Effects of antidepressants and benzodiazepines on stimulated salivary flow rate and biochemistry composition of the saliva.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of psychotropics on stimulated salivary flow rate (SSFR), total proteins, urea and calcium concentration, alpha-amylase activity, pH, saliva buffer capacity (SBC), and the prevalence of xerostomia in psychotropic users and its relationship with low SSFR and/or hyposalivation.

STUDY DESIGN

Thirty-three subjects were allocated to 4 groups: I (control): II (psychotropic users); III (subjects of group II using only selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs]); and IV (subjects of group II using SSRIs at recommended initial dose). The SBC was obtained by titrimetry and salivary composition by colorimetric method.

RESULTS

Group II presented a significant decrease (P = .0203), of 33.85% in SSFR compared with group I. Mean SSFR values in groups III and IV showed no significant difference compared with control group (P > .05). Xerostomia was observed in 37.50%, 38.46%, and 50% of subjects in groups II, III, and IV, respectively. Biochemical composition, pH, and SBC were not significantly affected (P > .05) by the use of psychotropics.

CONCLUSIONS

Xerostomia was associated with a decrease in SSFR and not with alterations in biochemical composition. Even when using the latest-generation drugs, there were complaints of xerostomia associated with decrease in SSFR.