Extra saliva normal for anxiety?

Evenin':-)

I've suffered from GAD, Panic Attacks, Hypochondria and OCD for a long time (runs in my family big-time!) but every once in awhile, I'll also have an increase in saliva that will last for days. I would'nt describe it as "drooling" or "foaming" - it's just that my mouth is more watery than normal and so I have to swallow a lot more frequently.

A few times I have had horrible panic attacks thinking it was rabies or somthing but when I look back over my history, I've had this on again off again condition for years. I also have very worn down teeth, a single mercury filling in my molar (which I've had since childhood), GERD (Acid Reflux Disease), IBS and I get mouth ulcers from time to time. I also take Xanax and Lorazepam but even when I don't take these drugs, for up to a week, the salivation is still there. Lastly, I chew nicotine gum but I still produce extra saliva even when I'm not chewing.

Is it possable that stress or anxiety is causing this or do I REALLY have some horrible disease and I'm going to die? )-:

- Thank you

Hi there,
I think this is normal, especially if you are feeling anxiety, adrenal hormones can cause "flight or fight" sensations in us, amongst other chemical changes that take place during stress, fear and anxiety.
Some people may have dry mouth, while others may have excess saliva, I have had both at different times, and I must say, it can be annoying. It goes away for most, and can return, especially with what may be taking place in your life at the time.
If you find it becoming bothersome, talk to your doc or pharmacist about it.
I wish you lots of luck.
Sincerely,
DE

Hi Grey,

I think I already said that it sounds like the anxiety is under all the physical stuff, but I know it's hard to believe when it's happening.

I hope it gets easier; have you tried some cognitive therapy? Is that available in your area?

Cheers, Myzen.

.

yes..stress and anxiety can be causing this for sure........and no hon..........you're not going to die from some disease.i won't allow it! i'd miss you here!

Yeah anxiety causes some weird symptoms. Thats for sure. I am sorry your having such a hard time grey. Take good care of the gooster!!! K?

Thank's for the great replies. I found them very reassuring:-).

It amazes me just how many wierd symptoms go along with anxiety but what is really frustrating sometimes is that because anxiety has physical symptoms (in addition to psycological ones), this only serves to reinforce the belief that there really is something seriously wrong with you and so you worry even more which causes more anxiety (and more physical symtoms) and more anxiety on top of that...etc. It's a vicious cycle with no end in sight with the physical symptoms feeding the psycological ones and vice versa. Today I took a Celexa so hopefully I can get some relief. Tommorow I'll take another and just do that regularly.

On another note, I spent hours last night reading about GERD (acid reflux disease) on another forum and elsewhere. I've had this condition for years and the symptoms I read about matched a great many symptoms I've had and have always wondered about so it was like finally solving a huge, complex puzzle for me. Everything just matched up perfectly. It was amazing actually.

I also did a LOT of reading about bats and educated myself about them. I won't go into any detail here but my eyes have really been opened and all the fears and phobias I've had about bats all my life have started to melt away. It's amazing how sheer ignorance over something can cause us to panic. People (and animals) always fear what they don't understand (a natural defense mechanism which is actually there to protect us against danger).

Well, gotta run. Thank's again fun and freindly people!!:-)

bats

Holy Cow GreyGoose, I thought I was the only one this happened to!!!!

I get this when I am EXTREMELy anxious. Like you, I'm not drooling, but at least I perceive myself to be producing a lot of saliva. I wonder if we are really are producing more, or if that is what we choose to focus on?

I am a recovering hypochondriac. Most of my anxiety manifests itself physically. And as hypochondriacs, we are always hypersensitive as to what is happening with our bodies. It has been my experience that I will concentrate on one thing (like my hand) and the more I concentrate on it, the more it shakes and tingles, etc.

But I thought the saliva thing was just me!