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.