Table 1: Commonly prescribed medications associated with xerostomia
| Category | Generic Name (Brand) | Mechanism of Action |
| Anticholinergic Agents | Atropine (Atreza, Sal-Tropine, AtroPen) Belladonna Benztropine (Cogentin) Oxybutynin (Ditropan XL, Urotrol) Scopolamine (Scopace) Trihexyphenidyl (Artane) |
Inhibit parasympathetic nerve impulses through the blockage of acetylcholine |
| Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors | Citalopram (Celexa) Escitalopram (Lexapro) Fluvoxamine (Luvox) Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarefem) Paroxetine (Paxil) Sertraline (Zoloft, Lustral) |
Block the reabsorption of serotonin |
| Tricyclic Antidepressants | Amitriptyline (Elavil) Clomipramine (Anafranil) Desipramine (Norpramin) Nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl) Imipramine (Tofranil, Praminil) |
Block the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine |
| Tetracyclic Antidepressants | Mirtazpine (Remeron) Amoxapine (Ascendin) |
Block the reabsorption of serotonin and/or norepinephrine |
| Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors | Phenelzine (Nardil) Tranylcypromine (Parnate) Isocarboxazid (Marplan) Rasagiline (Azilect) |
Increase levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine through the inhibition of monoamine oxidase |
| Antipsychotic Agents | Haloperidol (Haldol) Oimozide (Oral) Olanzapine (Zyprexa) Quetiapine (Seroquel) |
Primarily block D2 receptors and/or 5-HT2A receptors |
| Diuretic Agents | Chlorothiazide (Diuril) Furosemide (Lasix) Hydrochlorothiazide (Aquazide H, Microzide, HydroDIURIL) Triamterene (Dyrenium) |
Promote the excretion of salt and water from the kidneys to increase urine volume; prevent reabsorption of chloride and sodium ions in the Loop of Henle |
| Antihypertensive Agents ACE Inhibitors Beta Blockers Calcium Channel Blockers |
Captopril (Capoten) Enalapril (Epaned, Vasotec) Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) Atenolol (Tenormin) Carvedilol (Coreg) Propranolol (Hemangeol) Amlodipine (Norvasc) Felodipine (Plendil) Nicardipine (Cardene) |
Inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme activity leading to decreases in angiotensin II Block norepinephrine and epinephrine from binding to beta receptors on nerves Decrease calcium flow into heart cells and blood vessel walls |
| Benzodiazepines | Alprazolam (Xanax) Diazepam (Valium) Flurazepam (Dalmane) Temazepam (Restoril) Triazolam (Halcion) |
Enhances response to GABA by opening GABA-activated chloride channels, allowing chloride ions into the neuron leading the a negative charge, becoming resistant to excitation |
| Muscle Relaxant Agents | Cyclobenzaprine (Amrix, Flexeril, Fexmid) Orphenadrine (Norflex) Tizanidine (Zanaflex) |
Block nerve impulses that are sent to the brain |
| Analgesic Agents Narcotics/Opioids Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents |
Codeine Methadone Pentazocine (Talwin) Propoxyphene (Darvon) Tramadol (Ultram, ConZip) Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet) Diflunisal (Dolobid) Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Midol) Naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox) Piroxicam (Feldene) |
Reduce the sending of pain signals to the brain by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other regions in the body to reduce pain sensations Block cyclooxygenase enzyme and reduce prostaglandins throughout the body |
| Antihistamines | Astemizole (Hismanal) Brompheniramine (Bromax, Siltane) Chlorpheniramine (Ahist, Chlor-Trimeton) Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) Meclizine (Antivert, Bonine) |
Inhibit histamine activity by blocking H1 and H2 receptors |