Many people are unaware that the medications that they've been taking for years have actually contributed to their bad breath and taste disorders. It all boils down to the unfortunate side-effects of many medications which include dry mouth and alteration in taste perception.
According to research, 7 of the top 10 medications used in the US during 1998 had dry mouth, bad breath, or taste disorders as a side effect.
Medication |
Use |
Dry Mouth |
Notes |
Prilosec |
Reflux and Ulcers |
Yes |
Often mistakenly prescribed for bad breath. |
Prozac |
Antidepressant |
Yes |
Mistakenly prescribed because doctors think that patients are imagining their bad breath. |
Zocor |
Cholesterol |
No |
|
Zoloft |
Antidepressant |
Yes |
See Prozac |
Zantac |
Digestive |
No |
Often mistakenly prescribed for bad breath |
Claritin |
Antihistamine |
Yes |
|
Paxil |
Antidepressant |
Yes |
See Prozac |
Norvasc |
Angina Relief |
Yes |
|
Vasotec |
High Blood Pressure |
Yes |
|
Imitrex |
Migraine Headaches |
No |
|
Below is a partial list of other common medications that can cause bad breath. |
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ANOREXIANT |
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ANTIDEPRESSANTS |