What potential side effects might the patient experience from the prescribed medications (escitalopram, enalapril, and aspirin)?

What potential side effects might the patient experience from the prescribed medications (escitalopram, enalapril, and aspirin)?

• A. Nausea
• B. Hair loss
• C. Weight gain
• D. Xerostomia and increased plaque retention

Answer: (D)

Dry mouth is a common side effect of many medicines, including escitalopram, and it can be exacerbated when multiple drugs are used together. When saliva flow decreases, the mouth loses its natural cleansing and antimicrobial actions, so we see more plaque buildup and retention on teeth. This combination—xerostomia with increased plaque retention—directly ties to oral health concerns and is the most likely outcome from these medications. While nausea can occur with these drugs, and hair loss or weight changes can happen with some antidepressants or medications, they don’t impact dental plaque and saliva in the same way.

Dry mouth is a common side effect of many medicines, including escitalopram, and it can be exacerbated when multiple drugs are used together. When saliva flow decreases, the mouth loses its natural cleansing and antimicrobial actions, so we see more plaque buildup and retention on teeth. This combination—xerostomia with increased plaque retention—directly ties to oral health concerns and is the most likely outcome from these medications. While nausea can occur with these drugs, and hair loss or weight changes can happen with some antidepressants or medications, they don’t impact dental plaque and saliva in the same way.