You’ll probably notice the metallic taste after taking Paxlovid. Taste disturbances happen for many different causes. Some people experience it because of anxiety, stress, or depression. Others are prescribed certain medications or take supplements like iron. And some just experience it randomly. If you’re experiencing a terrible bitter taste after taking Paxlovid, there is no reason to worry. Here’s why it occurs and how to reduce the terrible effects, including a cheap, easy solution that surprised us!
COVID made things taste weird, now ‘Paxlovid mouth’ sounds disgusting. What is this about?
What is Dysgeusia? What Causes It?
The coronavirus pandemic has affected everyone differently. Some people are experiencing mild flu-like symptoms while others are dealing with much worse. One thing we know about COVID-19 is that it affects our sense of smell.
People are reporting that food tastes different, smells different and even feels different. A lot of people are saying that they feel like something is stuck in their throat, some people are saying that foods just don’t taste good anymore. And there are many more reports of people having strange-tasting saliva.This is called dysgeusia.
Dysgeusia is basically an unpleasant sensation in the oral cavity caused by loss or change in taste. Sometimes it happens because of medication, sometimes it’s due to illness, and sometimes it’s just part of aging. But what makes it sound really gross is that it’s been described as “a metallic, bitter, or salty taste.”
There are several reasons why this could happen.
- First off, the virus itself might be causing damage to the nerves in the tongue.
- Secondly, the fact that you’re eating or drinking anything could make your mouth dry out and that can lead to a decrease in salivation.
- Lastly, the medications you’ve taken could be affecting your senses.
So, What Exactly is Paxlivod?
The FDA recently approved a new medication called Paxlovid from Pfizer for treating major depressive disorder. This pill is designed to help you manage symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. Before you start taking Paxlovid, make sure you understand what to watch out for.
Be Prepared For Side Effects When Taking The Drug
In addition to the benefits listed above, some patients report experiencing side effects while taking Paxlovid. These include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, blurred vision, changes in taste, insomnia, nightmares, sexual dysfunction, sweating, agitation, nervousness, muscle pain, and trouble sleeping.
There isn’t much research available about how long people will experience the side effects of Paxlovid. However, there is one study that found that most people experienced milder side effects within 2 weeks of starting treatment.
If you notice any of the side effects listed above, talk to your doctor immediately. You might want to consider switching medications or changing doses. If those options don’t work, ask your doctor if he/she knows of another way to control your symptoms.
Paxlovid’s Taste Affecting Side Effect May Be More Common Than Recorded In Studies
Side effects aren’t always reported during clinical trials. In fact, many people don’t even know they exist. A recent study found that dysgeusia—a rare taste disorder characterized by metallic, bitter, sour, sweet, salty, or burning tastes—is one such example. Researchers looked at data from 2,842 patients taking part in three different clinical trials. They discovered that around 4% of participants experienced dysgeusia while taking ritonavir, a drug used to treat HIV/AIDs. However, there wasn’t any mention of it in the trial reports.
Ritonavir is commonly prescribed to help reduce levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. It works by inhibiting an enzyme called CYP3A4, which breaks down certain drugs like statins. Statins are known to cause gastrointestinal problems, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, heartburn, indigestion, and flatulence. These symptoms are sometimes referred to collectively as “statin intolerance.”
In addition to this, some people experience an unpleasant aftertaste when taking Paxlovid. This is caused by the chemical nelfinavir, which is present in Paxlovid. Nelfinavir is a protease inhibitor that helps fight off viruses. It is usually taken along with another medication called lopinavir. Lopinavir is also a protease inhibitor and is used to treat HIV/ AIDS.
The researchers concluded that although the incidence of dysgeusia is low, it could affect up to 3% of those taking ritonavir. They added that further research into the issue is needed.
Why Does Paxlovid Mouth Happen?
Taste disturbances happen for many different causes. Some people experience it because of certain medications they take. Others report feeling nauseous, having headaches, or even throwing up. And some people just get a metallic taste in their mouth. If you’re one of those people, there’s good news — you won’t have to worry about it anymore.
There is no cause for concern. In fact, most people find the metallic taste goes away once they’ve finished taking Paxlovid. However, if you still notice the metallic taste after finishing the tablet, you shouldn’t worry. This isn’t something that needs medical attention.
The coronavirus pandemic has been wreaking havoc on people’s lives since it began spreading around the world in December 2019. One of the many effects of COVID-19 is that it makes people feel sick. And one of those side effects is that some people are experiencing a strange phenomenon called “dysgeusia.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, dysgeusia is an “unpleasant sensation in the mouth caused by loss or change of taste.” The symptoms of dysgeusia include a metallic, bittersweet, or sour taste in your mouth.
This condition is most often associated with Paxlivod, but other drugs like Antibiotics can also cause it. In fact, there are several different types of dysgeusia:
- One type is known as “metallic taste,” where you experience a metallic flavor in your mouth.
- Another type is “bitter taste,” where you experience bitterness in your mouth.
- A third type is “sour taste,” where you experience sourness in your mouth.
If you’re experiencing any of these flavors, it might be because of something called “taste disorder.”
Taste disorders can be caused by medications, such as Paxlivod, but they can also occur naturally. For example, people sometimes develop a “bad case of the munchies” due to changes in hormones.
What to Do About Paxlovid Mouth
Some people believe that the metal taste that some people experience when they take Paxlovid might be caused by zinc deficiency. Zinc is important for many bodily functions, including maintaining healthy skin, hair, nails, and teeth.
Most Americans are deficient in Zinc because we don’t eat enough foods high in Zinc. Also, we don’t drink enough water containing Zinc.
Zinc supplements are available over-the-counter without a prescription. However, you can buy medications like a chewable tablet that contains 10 mg of zinc citrate. This product was developed by Dr. Robert Kowalewski, DDS, Ph.D., clinical professor of oral medicine and pathology at New York University College of Dentistry. He says he came up with the idea while working with patients who complained about the metallic taste associated with certain medications. In his research, Dr. Kowalewski discovered that people who took his medication reported fewer side effects such as mouth sores or dry mouth. In addition, he found that people who took the supplement had less mouth soreness following physical activity. So, why did they feel better? Dr. Kowalweski thinks that the extra Zinc helps reduce inflammation and pain.
There are currently no clinical studies to support this, but Zinc is available in the US at local pharmacies and is generally regarded as safe. Consult your physician.
How to Reduce a Bitter Taste in the Mouth (Conventional Wisdom)
Chew sugar-free gum, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeine if possible. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, especially if you want to keep good dental health. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, see your dentist immediately.
If you’re looking to reduce a bitter taste in your mouth, there are several things you can do. Here are some tips to help you out.
Brush and Floss Your Teeth Regularly
Brushing and flossing regularly helps prevent tooth decay. If you don’t brush and floss, bacteria can build up inside your mouth and cause bad breath. Brushing and flossing also remove food debris from your teeth and gums, preventing plaque buildup.
Eat Healthy Foods
Eating healthy foods like fruits and vegetables can help reduce the amount of acid produced in your stomach. This reduces the chances of developing heartburn or indigestion. Fruits and veggies contain fiber, potassium, vitamin A, calcium, and magnesium. These nutrients help maintain good oral health.
Drink Water
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day keeps your body hydrated and prevents dehydration. Dehydration causes dry skin, cracked lips, itchy eyes, and headaches. Drinking enough water also helps flush toxins from your system.
The Crazy Trick For Bitter Paxlovid Mouth That Worked
But If you’re taking Paxlovid, Cinnamon Candy Is the Only Thing that helped mask the bitter taste (AKA Paxlovid Mouth).
Cinnamon candy is an excellent remedy for reducing the bitterness of Paxlovid. It works because cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, which has antibacterial properties. It may also coat your mouth and taste buds temporarily, reducing the effectiveness of bitter taste receptors. You can find cinnamon candy at grocery stores and online retailers. Look for products labeled “cinnamon flavored” or “cinnamon sweetened.” The brand Hot Tamales were particularly effective, but that might also be nostalgia.
Cinnamon candy won’t cure all of your problems. But it could help you feel better sooner. To use cinnamon candy like Hot Tamales as a home remedy, simply chew a piece of candy until it dissolves completely. Then swallow the solution. Repeat this process every few hours.
This method should help relieve the bitter taste of Paxlovid. However, it won’t eliminate all of the unpleasant aftertastes. To get rid of the lingering flavor and to reduce needless caloric intake, try using cinnamon lozenges.