Dry mouth

[kathgallagher]

Hi have had ra for 12 years and take hydro sulfasalazine and ro actemera injections and Leflunomide 20mgs.Had knee replacement in January and just have no energy and a extremely dry mouth. When I wake in the morning I have to scrape stuff of my lips I'm constantly drinking and have pastilles but they only work for a matter of minutes. I'm really fed up.

[rab1874]

I’m finding mornings tough at the moment as well with the dry mouth and severe fatigue. I’m on methotrexate 20mgs and Alimunumb 40mgs plus amiitryptaline 1 tablet nightly, I got my bloods done on Monday and got a call from the GP to say I’ve to get them done again in 3 weeks to a month but I get them done monthly anyway but wondering if there was a problem with the results. Just have to soldier on for moment xxx

[Jillyanne]

See your nurse about sjorgens syndrome, I have RA and sjorgens aswell, part and parcel of RA

[kathgallagher in reply to Jillyanne]

Thank you how do you manage your sjorgens

[Jillyanne in reply to kathgallagher]

I tried all sorts of mouth washes, pastels and absolutely nothing worked, I always carried water but very fortunate my Bio drug has helped me loads , thank god

[calamityjane1971]

Can you go to a pharmacy or someone who has a blood sugar monitor? Check your sugar levels, just to rule out diabetes.

[kathgallagher]

Had blood sugar levels checked and was told they were normal

[Leics]

Amiitryptaline is notorious for giving you a dry mouth especially in the morning. Silly question do you have problems with your gut (ie lots of diarrhoea, bloating and pain. Maybe struggle to swallow) if this is the case maybe coeliacs or irritable bowel syndrome which will also dry your mouth. If symptoms are more than just a dry mouth maybe suggest a blood test for coeliacs. Could just be an intolerance that has manifested itself for no apparent reason, keep a log of your diet for a few days and see if it correlates to what you’re eating. Or perhaps you have oral thrush which has gone untreated.

[kathgallagher]

Thank yoi

[cariad68]

Unfortunately the drugs cause dry mouth. I suffered a lot with it. Some nights before bed I used to rub a few grains of salt on my tongue to stimulate saliva. But lately I am a lot better since I have been taking ground flaxseed with my porridge for breakfast. Dry mouth is due to excess acid and flaxseed reduces it. Also manuka honey ( quite expensive) is very good for balancing blood ph.

[kathgallagher]

Thank you I'll try that