HSI panelist shares even more risks from antidepressants
Before he is even formally introduced, the newest member of the Health Sciences Institute panel of experts, Richard P. Cohan, D.D.S. is already making an impact. He read last week’s e-Alert on SSRI anti-depressants, and how they can increase your risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Then he immediately wrote to alert me to some other side effects from these powerful drugs – side effects that could do real damage to your oral health and your quality of life.
Dr. Cohan is a biological dentist, specializing in researching nutraceuticals and herbal products as they relate to dental health. Following is his letter pointing out the additional risks of antidepressant drugs, as well as some tips on managing side effects and symptoms. You can look forward to learning more about one of his recommendations, Yerba Santa and MouthKote in an upcoming issue of the HSI Members Alert newsletter, where you’ll also learn more about Dr. Cohan and how your teeth and gums can impact your overall health.
Dear Jenny,
Thank you for the enlightening piece on antidepressants. Your readers may want to know about another common side effect of antidepressants: xerostomia, the medical name for dryness of the mouth caused by a dysfunction of the salivary glands. In fact, as a group, antidepressants cause more xerostomia than any other. And, as you may know, xerostomia leads to an increase in caries (cavities), periodontal disease, and candidiasis, a yeast infection in the mouth often referred to as thrush. While not everyone who takes antidepressants experiences these side effects, those who do are often left with serious, permanent damage. For instance, these conditions can lead to irreversible loss of periodontal support of the teeth and the loss of teeth themselves. These are certainly depressing events! Just more of the hidden dangers in taking these drugs.
As a preventive measure we recommend that patients taking antidepressants consider supplementing with Laclede Pharmaceutical’s Biotene products (including chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthrinse, etc.) to maintain moisture. Another promising product, MouthKote(R), from Parnell Pharmaceuticals contains the herb Yerba Santa, a plant indigenous to the Northwest, also known as holy herb or mountain balm. (Laclede’s Biotene products are available at most retail drug stores, or from on-line sources like www.drugstore.com and www.mothernature.com. MouthKote(R) is available direct from the manufacturer, at 1-800-45-PHARM (7-4276) or online at http://www.parnellpharm.com.)
Finally, with regards to managing depression, I strongly urge you to look into TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) formulations, such as those available from Health Concerns of Oakland, CA. [HC]. HC just completed a three-part series on Herbs and Depression, which you can view and download from their web site, www.healthconcerns.com/pro/protected/articles.cfm. Hopefully, some of these suggestions will be helpful.
Best regards,
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