Dry mouth is most common in those people who take multiple medications – whether they are prescription drugs or those that you can commonly buy over the counter.

The condition can also arise as an effect of various medical treatments including chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer, or due to the medication used to treat anxiety, depression, diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure or an overactive bladder.

Dry mouth can be a side effect associated with over 500 different medications, including those in these common categories:  

• Anti-hypertensives e.g., Beta blockers
• Antipsychotic drugs
• Antidepressants
• Antibiotics
• Antihistamines
• Bronchodilators
• Diuretics and urinary incontinence medications
• Antiemetic drugs to prevent vomiting and nausea during chemotherapy.
• Treatments for Parkinson’s disease