SSRIs got me drinking Gatorade and Powerade all day. I don’t like low sugar stuff, like Gatorlyte or Prime.
Water.
Okay, so this isn’t actually about hydration, it’s about the fact that SSRIs commonly cause dry mouth as a side effect due to anticholinergic effects which reduce saliva release Some SSRIs are worse than others, and older TCAs are worse still. But OP is not dehydrated.
Water is great for hydration, but it is unfortunately not very effective at managing dry mouth due to these side effects. Flavoured beverages typically work better because they promote saliva release.
I would suggest OP add something with a sour note to their water, like lemon or lime juice which are unsweetened and have effectively no caloric component. Alternatively even just a splash of carbonated water will also work as the bubbles are irritants and will similarly stimulate saliva release.
I was just thinking some shrub syrup fits the bill and is tasty, convenient, and a touch unconventional these days so you can look like a trendsetter.
Your comment seems to fit shrub perfectly.
Shrubs are delectable! But they could be seen as an intimidating suggestion in this context. IKEA has some affordable fruit concentrates of lingonberry, blueberry, and elderflower you could substitute with a splash of vinegar for a refreshing lower effort treat.
Very true. Any fruit syrup with a vinegar glug would get you there well enough if one wanted to see if they were shrub-folk.
Ooo I need to try making switchel. Just remembered I have molasses sitting around for another item.
You seriously put much thought into this, and I appreciate that.
lol this isn’t about dry mouth. I already had dry mouth, which I manage with xylitol (lmk if they make any of those fruit things that can adhere to the side of your mouth like xylitol melts)
SSRIs cause dehydration. when I drink straight water on them, it sends me to the bathroom pretty frequently. I don’t find Gatorade particularly more refreshing than water, but it tends to stay inside me after I drink it, when I’m on SSRIs. yes I’ve had my blood sugar checked
The water moving right through is probably a good sign someone is well hydrated! There can be total body water versus intravascular volume depletion scenarios, but not super likely unless someone is sick in other ways.
The xylitol itself may be contributing to GI water losses (it’s only about 50% absorbed through the gut, and osmotically draws water into/keeps water from being absorbed from the intestinal lumen). Depending on the SSRI, this could be exacerbated by bowel irritability that can present as diarrhea (sertraline is notorious for this).
Some folks also report more urination with intake of sugar alcohols like xylitol. I don’t have a mechanism of action for that, so take those reports with a grain of salt. (And also some glucose because sodium-glucose symport allows for water absorption without the need for an ATP pump.)
How do you boost intramuscular water retention? I get so dehydrated sometimes my brain burns and hurts. I need serious electrolytes like 1 to 3 body armours to replenish followed by 48oz water. Followed by hours to recalibrate my body from nausea and migraines. Urine can be clear but I can be so thirsty its unbearable. Literally feels like my brain is shrinking.
Water.
Honestly not sure what’s wrong with water.
Unless you live in Flint?
Huge fan of water, personally. I drink literally a gallon of it every day. Usually more.
