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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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