HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Oral thrush and meds?

Support Forums
>
Fibromyalgia
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 2/21/2016 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
Fibro and chronic severe headaches/migraine

In June 2015, rheumatologist prescribed Amitriptyline (50 mg at bedtime) for sleep issues, and Percocet twice a day for pain. In December 2015, was referred to neurologist for chronic headaches/migraine. He prescribed Gabapentin (300 mg 3 x a day) to prevent headaches. At January 28, 2016 follow-up appt with neurologist, he added Topamax (50 mg 2 x a day, AM and PM) to prevent migraines. On February 7, I started having symptoms of oral thrush, which primary care doctor confirmed on February 15. Now on Nystatin and had one dose of Diflucan. Wondering if anyone else had issues with oral thrush from combination of meds, and, if so, what might be the cause? Also, did it cause fibro pain to get out of control?
Posted 2/21/2016 11:21 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome, Optimistic! (I love your name!). Hope you'll enjoy the forum.

The moderators suggest that newbies, if they would like to, start a separate post to introduce themselves.

Regarding the oral thrush: Are they sure it's the meds that caused it?

I honestly don't know anything about oral thrush, but I did develop dry mouth last year, and also got several rapidly developing cavities. My dentist said it's likely my health causing the issues, but not sure if he meant health in general, or from the dry mouth from the meds.

Anyway, I went off my meds (have the doctor's okay on that, which is important), and have taken warm baths/showers, using the heating pad, topical creams, and taking acetaminophen when I need it. I do miss the meds (which worked faster and better), but just can't chance getting more dental issues.

I did a search on oral thrush and there's quite a lot of info on it. Maybe you'll want to do that, too, if you haven't already.

Hope someone here can offer more help, and perhaps have dealt with the same thing you have.

Best wishes and keep posting! BTW, did you read fibro 101, the first thread listed? Lots of good info. :-)
Posted 2/21/2016 11:44 PM (GMT 0)
I've gotten oral thrush before from using steroid asthma meds. I'm not familiar with the potential for thrush as a direct result of the meds you are taking, but I do know some of them can cause dry mouth, which can in turn lead to thrush.

Nystatin works for many people, but it sometimes doesn't get rid of the infection. Also, doctors tend to under treat thrush using Diflucan. One dose often isn't enough. My doctor did the same thing. But if you search for oral thrush treatment online (look at Mayo Clinic for instance), the recommended course is longer than one tablet. So, if it doesn't go away, don't panic. See your doctor and discuss a longer treatment.

If you think dry mouth is potentially causing the problem, there is a moisturizing gel you can put in your mouth at bedtime made by Biotene that helps me.

I didn't notice that thrush made my fibro worse, but I think anything that causes stress can. And thrush can be painful and stressful. Diflucan can also make you feel not quite right. At least it does that to me. Hope you feel better soon.
Posted 2/22/2016 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, Optimistic, and welcome! I think taking a lot of medications can cause an upset in the balance of good and bad bacteria in our gut. I take several medications for several different illnesses and usually don't have a problem. But I had some dental work a few years ago and was put on another medication for two weeks. Well, my tongue turned black! I did some searches and read a lot about probiotics so I took probiotics and it cleared up my tongue. I see that probiotics can help with oral thrush too.

Be sure to read Fibro 101...the first thread on the forum. There are links to good info about Fibro and you can learn a lot there, I've had Fibro for decades and am still learning new things.

I'm looking forward to getting to know you better. Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you. Hope to hear more from you soon.

Sherrine
Posted 2/22/2016 12:51 PM (GMT 0)
Many ( most) of the medications used to treat fibro dry out the mouth - combine this with the fact that we tend to mouth breathe when in pain and we often have chronic dry mouth.

Bacteria and fungus thrive in dry mouths as does tooth decay. Swish with hydrogen peroxide a couple times a day and drink lots, and lots of water
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply