Ultracet and Dry Mouth

A number of side effects may occur with Ultracet (tramadol/acetaminophen), and dry mouth appears to be one of them. Clinical studies show that up to 2 percent of people taking the medication reported having a dry mouth. If you are using Ultracet and dry mouth becomes a problem, he or she could recommend artificial saliva, adjust your dosage, or prescribe an alternative pain medication.

 

Does Ultracet Cause Dry Mouth? -- An Overview

Dry mouth is a common side effect of Ultracet® (tramadol/acetaminophen). In studies, up to 2 percent of people taking Ultracet developed a dry mouth.
 

Ultracet and Dry Mouth: Suggestions

There are some things that you can do to help with a dry mouth due to Ultracet. Some of these suggestions include:
 
  • Sip water or sugarless drinks often, including 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.
     
  • Don't use tobacco or alcohol, because they dry out the mouth.
     
  • Try using a humidifier at night.
     
  • Avoid spicy or salty foods, as 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.
     

Ultracet and Dry Mouth: Summary

If you develop dry mouth while taking Ultracet and the suggestions above do not help, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider. There is treatment that he or she may be able to recommend, such as artificial saliva. Also, depending on how severe your Ultracet dry mouth side effects are, he or she may also recommend that you adjust your Ultracet dosage or try another pain medicine.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;