What Causes Hypersalivation While On Amitriptyline?

Posted on Sat, 10 Dec 2016

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

Sat, 10 Dec 2016 Answered on

Mon, 2 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : ENT DOCTOR
I CONTACT YOU BEFORE ABOUT MY PROBLEM WITH HAVING A PROBLEM WITH TO MUCH SECRETIONS GOING IN TO MY AIRWAY INSTED MY STOMACH. I HAVE TRACHIOSTOMY AND I AM USING HYOSCINE PATCHES 1mg 72hrs 1.5mh AND AMITRIPTYLINE 50mg.
I GET A BUILD UP SALIVAN IN MY MOUTH I SWALLOW AND IT GOES IN TO MY AIRWAY. THE SALIVA IS VERY THICK AND STICKY. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SUCTION. IT IS IMPOSALBE TO LIVE WITH. I AM A C5 SPINAL INJURY SCINCE 1980 AND A XXXXXXX SINCE 2008.
I NEED MORE THAN 40 SUCTIONS A DAY I AM BEDBOUND DUE TO BED SORES FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS.
I LIVE AT HOME WITH CARERS.
I NEED A S.O.S
IS IT POSSIBLE TO SEND TO EVERY ENT IN THE COUNTY OR OVER SEAS
I AM BECOMING SUICIDAL OVER THIS
MANY THANKS

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Details as discussed below:

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. I need your feedback on the options that I have suggested in May 2016 regarding:

a. Use of a Passy Muir speaking valve,
b. Portex Bivona Suction-Aid Tracheostomy Tube
c. Botox injections into the salivary glands will help reduce the salivary secretions. d. Evaluation of side effects of your current medications.

2. Once again, I request more details regarding your current tracheostomy tube , lung function, status of PEG and so on.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

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