What Causes Dry Mouth And Difficulty In Swallowing While On Oxybutynin?

Posted on Sat, 23 Apr 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 23 Apr 2016 Answered on

Fri, 10 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a 56 year old female with progressive MS. Within the last 6 months, when I need to urinate it comes on very fast and I sometimes don't quite make it to the bathroom. Also have days when I need to go once an hour. My Dr. put me on oxybutynin but my mouth got so dry I couldnt even swallow. Any suggestions? Leaving on a long vacation in August and would like some resolution. Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome

I appreciate your concern

Based on your description, you are right oxybutinin is an anticholinergic medication and can lead to the bothersome dry mouth and drying of secretions.

There are better alternatives within the anticholinergic class as well as other drugs.
These include solifenacin , tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine and the new beta 3 agaonists like mirabegron.

Pregabalin and tramadol have also shown promising effects in recent trials wrt bladder overactivity.

So a combination of pregabalin and mirabegron can be tried as an alternative in consult with your doctor

wishing you best of health

Thanks

Dr M.S Khalil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar