Mellaril is prescribed by doctors to treat psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia or any other related psychosis-type illness where the patient is not really in touch with reality. There have been numerous serious side effects reported from Mellaril (thioridazine) use over the last few years though, making prescriptions for Mellaril less common. Severe side effects include heart problems, central nervous system problems, blood damage and impotence. Less severe side effects include drowsiness, fatigue and cotton mouth or dry mouth (known in the medical establishment as Xerostomia). People taking Mellaril (thioridazine) who experience dry mouth/cotton mouth (Xerostomia) can, however, try various at-home remedies to try to solve their dry mouth problem.
Don’t Drink Caffeine-Based Drinks
Caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea and some sodas can cause a reduction in your saliva. Drunk in conjunction with medications such as Mellaril (thioridazine), caffeinated drinks can make your cotton mouth/dry mouth (Xerostomia) problems worse. It’s best not to drink any caffeinated drinks if you have problems with dry mouth/cotton mouth (Xerostomia).
Suck Hard Candy
If you’re having problems with dry mouth/cotton mouth (Xerostomia) while taking Mellaril (thioridazine), sucking hard candy can stimulate saliva and help solve your dry mouth problem.
Drink More Fluids
Drinking more fluids such as water or fruit juices (i.e. non-caffeinated drinks) can also cut down on your dry mouth/cotton mouth (Xerostomia) problems. Xerostomia, if not treated, can also cause more severe problems associated with dry mouth/cotton mouth such as bleeding gums, tooth decay or mouth sores (canker sores); so solving the dry mouth problem is important. Also, make sure when you take your Mellaril (thioridazine) dose that you take it with water or juice and not with a caffeinated drink.
Chew Gum
Chewing gum can also be a good solution to dry mouth/cotton mouth problems because it stimulates the salivary glands to produce more saliva. Xerostomia, if left untreated, can cause bad breath or gum problems (eventually ending up with gum disease or bone damage in your mouth). But chewing gum throughout the day can help.
Use a Saliva-Substitute Product
Available at most drug stores or pharmacies, an artificial saliva or saliva-substitute can alleviate your dry mouth/cotton mouth. A saliva-substitute product won’t solve your dry mouth problems but it will give you some relief until you can figure out how to cure it.
Speak to Your Doctor
If Mellaril (thioridazine) is causing you severe dry mouth/cotton mouth problems, don’t forget to speak to your doctor. Your dose can often be lowered or if severe enough, your doctor may put you on a different medication. Mellaril (thioridazine) is not suitable for everyone.
Don’t’ forget, dry mouth/cotton mouth (Xerostomia) problems can cause future health problems. If you experience cotton mouth from taking Mellaril (thioridazine), get the problem taken care of before you start having even more serious problems.
