. One of these possible side effects of Geodon is a dry mouth. In previous clinical studies, up to 4 percent of people reported dry mouth as one of Geodon's side effects.
 

Recommendations for Geodon and Dry Mouth

If you are taking Geodon and dry mouth becomes a problem, there are a number of 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. They dry out the mouth.
     
  • Using a humidifier at night.
     
  • Being aware that spicy or salty foods 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 have a dry mouth while taking Geodon 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 Geodon dry mouth side effects are, he or she may also recommend that you adjust your Geodon dosage or try a different bipolar disorder or schizophrenia medication.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;