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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Dryness In The Mouth And Constipation After Taking Gabapentin?

I am 61 female I am a diabetic I have norophy (sp) in both legs. I take 1 300 mg of gabapentin the morning and 600 mg at night. I have been taking this medicine for about a month now. I am now experiencing a very dry mouth and this is day four that I haven't been able to move my bowels. I have been awake for the last 36 hours with no sleep and do not feel sleepy at all. I have taken a laxative which had not help. Please advise me
Tue, 20 Jun 2017
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi..
Thanks for the query..

Dry mouth and constipation can be a side effect of the medication Gabapentin that you are taking and at times the side effects can occur at the later stage of taking the medication..

As you are a diabetic, increased blood glucose levels can also be a cause, so get a fasting and post prandial blood sugar investigation also done..

In case if the blood glucose levels are normal you can consult your physician and get evaluated and he can do a thorough clinical evaluation and blood tests if needed..
A reduction in dose of the medication or change of drug can help in reducing the symptoms in case if it is the cause..

As of now for dry mouth chew sugarfree chewing gums..
-Drink plenty of water.
-Avoid regular mouthwash and use specialized mouthwash that are formulated for dry mouth patients like Biotene..
-You can also instil artificial saliva drops..
-Suck tart candies as it also stimulates saliva flow..

For constipation you can also be advised to take laxatives like Polyethylene glycol [Miralax], castor oil also acts as a lubricant and laxative..
You can also be advised to take Psyllium husk or Lactulose..
Take more fibres in diet, plenty of water and do moderate workout..

Hope this helps..

Regards..
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What Causes Dryness In The Mouth And Constipation After Taking Gabapentin?

Hi.. Thanks for the query.. Dry mouth and constipation can be a side effect of the medication Gabapentin that you are taking and at times the side effects can occur at the later stage of taking the medication.. As you are a diabetic, increased blood glucose levels can also be a cause, so get a fasting and post prandial blood sugar investigation also done.. In case if the blood glucose levels are normal you can consult your physician and get evaluated and he can do a thorough clinical evaluation and blood tests if needed.. A reduction in dose of the medication or change of drug can help in reducing the symptoms in case if it is the cause.. As of now for dry mouth chew sugarfree chewing gums.. -Drink plenty of water. -Avoid regular mouthwash and use specialized mouthwash that are formulated for dry mouth patients like Biotene.. -You can also instil artificial saliva drops.. -Suck tart candies as it also stimulates saliva flow.. For constipation you can also be advised to take laxatives like Polyethylene glycol [Miralax], castor oil also acts as a lubricant and laxative.. You can also be advised to take Psyllium husk or Lactulose.. Take more fibres in diet, plenty of water and do moderate workout.. Hope this helps.. Regards..