Kirk and Ed,

I've been taking Salagen (usually 5mg, 3x daily) for about 13 years. I was in the clinical trials for it starting around 12-18 months after I finished cancer treatment. My salivary function was pretty diminished after radiation and I needed something to boost the saliva for speaking, eating, singing, etc.

In my case, it's obviously been helpful enough for me to keep using it all this time. Even now, if I miss a dose, I notice it before long. Early on, I experimented with the 7.5mg dose and that made me sweat too much. The 5mg dose generally works well enough for me without producing much in unwanted side effects. I've found that it seems to be better if I take it on a somewhat full stomach -- for some reason, taking it on an empty stomach makes it rush into my system faster and sweat more, and then the beneficial effects also seem to wear off faster.

Kirk, I haven't had the intestinal effects you listed. Sometimes, in addition to a little sweating, my nose gets a bit runny or my eyes can water somewhat -- all in all, a trade-off I can live with.

Since it is primarily a glaucoma medication, it can affect your eyes (although I haven't noticed anything in that regard). I have regular checkups with my ophthalmologist every two years because of this.

Hope this helps.

Cathy