Which of the following drug categories is commonly associated with causing xerostomia?

Which of the following drug categories is commonly associated with causing xerostomia?

• A. Antidepressants
• B. Analgesics
• C. Antibiotics
• D. Vitamins

Answer: (A)

Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common side effect linked to various medications, particularly those that affect neurotransmitter levels in the brain and the body. Antidepressants are well-known for their anticholinergic properties, which can lead to reduced salivary gland function and result in decreased saliva production. This is primarily due to the blockade of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates salivation. Many antidepressants, especially tricyclics and some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, belong to this category. In contrast, while other drug categories like analgesics and antibiotics can have side effects, they are generally less associated with causing xerostomia. Analgesics may sometimes lead to dry mouth, but this is not their primary side effect or mechanism. Antibiotics can cause temporary changes in oral microbiome and might also influence mouth dryness indirectly; however, they are not classically linked to xerostomia. Vitamins, on the other hand, do not have a significant association with inducing dry mouth as a side effect, making them less relevant in this context. Thus, the classification of antidepressants as a group that commonly leads to xerostomia is well-founded based on their pharmacological action and the common clinical experiences associated with

Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common side effect linked to various medications, particularly those that affect neurotransmitter levels in the brain and the body. Antidepressants are well-known for their anticholinergic properties, which can lead to reduced salivary gland function and result in decreased saliva production. This is primarily due to the blockade of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates salivation. Many antidepressants, especially tricyclics and some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, belong to this category.

In contrast, while other drug categories like analgesics and antibiotics can have side effects, they are generally less associated with causing xerostomia. Analgesics may sometimes lead to dry mouth, but this is not their primary side effect or mechanism. Antibiotics can cause temporary changes in oral microbiome and might also influence mouth dryness indirectly; however, they are not classically linked to xerostomia. Vitamins, on the other hand, do not have a significant association with inducing dry mouth as a side effect, making them less relevant in this context.

Thus, the classification of antidepressants as a group that commonly leads to xerostomia is well-founded based on their pharmacological action and the common clinical experiences associated with