Funny/Odd Side effects

[Meggylou]

Well I thought we could talk about the side effects our medications give us.
Mine is weight gain..that is normal, but I'm working to try and control it. The funny one is a feeling down my esophagus from voice box to stomach of a strong minty feeling as if I accidentally swallowed a mint or a piece of peppermint gum.
I'm on 250mg of Valproic Acid (also called epival among other names) and 25mg of Seroquel.:rx:

 

[Retired]

The funny one is a feeling down my esophagus from voice box to stomach of a strong minty feeling as if I accidentally swallowed a mint or a piece of peppermint gum.

It should not be a cause for concern, as this is the very reason mint flavor is used in antacids.

Mint actually reduces the surface tension of the esophogus, which aids in digestion, particularly following a large meal.

This effect is also present when folks drink mint flavored liquers after a meal.

You may want to let your doctor know about it, to be on the safe side.

 

[Meggylou]

ya he knows about it. Says not to worry, I just think it is funny..in an entertaining kind of way.

 

[Daniel E.]

I'm on 250mg of Valproic Acid

If that is what is causing the minty flavor, then maybe this is relevant:

Valproic Acid oral solution USP is available as a red, cherry-mint flavored oral solution containing the equivalent of 250 mg Valproic Acid per 5 mL...

Valproic Acid

 

[Retired]

If you have not already done so, because Valproic acid and divalproex have numerous suspected or proven drug interactions you would be well advised to run one of the drug interaction checkers we have listed HERE where you can enter the meds you currently take. These would include over the counter meds such as aspirin and NSAID's (non steroidal anti inflammatories like ibuprophen, naproxen etc)

You might also discuss your concerns about drug interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.