Suffice it to say, this should NOT be an option that you pursue.

Use a Nasal-Irrigator to Flush Your Sinuses free from Excess Mucus

Nasal Irrigation is probably most effective method of eliminating post-nasal drip and helping to control sinus infections. A short period of regular use can stimulate cilia (the tiny hair-like fibers in nasal sinus passages) to restore their natural protective "sweeping & cleansing" action.

When you feel a sinus condition come on, or feel that you have persistent post-nasal drip and excess mucus, consistent daily use for 10 days should result in a clearing of condition.

Stop Bad Breath Associated with Post-Nasal Drip, Excess Mucus, and Sinus Problems

For people who don't really have sinus problems, just "off and on" or seasonal post-nasal drip, then an alternative (and better) solution might be to minimize amount of excess mucus in back of throat and more importantly to make sure you neutralize odor caused by this excess mucus.

You see, proteins in mucus make an excellent food source for anaerobic bacteria that cause bad breath. The bacteria feed off amino acids, Methionine and Cysteine, and create extremely odorous and lousy-tasting Volatile Sulfur Compounds as by-products, which are odors and lousy tastes found in medical condition halitosis, which YOU (or maybe everyone around you) more commonly knows as bad breath.

When I first started treating my own daughter's breath problem 10 years ago, I never dreamed that I would end up helping so many people all over world who had same problem, which my fellow dentists ignored or misdiagnosed for far too long. It was only a few years into our clinical therapy that I realized that "Every case of bad breath is different and that there is no such thing as one formula to treat every case of halitosis."

For a decade now, we've been here to help our patients prevent bad breath, sinus congestion, and lousy tastes. If there is anything we can do to help, please don't hesitate to contact us - that's why we're here!

Uncover the REAL Causes of Bad Breath! Dr. Harold Katz, founder of the California Breath Clinics, is a worldwide expert on the topics of bad breath, halitosis and dry mouth.

Dry mouth

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA e.g. amitriptyline) are notorious for causing dry mouth. Why? These drugs have distressing anticholinergic side effects. Avoid this type of drugs. If TCA is still considered, talk about use of desipramine or nortriptyline. Compared to other TCAs, these two drugs have less anticholinergic effects.

Moreover, try ice chips. Frequent sips of water should also help. To avoid dental cavities, try sugarless candy or sugar-free gum.

Constipation

Like dry mouth, constipation is usually caused by TCAs. To prevent it from happening, drink enough water and eat high fiber foods such as vegetables and fruits. Consider stool softeners if above interventions fail. If possible, avoid TCAs.

Nausea and vomiting

Patience is key in dealing with these side effects. Frequently, patients develop tolerance within two weeks. Take medication with food. If ineffective, talk to your doctor about possibly reducing dose of your medication or trying antacid or bismuth salicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

Memory lapses

If given permission by your doctor, try to reduce dose. Also, discuss with your physician about switching antidepressant (especially if dose reduction doesn’t alleviate your concern) and avoiding drugs with anticholinergic side effects.

Moreover, don’t mix antidepressant with alcohol. The alcohol-drug interaction can only worsen memory and cognitive functioning. While on psychotropic drugs, be careful driving and using mechanized equipment.

Dizziness

While still in bed, sit up for 30 seconds, then stand up for another 30 seconds while holding a rail, a table, or a chair before walking. Take medication at bedtime. Some people use support hose with success.

Agitation or anxiety

Some people benefit from a brief use of benzodiazepine such as lorazepam. Breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation should also help.

In general, some side effects such as gastrointestinal upset and insomnia may resolve in a few days. Patience is key. However, be on guard. When they occur, address them promptly. I’m not however suggesting that you should be your own doctor.

Collaborating with your doctor is an effective way to cope with mental illness and medication problems. Treatment options such as need to switch or reduce medications should be discussed in an open and accepting manner.