Seeking Advice for Mother's Dizziness, Nausea, and Severe Dry Mouth
My mother, who is 71 years old, has been prescribed Lexapro along with various other antidepressants for over two decades. A couple of months ago, under her doctor’s supervision, she stopped taking all of her medications. For the past few years, she has struggled with her mental health. After trying numerous prescriptions, she decided to see how she would fare without any medication at all. In the beginning, things improved significantly; her mood enhanced, and her thinking was clearer. However, she soon began to experience intense dry mouth. We initially assumed this would subside as her body adjusted to being drug-free, but unfortunately, the condition has only worsened over the past couple of months. Recently, approximately three weeks ago, she has started to feel increasingly nauseous and dizzy, leading her to remain in her chair or bed almost constantly. In these last two weeks, due to her lack of appetite from the nausea, she has lost around 10 pounds. She has visited her primary care physician multiple times and also consulted an ENT specialist, with her appointment with the ENT still a week away. Her primary care doctor recommended that she resume a low dosage (5mg) of Lexapro last Friday. In the past couple of days, she has begun experiencing panic attacks as well. All her blood tests have returned normal, and an ultrasound done for her dry mouth indicated no problems. Yesterday, I suggested that she take some Pepto-Bismol to alleviate her nausea, which provided some relief, but today she is back to feeling unwell. A few days ago, I recommended she stop using the xylitol products she’s been relying on for her dry mouth, as I found information suggesting they might irritate the stomach. She has been using various products such as mouthwash, toothpaste, gum, lozenges, and also those small strips that adhere to the roof of her mouth. I feel quite helpless in this situation and she is feeling disheartened since it seems none of her healthcare providers have concrete suggestions to offer. Any advice on alternative approaches she could consider would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
7/28/2025, 3:02:21 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your mother's struggles with dizziness, nausea, and severe dry mouth. These symptoms can be quite distressing, especially after her decision to stop medications. It's good to know that she's been under the care of her healthcare providers, but I understand how frustrating it can be to seek relief without clear guidance.
Main Points:
- Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): This can be exacerbated by various factors, including medications, dehydration, and dietary choices.
- Nausea and Dizziness: These symptoms could be linked to her recent medication changes, dietary habits, or underlying conditions.
- Medication Resumption: With the recent resumption of Lexapro, allow some time for her body to adjust.
Explanation:
- Dry Mouth: It's notable that her dry mouth worsened after stopping medications. Since the ultrasound showed no anatomical issues, it's possible that this is a result of her body adjusting or other factors such as dehydration or changes in diet.
- Nausea and Dizziness: These symptoms could be reactions to her anxiety or less intake of food and fluids due to her dry mouth. Stress from recent panic attacks can also contribute to these feelings.
Next Steps:
-
Hydration: Focus on encouraging her to drink fluids regularly, even if in small sips. Hydration is crucial and can help alleviate symptoms of both dry mouth and general malaise. Electrolyte solutions or clear broths may be helpful.
-
Dietary Adjustments: Try to provide soft, easy-to-digest foods that are not irritating. Avoid overly spicy, acidic, or harsh foods and focus on bland options like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet). Keeping food portions small may also encourage her to eat more frequently.
-
Manage Dry Mouth:
- Switch to non-stinging mouth rinses that are explicit for dry mouth. Look for products containing saliva substitutes that might be less irritating.
- Encourage sugar-free lozenges or mints, as they can also stimulate saliva production.
- Consider humidifiers in her living space to help with moisture in the air, which can alleviate symptoms.
-
Mental Health Support: With her recent anxiety and panic attacks, it's essential to have a focus on mental well-being. Engage in calming activities she enjoys, such as gentle music, breathing exercises, or mindful meditation. If available, seeking support from a mental health professional could be beneficial, especially if she struggles during this transitional period.
-
Close Monitoring: Keep a diary of her symptoms, food intake, and any new or worsening symptoms to share with her healthcare providers. This can help pinpoint any possible triggers or patterns related to her symptoms.
Empathy and Reassurance:
It's understandable to feel helpless when a loved one is struggling with health issues, and it’s clear that you care deeply for your mother. You're taking a proactive approach to seek alternatives, which shows great support. Keep being her advocate and reaching out for help when needed. If her symptoms do not improve or worsen, further discussions with her healthcare team will be pivotal, so they may continue adjusting her care plan based on her experiences.
Please keep me updated on how she's doing, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need further assistance or knowledge on supportive interventions.
Related Questions
Concerns About Oral Health: Gum Bubble and Tongue Spots
This morning, I discovered a bubble on the gum located close to the roof of my mouth. It’s hard to the touch but doesn’t cause pain. I tried capturing a clear photo, but it’s on the right side and hard to show clearly. It’s positioned near my wisdom tooth. For the past few days, I’ve also been experiencing a sore throat, which led me to observe some unusual discoloration—yellowish and white—on the roof of my mouth and the sides. In addition, I've had these spots on my tongue for several years now. Are these issues something typical, or should they be a cause for concern? Would it be advisable to consult a dentist or my primary care physician? Is there a possibility that this could signal the onset of oral cancer or another health condition? A bit about me: 22 years old, female, with a history of low iron levels, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and low vitamin D. I weigh around 150 pounds and do not smoke.
Concerns About Toddler's Lyme Disease Rash
Greetings! My 2.5-year-old daughter, weighing 33 pounds, was diagnosed with Lyme disease last week after exhibiting a bullseye-shaped rash. She has begun a course of antibiotics, but yesterday she developed another rash, followed by yet another today, along with a peculiar dark purple rash located just above her lip. This particular rash has some darker spots embedded in it, extending from the bottom of her nose to her lip area. She has previously taken this antibiotic without any negative reactions, making this lip rash particularly concerning due to its unusual appearance. Does anyone have insights on what this rash might indicate? Is it a typical occurrence in Lyme disease cases? We have a doctor’s appointment scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.
Is a Punctured Lymph Node Cause for Concern?
At 16 years old, I’m unsure if my age is relevant to this inquiry, but I don’t have any known medical issues that would complicate matters. Currently, I’m experiencing swelling in my lymph nodes and thyroid among other symptoms, although I haven’t received a formal diagnosis yet. Additionally, I have a history of chronic cysts in my earlobes. Just recently, I noticed a relatively large, tender cyst at the base of one of my earlobes. It was only visible when I pulled on the earlobe itself, and it was becoming frustrating, so I attempted to pop it, which unfortunately was unsuccessful. After the attempt, it seemed to worsen—most likely due to my interference—prompting me to drain it, something I’ve done repeatedly in the past because my earlobe cysts tend to linger for extended periods without intervention. I used a sterilized needle to poke it twice, and although I believed I had penetrated the cyst adequately, it refused to drain. Observing that the cyst felt solid led me to conclude that urgent care might be necessary should it deteriorate further. Later that evening, I began researching the causes of my swollen lymph nodes and stumbled upon an image that closely resembled my situation. I realized that the swelling was located just beneath my earlobe, and pulling the earlobe outward made it more apparent, as the tissues are connected. Three significant observations came to my attention: A. The lump was actually under my earlobe rather than in it; B. It had become larger, more red, and noticeably hotter to the touch, with consistent pain that made wearing headphones almost unbearable; and C. I noticed a similar lump beneath my other ear, albeit smaller in size, akin to the prior state of the swollen one. Given these new insights, I had someone—a friend with experience in dealing with swollen lymph nodes—confirm my suspicions. Now I’m quite worried about the fact that I punctured it last night. Additionally, all of my existing symptoms, presumably from whatever is causing the swelling, intensified significantly along with new distressing sensations. I’m experiencing soreness that stretches down the side of my neck towards my collarbone and shoulder, with discomfort on that entire side. Whenever I press on the sore areas, I also feel a nauseous pain. My arm and leg on that side exhibit similar sore feelings, though I hope that’s unrelated. As for the punctures, I always ensure that I utilize a sterilized needle and properly clean the area afterwards. I do have an appointment scheduled with my doctor for Friday regarding my original condition, but I’m reaching out to determine whether I should seek an earlier consultation or visit urgent care if I can't find an earlier slot. Thank you for your input!
Fear of the Brain-Eating Amoeba
As a 25-year-old man who recently returned from a visit to Door County, Wisconsin, I find myself overwhelmed with anxiety. During my time there, I enjoyed a swim in Sand Bay, a section of Green Bay that’s linked to Lake Michigan. While I was out on my boat, I made a big splash and inadvertently inhaled a significant amount of water through my nose. Now, I can't stop worrying that I've contracted a brain-eating amoeba and that I might fall victim to primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The water temperature was a comfortable 72 degrees, and I was roughly 20 feet offshore in water that was 13 feet deep. I’ve read that the currents in Green Bay are usually active and that Wisconsin has never reported a case of this infection, though there have been instances in Minnesota. Despite this knowledge, I am unable to dismiss my fears. It's now been two days since my return, and I’ve developed a headache that I attribute to this irrational worry. My history of medical anxiety is significant, and I’m reaching out for reassurance. I feel that the only way I can truly find peace is to wait for twelve days to pass without any serious health issues. Any comforting words or advice would be greatly appreciated, as I try to cope with this overwhelming anxiety about my health.
Follow-up Assessment: 57-Year-Old Female with Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer and Brain Metastases
ASSESSMENT: 1. THE PRESENCE OF MULTIFOCAL NONSPECIFIC PUNCTATE LESIONS SHOWING FLAIR HYPERINTENSITY AND CONTRAST ENHANCEMENT IN BOTH HEMISPHERES OF THE WHITE MATTER IS NOTED; THESE ARE SIMILAR IN DIMENSION BUT SLIGHTLY INCREASED IN QUANTITY SINCE THE LAST ASSESSMENT ON MAY 29, 2025. PRIMARY DIAGNOSTIC POSSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE LATE SUBACUTE MULTIFOCAL INFARCTS, INFECTIONS OR INFLAMMATION, DEMYELINATING DISORDERS, OR METASTATIC LESIONS. CONSIDERATION FOR CEREBROSPINAL FLUID ANALYSIS IS SUGGESTED FOR A MORE DETAILED EVALUATION. AN MRI OF THE BRAIN WAS PERFORMED USING SAGITTAL, AXIAL, AND CORONAL IMAGING SEQUENCES WITH A FOCUS ON T1, T2, FLAIR, DIFFUSION, AND POST-CONTRAST ANALYSES. Contrast agent: Gadavist, 7.8 mL. Adverse effects: None noted. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS: MAY 29, 2025. RESULTS: The ventricles and sulci maintain stability in both size and shape. There are no signs of increased intracranial pressure, midline displacement, hydrocephalus, or bleeding. Some minimal, scattered signs of chronic ischemic changes from small vessel disease are observed. Multiple minute punctate foci exhibiting FLAIR hyperintensity and punctate enhancement are again noted in the bilateral white matter of the cerebrum, showing a resemblance in size while slightly surpassing the previous count. No additional intracranial abnormalities with enhancement are detected. There are no indications of acute infarction.