Excessive saliva

[Lythgoe81]

Hi- this is all new to me at the moment-But is excess saliva a common symptom?
was only diagnosed last week & was put on Riluzole-so not sure if it’s a side effect of these or not
is there anything I can take to stop this?
thank you for any advice.

[Barry52]

Hi Mark,

Excess saliva is a common symptom of MND. There are several treatments available but you are best speaking to your GP as some have adverse effects.

Barry

[Ellie]

Mark, changes in saliva are not listed as a side effect of Riluzole - are you taking other meds which may have that side effect?

In MND, it's not so much an increase in saliva production which causes the excess saliva, but our inadequate/slow swallow.

As Barry said, there are various meds to decrease saliva production and you definitely do not have to put up with it!

Love Ellie.

[matthew55]

Not forgetting lots of big tissues and plenty of bins. 😊

[GaryM]

Hi Mark. Even though the consultant prescribed me some patches to reduce saliva (Hyoscine), I've not used them so far. I occasionally get thick, sticky saliva which can be a real nuisance and as others know, sometimes leads to choking fits, which are scary. So, I thought the last thing I want is to make it less runny. This is not based on any professional advice, so I might be barking up the wrong tree. Just a thought.

[GaryM]

Also, I don't think the Riluzole has made it worse. It started before I was taking it.

[matthew55]

Glycopyrronium Bromide works Brilliant for me although when I first saw it I could only think about the first World War 😉

[Ellie]

matthew55 Oh, you changed from Atropine??

I don't get the WWI reference - am I too young or too thick 😂😂

[GaryM]

You don't want to know Ellie

[Ellie]

Nah GaryM I just want to see how brave Matthew is...

[GaryM]

He's living with MND, Ellie, that puts him near the top of the bravery list in my book.

[matthew55]

It was used to calm the raging beast. 😉 I have changed and for the better although one bottle won't last long 😊x

[matthew55]

Cheers Gary 👍

[Ellie]

OK Matthew, I had to Google that.

Soldiers used Bromide, which is different thankfully. I was worried for a sec thinking my beast must be off the scale, given I take so much Glycopyrronium Bromide 😳😂

Glad it works on your saliva x