Dysguesia is most likely to result from use of which of the following?
Exam Question Sep 2011
Dysguesia is the technical term for taste disturbance. Many medications can cause this. For the purposes of the exam you should remember that lithium is a particulary common cause. Other examples include:-
Any drug that results in a dry mouth can cause a taste disturbance.
D Kaufman. Clinical neurology for psychiatrists. 2007, p.38.
Exam Question Sep 2011
Dysguesia is the technical term for taste disturbance. Many medications can cause this. For the purposes of the exam you should remember that lithium is a particulary common cause. Other examples include:-
- Some antidepressants
- Benzodiazepines and z-drugs
- Opiates
Any drug that results in a dry mouth can cause a taste disturbance.
D Kaufman. Clinical neurology for psychiatrists. 2007, p.38.
Lithium (side-effects)
Side-effects of lithium include:-
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Polyuria
- Polydipsia
- Nausea
- Weight gain
- Fine tremor
- Metallic taste
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle weakness
Side-effects are dose (plasma level) related. Propranolol can be helpful for fine tremor. Lithium is also known to exacerbate certain skin conditions including psoriasis and acne.
Long-term use is associated with the following:-
- Hypothyroidism
- Irreversible nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
- Reduced GFR (chronic kidney disease)
- Hyperparathyroidism
