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Chantix and Dry Mouth
A number of people have reported dry mouth as a side effect of Chantix. Dry mouth was seen in up to 6 percent of people taking the drug during clinical studies. If you are taking Chantix and dry mouth becomes a problem, you can try avoiding caffeinated drinks, chewing sugarless gum, or using a humidifier at night.
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Dry mouth is a possible side effect of Chantix™ (varenicline tartrate), a prescription medication used to help people quit smoking. In studies, up to 6 percent of people taking Chantix reported having a dry mouth. However, almost as many (4 percent) of those not taking the drug also had a dry mouth.
People sometimes experience a dry mouth when trying to stop smoking, and Chantix may make this worse. If you are taking Chantix and dry mouth occurs, there are some things that you can do that may provide relief. Some of these suggestions include the following:
- Sip water or sugarless drinks often.
- Sip water or sugarless drinks during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier; it may also improve the taste of food.
- Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth.
- Avoid alcohol because it dries out the mouth.
- Use a humidifier at night.
- Be aware of spicy or salty foods because they may cause pain in a dry mouth.
- Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow; cinnamon or mint-flavored candies are good choices.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD