I take both Elavil and Salagen. I started taking Elavil as a migraine prevention about a year before my SS diagnosis. I haven't noticed any side effects while taking it. Though I did try to stop taking it when the Dr's office said they wanted to see me. (My Neurologist left the area and I did really have a new one at the office.) I would not recommend trying to stop taking Elavil on your own if you've been on it for a long time. I not only started getting headaches again, but I also got depressed had some anxiety issues. I was under a LOT of stress at the time and this was just one change to many. But I'm back on it now and I'm back to my happy and headache/migraine free self.
Salagen is good for dry mouth. It is not a wounder drug that stops all dryness. I normally have noticeably more saliva production for a short time. Then it's less noticeable and it seems to wear off before the next dose. But it does give a nice respite from the desert in my mouth. And if I forget to take it I do notice that my mouth gets alot dryer and that reminds me I need to take it. The only side-effects I've noticed (with a higher dosage) is that I will get hot and kind of clammy. It was really bothersome at first. I talked with my Rhem. about it and he said that can happen with higher dosages. He offered to reduce my dosage but since the intensity of my dryness fluctuates quite a bit, I decided to stay with the prescription as is and now I hardly notice it at all.
If you find a natural way to treat the dryness that works, please share. I'm on a handful of pills throughout the day and a whole medical routine at night. Between treating my eyes, nose, mouth, lips, and teeth, getting ready for bed seems daunting.
Kaz, yes, previous bloodwork did confirm SS. My new doc didn't have me tested since a previous test already confirmed. I will ask my PCP about getting that additional blood work for the vit D, etc. I do take fish oil from my eye doc and recently increased it to two a day. Doing flaxseed but not the oil. Trying to get an appointment w/naturopath.
Sorry to hear about your illnesses, sounds like excruciating pain. The biopsy also sounded like a nigtmare. What we go through with these illnesses is insane. Have a good day and take care.
I take both Elavil and Salagen. I started taking Elavil as a migraine prevention about a year before my SS diagnosis. I haven't noticed any side effects while taking it. Though I did try to stop taking it when the Dr's office said they wanted to see me. (My Neurologist left the area and I did really have a new one at the office.) I would not recommend trying to stop taking Elavil on your own if you've been on it for a long time. I not only started getting headaches again, but I also got depressed had some anxiety issues. I was under a LOT of stress at the time and this was just one change to many. But I'm back on it now and I'm back to my happy and headache/migraine free self.
Salagen is good for dry mouth. It is not a wounder drug that stops all dryness. I normally have noticeably more saliva production for a short time. Then it's less noticeable and it seems to wear off before the next dose. But it does give a nice respite from the desert in my mouth. And if I forget to take it I do notice that my mouth gets alot dryer and that reminds me I need to take it. The only side-effects I've noticed (with a higher dosage) is that I will get hot and kind of clammy. It was really bothersome at first. I talked with my Rhem. about it and he said that can happen with higher dosages. He offered to reduce my dosage but since the intensity of my dryness fluctuates quite a bit, I decided to stay with the prescription as is and now I hardly notice it at all.
If you find a natural way to treat the dryness that works, please share. I'm on a handful of pills throughout the day and a whole medical routine at night. Between treating my eyes, nose, mouth, lips, and teeth, getting ready for bed seems daunting.