Perverted Taste

Six weeks ago, I was prescribed antibiotics for tonsillitis. At the same time, I was prescribed Diflucan in case of yeast infection. After about 7 days of the amoxicillin, I developed tongue pain and a bitter taste in the mouth. I called, and the doctor recommended that I take the Diflucan. One week later, with little change in the symptoms, he recommended that I take another one. Symptoms improved some but returned. I was then prescribed Nystatin Swish and Swallow. Symptoms improved a little but returned. My taste buds on the back of my tongue were now swollen and irritated. I was then prescribed an anti-fungal troche but after a day of using those, I decided to get my tongue scraped and checked for yeast. The lab did not find yeast. The remaining symptoms included some pain on the tip of the tongue and a constant bitter taste in the mouth. The doctor then prescribed a trial of Prilosec, which I have been taking for 5 days.

In general, the pain on the tip of my tongue is a little better. The sour/bitter taste is better in the morning and worsens as the day progresses. Today, my mouth felt almost normal until I ate a small breakfast: two pieces of whole wheat toast with almond butter and maple syrup. Within 20 minutes, the sour/bitter taste returned. I have no idea what to do  next.

[Enoch Choi, MD]

Although antibiotics can cause a sour/bitter taste, one would expect that after 6 weeks, you would not have any side effects from medication taken so long ago.

Instead, I'd ask your doctor more about acid reflux, which i suspect the prilosec is for.  Some helpflu tips for GERD follow:

Eat smaller meals, and avoid late-night snacks. Don't lie down for 2 to 3 hours after eating.

Avoid foods that bring on heartburn. These include chocolate, fatty or fried foods, peppermint- or spearmint-flavored foods, coffee, alcohol, and carbonated drinks.

Limit acidic foods that can irritate your esophagus. This includes citrus fruits and juices such as orange juice and tomato juice. Limit spicy foods.

Avoid clothes with tight belts or waistbands.

If you smoke or use other tobacco products, consider getting help
to quit. Smoking promotes heartburn.

Lose weight if you are overweight. Being overweight can worsen heartburn, and the loss of even a few pounds can help prevent heartburn.

Raise the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches by putting blocks underneath your bed frame or placing a foam wedge under the head of your mattress. (Adding extra pillows does not work well.)

Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and other anti-inflammatory drugs can cause heartburn. Try acetaminophen instead.

Enoch Choi,MD