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Metallic taste in mouth
This all may sound strange… but I’m not sure how to explain it. About 15 years ago I started having a strong metallic taste in my mouth, felt like on my tongue. It would make me swollen constantly which led to tiny air bubbles in my mouth which I would pop with my tongue (strange, I know) I saw every dr, had so many tests, and nothing ever came of it except possibly ‘burning tongue syndrome’ no cure. I didn’t sleep well for many years. Then recently found out I had stomach ulcers.. went on pantoprazole and within weeks it went away!! I was thrilled… went off pantaprazole and went on famotidine. After two years of that, the taste is now coming back. Just so odd. And, if I’m busy, like on vacation and not thinking about it, I don’t have it…I know this whole thing sounds weird, just wondering if anyone has experienced anything like this???
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@celia16 I’m happy for you. Did you do anything different? Less anxiety? Eliminate things? I have the exact same symptoms as you and going on 3.5 weeks. Last night the whole left side of my mouth felt very metallic and almost burned but not true pain. I’m scarred it’s goona get worse. how long did you have it?
@kayliejamieson777 , keep the faith! I had almost lost hope it would ever resolve. Now…I believe it will.
Ok. This update contains additional info that I just learned today! I now have written confirmation of the most likely cause, but I’m still not positive.
History: The intense metallic taste started in September 2023. It’s been a hard road with this thing. I have sought answers from GP, neurologists, ENT, dentists, Dermatology, rheumatology, etc. The theories vary, but no one had any suggestions to help it. I had other symptoms too, smell loss, hair loss, muscle issues, tingling , etc. Theories included post covid, vitamin deficiency, nerve damage, …….
From the beginning I always reported how it began, but no one had any idea how it made any sense. Now I believe I know what happened. The kicker is why hasn’t it returned.
I’ll try to be brief. About a month before the taste issue began. I saw my dermatologist and showed her a few spots on my neck, which she diagnosed as tinea versicolor. She prescribed a cream (ketoconazole) that cleared it up almost instantly. So, I asked for some shampoo/body wash of the same medication in case I had it elsewhere. I used it on my scalp and body and almost instantly had a severe metallic taste in my mouth. But, it left after a few seconds. I did not get the solution in my mouth. One day I used it on a spot on my ankle. Rinsed it off and then saw Urgent care for a suspected UTI. That morning I started an antibiotic. Within 1 hour the metallic taste hit like a tsunami! I had to pull my car over and call the doctor. The taste stayed this long. It gradually went to moderate metallic, then low, then bitter, then salty….now barely salty.
After that day I did not use that wash any more nor that antibiotic. I always suspected it caused it or the combination. My doctors looked confused when I told them about it. But, just found out that one of the potential side effects is TASTE disorder. I saw it in writing.
The real kicker is this! In May 2026, I saw a DO who specializes in hair loss and she prescribed me the Ketoconzole 2% shampoo! It helps hair loss. I use it 2-3 times per week! So far I haven’t been triggered with a bad taste! I’m still improving! I intend to keep using it because it’s helping with my hair shedding, which also has an unknown cause. Biopsy inconclusive. Suspect autoimmune, long covid, vitamin deficiency, …..? So I’m treating it with meds and other treatments.
So, that’s where I am. Did you use any antifungal meds? The regular shampoo is not effecting me like the body wash did for some reason. So…idk. I really hope you get some answers and relief. Keep hope alive! 🧸💐😊