Could this metallic taste in my mouth be related to my ms or is it more likely due to medication?

[Sherri1964]

Hi,
I have been suffering from this horrible, nauseating, metallic like taste in my mouth off and on for the past several months.  It has even caused me to lose sleep and I often do not have any appetite.  Also, the front and side of my tongue feels almost like it is burning or numb - that's not really the right words, but it's hard to describe.  I have been seeing my neuro for over 6  years - dx'ed with rrms a little over a year ago - no meds.  I went to my primary who suggested I go to my dentist to have him check it out,   Saw him last Wednesday and he can find no gum disease, sores, loose fillings etc to cause this.  I haven't called my neuro yet because sometimes I feel like a hypochondriac when it comes to ms but if I can't find some reason soon I'm going because this is unbearable and I can't imagine living the rest of my life like this.  Before I go in, I wanted to ask if you thought this could be related to the Cymbalta I am taking (a friend of mine told me she got a metallic taste from it and had to switch to something else)  I have taken it for several years and haven't had this happen til now.  I am also taking Lisonpril (about a year now) because I have high blood pressure - was on a diazide pill before that but then after some labs, my primary found early kidney damage and switched me to the Lisonpril.
any insight you can offer would be appreciated!!
thanks,
Sherri in WI

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.

Without the ability to obtain a history from you and examine you, I can not comment on a formal diagnosis or treatment plan for your symptoms. However, I will try to provide you with some information regarding this matter.

The subjective complaint of a metallic taste that can be from many different causes. These include medications such as zinc, metronidazole, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, such as acetazolamide. Other causes include peptic ulcer disease, glossodynia (i.e., burning mouth syndrome), and intoxication from various metals/compounds such as mercury or iodine or medications containing these elements.

There are other causes of metallic taste. Cymbalta is associated with causing an abnormal taste in some people. You may wish to discuss this with your prescribing physician and perhaps a switch in medication is indicated.

Thank you for using the forum, I hope you find this information useful, good luck.

[RhiannonsMoon]

I'm really interested in the answer you receive Sherri because I have the same metallic taste in my mouth, have had it for about a month,

Rihannon