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For those on Klonopin or other Benzodiazepines

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Posted 2/17/2011 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
One of the common and almost universal side effects of benzos is dry mouth. This may not seem like a big deal. You may not even notice it, and if you do it may not bother you. But it can be a big deal.

I beg all of you to visit your dentists regularly. Dry mouth causes decay, above and below the gum line. If you see your dentist and/or hygenist regularly it's not going to be a big deal. They can prevent bad things from happening. If you're like me and have a fear of dentists you just have to get over it, because if you don't you will end up like me: in the dentist chair anyway, and with a giant enormous bill. Not to mention pain.

In fact I'm going to owe this dentist so much money that I'm going to have to sell one of my lone remaining assets: my half of an interest in a racing car. If you go regularly you can avoid these giant bills.

I knew I woke up with dry mouth sometimes, and sometimes I would have these spells in which I'd have cottonmouth (not for the usual reason) in the middle of the day, but I never would have told anyone I suffered from dry mouth. Didn't think it was a problem, but it sure is.
Posted 2/17/2011 9:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Debaser,

I've been on benzos for over 10 years but never suffered from dry mouth or heard of it as being a side effect of the benzo (Lorazepam) I am taking. Not sure about other benzos though. I do know however that many antidepressants can cause dry mouth.

I see my dentist regularly and have never had problems you mentioned. I think it depends on the individual, the person's diet, lifestyle as well. Not just the medication. If you have not been to the dentist for many years, then that's a problem though. Not because of the meds, but because of plaque and tartar build up that will eventually cause gum problems.

Glad to hear you are seeing your dentist. I actually like the dentist...lol. I like having my teeth cleaned. It just feels refreshing. And I sure do not want dentures at a young age...so I've been brushing and flossing my teeth very well LOL. :)
Posted 2/17/2011 9:19 PM (GMT 0)
debaser,

Glad to know you went to the dentist. Good information re dry mouth and yes I have had this side effect from benzos as well as AD meds.

I keep a 6 oz bottle of water on my night stand so when I wake up in the middle of the night I take a drink.

Sorry about that race car.

Kindly,
Kitt
Posted 2/17/2011 11:06 PM (GMT 0)
Melodee,

Well not everyone is going to have any particular side effect, though it is very common. My dentist says he works on a lot of people who are on benzodiazepines. But if you're going often it shouldn't cause any harm. That's what I was saying. Obviously there are a ton of factors that impact dental health, but Klonopin is one I'd never thought of. Anytime your mouth gets dried out it will speed up any problem that you already have. So says my dentist, anyway. So I thought I'd let people know.

Kitt,

I keep a glass of water by my bed, too, but once I finally get to sleep I don't often wake up so I don't drink enough of it. Unfortunately I can't get my problems fixed until 3/25 so I guess it will just keep getting worse.

That car is going to be a money pit, anyway.
Posted 2/18/2011 4:42 AM (GMT 0)
Debaser, you are absolutely right, I have been on all kinds of meds that cause dry mouth..Dentist told me same thing, I have had 3 teeth crack, molars..gone and have gigivitis, lovely huh? Been on meds for ten yrs.. There are some mouthwashes that help with dry mouth., At least your dentist set up a payment plan for you. Sorry about the racing car!

Ljb
Posted 6/2/2011 3:32 AM (GMT 0)
I'm on paxil and clonazepam. Can either of those cause your pupils to dialate?
Posted 6/2/2011 1:32 PM (GMT 0)
thewulasvegas

I don't have the answer to this but perhaps your pharmacist could help you out. I do not take either of these meds.

Good Luck,
Kitt
Posted 6/3/2011 12:00 PM (GMT 0)
There is a mouthwash for people with dry mouth. I know of one called Biotene.
Posted 6/5/2011 1:49 PM (GMT 0)
I developed a bad skin rash that went away when I got off benzos. I think they affect everyone differently. Oral issues are no fun and expensive. Hopefully you can find a way to remedy or stave off any further damage.

I do not know if this will be of any help but I was having problems with aching teeth and bleeding gums. When I started taking extra Niacin (mainly for sleep), I noticed that those problems stopped. Not sure if the vitamins helped but something did. Maybe it was giving up sodas.

Gem
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