Verelan PM and Dry Mouth

Certain side effects may occur with the use of Verelan PM. Dry mouth is a rare but possible side effect that occurs in less than 1 percent of people taking the medication. If you are taking Verelan PM and dry mouth becomes a problem, you can try sipping water or sugarless drinks often and avoiding caffeinated drinks. Your healthcare provider may also adjust your Verelan PM dosage or recommend another blood pressure medication.

 

Verelan PM and Dry Mouth: An Overview

A dry mouth is one of the possible side effects of Verelan PM® (verapamil hydrochloride). In studies, less than 1 percent of people taking verapamil (the active ingredient of Verelan PM) reported experiencing a dry mouth.
 

Verelan PM and Dry Mouth: Recommendations

For people taking Verelan PM, there are some things that you can do to help relieve a dry mouth. Some of these suggestions include:
 
  • Sipping water or sugarless drinks often.
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  • Sipping water or sugarless drinks during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier. It may also improve the taste of food.
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  • Avoiding drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth.
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  • Avoiding tobacco or alcohol; they dry out the mouth.
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  • Using a humidifier at night.
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  • Being aware of spicy or salty foods. These may cause pain in a dry mouth.
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  • Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless, hard candy to stimulate saliva flow; cinnamon- or mint-flavored candies are good choices.
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Verelan PM and Dry Mouth: Summary

If you have a dry mouth while taking Verelan PM and the suggestions above do not help, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider.
 There is treatment that he or she may be able to recommend, such as artificial saliva. Also, depending on the severity of your dry mouth, he or she may also recommend that you adjust your Verelan PM dosage or try another high blood pressure medicine.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;