[Mark in the Old South]

Not that I am suggesting anything but I seem to recall noticing a fellow (not sKerry) who had a little problem with this as well when someone said it was a side effect of drugs. I did know what kind of drugs and I didn't ask at the time.

There is some psychotropic drugs that cause swelling and dryness such as Haldol.

Has sKerry signed that 180? Should be a cinch for him after all he does a 180 all the time.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Yesterday someone suggested Haldol. Tardive Dyskinesia is a neurological syndrome which can result from long-term use of neuroleptic drugs, like Haldol.

Something's going on with that tongue. And has been for quite a while.

http://www.mentalhealth.com/drug/p30-h02.html

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/tardive_doc.htm

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

DRY MOUTH - Xerostomia

Most often, chronic dry mouth is caused by:

Side effect of drug therapy. More than 400 medicines can cause the salivary glands to make less saliva. Medications used to treat hypertension, anxiety, depression or psychosis cause the most difficulty. Antihistamines, antispasmodics, cancer-chemotherapy drugs, decongestants, and muscle relaxants often cause dry mouth.

Health conditions such as extensive radiation therapy to the face and neck can cause severe dry mouth.

Many disease effect saliva flow: Sjogren's syndrome*, bacterial and viral infections, poorly controlled diabetes, salivary-gland stones, tumors, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, anxiety, HIV/AIDS, depression, Bell's palsy, and Parkinson's disease. Alzheimer's and stroke can not feel the wetness in their mouth.

Chemotherapy drugs that are used to treat cancer can make saliva thicker causing the mouth to feel dry.

Poorly controlled diabetes may result in a neuropathy to these glands and a subsequent decrease in secretions leading to dry mouth.

Nerve damage from an injury to the head or neck that tell salivary glands not to make saliva.

Attachment loss from periodontal disease or who have had root caries are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of xerostomia.