Zyprexa and Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is one of the most common side effects of Zyprexa. In previous clinical studies, up to 32 percent of people experienced this side effect. If you are taking Zyprexa and dry mouth occurs, you can help it by sipping water often and avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and caffeinated beverages, among other things.

 

Does Zyprexa Cause a Dry Mouth?

Zyprexa® (olanzapine) 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 Zyprexa is a dry month. In fact, dry mouth is one of the most common side effects of Zyprexa. In previous clinical studies, up to 32 percent of people reported dry mouth as one of Zyprexa's side effects.
 

Zyprexa and Dry Mouth: Recommendations

If you are taking Zyprexa 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 Zyprexa 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 Zyprexa dry mouth side effects are, he or she may also recommend that you adjust your Zyprexa dosage or try another 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;