Antihistamines, dry mouth, & sjogrens syndrome

August 28, 2002

When I worked for an allergist/rheumotologist, we often saw patients with Sjogren's syndrome. Dry mouth and eyes are the hallmark of Sjogren's.

According to the National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse, over 400 medications can cause dry mouth. These meds include antihistamines and decongestants as well as certain antidepressants and muscle relaxers. Some drugs given to control siezures, heart problems, and blood pressure can cause dry mouth. Ask your physician about possible alternatives to meds that cause dryness.

As an alternative to antihistamine, your physician may prescribe inhaled nasal steroids. Topical steroids supress cells in the nose that mediate allergic response, without the sedative or drying effect of antihistamines.

Because nasal steroids are effective at a much lower dose than when they are given by mouth or injections, the side effects usually associated with steroids are minimal. You should never exceed the dose your physician prescribes.

Cromolyn sodium is another inhaled medication that works to prevent the allergic response, but its effect is not immediate. It can take up to four weeks to see results.

An antihistamine nasal spray may be helpful. There is only one available at present (azelastine). The most commonly reported side effects are a bitter taste and drowsiness.

Azelastine is absorbed systemically, but one report indicated that dryness of mouth was reported in only 7.6% of patients who used it twice a day.

Mouth breathing due to nasal congestion can cause dryness. Humidifiers and facial saunas may help to break up the congestion as well as moisturize mouth and nasal passages.

One of our sponsors has a page dedicated to this and other helpful items. See National Allergy Supply's
Sinus Relief page.

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