VENLAFAXINE AND XEROSTOMIA

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Depression, anxiety and panic disorders are behavioral and psychiatric conditions often associated with the variability of cortisol (hormone) levels and various chemical agents that act in the brain (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, among others). This lack of balance affects how we relate to others to change and changes our behavior. VENLAFAXINE AND XEROSTOMIA

Depression is a psychiatric illness  requiring treatment.  This mental disorder is characterized by a low mood,feelings of sadness, the desire to cry, experiencing emptiness or despair, outbursts of anger, irritability or frustration. Sometimes  depression relates to a loss of interest in daily activities, fatigue and a lack of energy, a change in appetite, among other consequences. 

Children and adolescents may show signs of depression by being irritable and moody. Anxiety is the feeling of fear, dread and restlessness, causing the afflicted person to sweat, feel restless, and have palpitations in stressful situations or when faced with a difficult problem. When it becomes a true disorder, it does not disappear and tends to worsen over time, requiring specific treatment.  Anxiety can interfere with performance at work, school, or in interpersonal relationships. Among anxiety disorders are panic attacks and characterized by a sudden, quickly occurring, and repeated intense fear for no apparent reason.

VENLAFAXINE AS A TREATMENT

Venlafaxine is indicated in the treatment of depression and sometimes to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks, among other conditions. It is an antidepressant that acts on the receptors of chemical agents such as serotonin and norepinephrine, increasing their amounts in the brain, which helps maintain balance. The medication comes in modified-release capsules for oral administration usually given two or three doses per day with food, standard-release capsules, and modified-release capsules to be taken once daily in the morning or evening with food. Remember not to crush, chew, or try to separate the capsule or split the tablet. Sudden discontinuation is not recommended. The most common side effects are tiredness, malaise, weakness, dry mouth, and headaches.

WHAT IS XEROSTOMIA?

Salivary hyposecretion or the loss of saliva production is a -by-product of some clinical conditions or syndromes that appear in adulthood or older adults.  It occurs in response to an adverse event produced by different medications or substances. It manifests as a feeling of a dry mouth since it lacks moisture. The condition  is known as xerostomia.

 Inadequate functioning of the salivary glands can cause xerostomia.hey may atrophy as a consequence of  different treatments received for the patient’s health conditions. On some occasions, the mechanism of occurrence   is due to the blockage of specific receptors directed by the autonomic system and/or morphological or functional changes due to medications, which produce a glandular decrease and salivary flow. VENLAFAXINE AND XEROSTOMIA

Generally, patients with xerostomia show symptoms of dry mucous membranes, discomfort, chapped and peeling lips, taste disturbances, swallowing problems and painful sleeping. Since the pH decreases considerably, it increases the formation of plaque and dental caries. In fact, 3 out of 10 patients have gum disease and tooth loss due to xerostomia. Of note, it is the main cause of oral candidiasis or infections. This dental health condition affects women to a greater extent than men. 

SALIVA

Saliva is an important indicator of health, and it reflects the current condition of the body. It is a clear, transparent, aqueous, tasteless, odorless,  colorless, and viscous fluid that under normal conditions has a pH of 6 to 7. It is secreted by different glands distributed in the mouth. This fluid is composed of ions (potassium, bicarbonate, sodium and chloride ) and mucous and serous proteins. Serous secretions contain digestive enzymes, including ptyalin, while mucous secretions contain mucin, among other components.

Salivation is fundamental for the conformation of the food bolus, moistening and making it uniform and compact so no food is scattered around the oral cavity, as well as helping stimulate the swallowing reflex. Additionally, it fulfills functions such as :

• Lubricates the oral cavity, protecting it from irritants and reducing acid erosion which leads to dental caries.
• Helps form biofilm, which protects the tooth surface.
• Acts as a vehicle for nutrients and digestive enzymes, helping in the preparation of the food bolus
• Helps chewing, swallowing and speaking.
• Acts as a line of defense against mechanical, chemical and infectious attacks by protecting the oral environment from bacteria and fungi. VENLAFAXINE AND XEROSTOMIA VENLAFAXINE AND XEROSTOMIA

In general, a healthy individual can produce between 500 ml and 1000 ml of saliva daily, which helps  start the digestive process and improve taste perception.

HOW CAN I TREAT XEROSTOMIA?

There are different treatment alternatives for the management of xerostomia as suggested below.

•  Drink water regularly or suck on ice chips (relieves dryness, makes swallowing easier, hydrates tissues and cleanses the mouth).
• Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy.
• Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages as they can make your mouth dry.
• The use of mouthwashes, gels, sprays and artificial saliva can help reduce discomfort and improve function temporarily (if they do not contain alcohol, detergent, or antimicrobial agents).
• Breathe through your nose, not your mouth.
• Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and see your dentist regularly. Having a dry mouth can increase the risk of cavities.
• Vitamin C tablets have also been recommended to stimulate salivary flow, as they act as a reducing agent, breaking disulfide bonds between cysteine ​​residues in proteins, leading to a decrease in saliva viscosity.
• Talk to your doctor or dentist about over-the-counter or prescription medications to treat dry mouth.
• Talk to your treating doctor to adjust the dose or change the treatment if a dry mouth is the product of a side effect.

It is important  in any health condition to maintain good oral hygiene. Recommendations for good oral health to avoid complications include:

• Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks as they increase the risk of cavities.
• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste: ask the dentist if this is favorable and which would be the most appropriate.
• Use a fluoride mouthwash or fluoride gel before bed. Sometimes, a custom fluoride applicator (made by your dentist) can make it more effective.

Visit your dentist at least twice a year to detect and treat cavities or any other dental problems.

In case of  dry mouth, you should consult with your treating physician and dentist  to ensure adequate management of this symptom and if it is necessary to change the antihypertensive therapy or indicate any medication or treatment. improve salivation. Avoid self-medicating and performing any treatment without the advice of a health professional, especially a dentist who will be more accurate and timely in the diagnosis. VENLAFAXINE AND XEROSTOMIA VENLAFAXINE AND XEROSTOMIA

Contact us

If you have any questions about this or other topics, you can contact us at Channel Island Family Dental as well as our Facebook page. We look forward to your visit and will make a timely diagnosis. Our dentists in Oxnard, Santa Paula, Ventura, Newbury Park, and Port Hueneme will be able to guide you towards the best treatment to take care of your health and return your best smile.

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