What Causes Polydipsia?

Certain Medications

Certain medications can result in polydipsia as a side effect. Some medications cause the patient to have an extremely dry mouth, which causes the patient to feel very thirsty. Other medications may cause imbalances in the electrolytes in the body, which causes the patient to need more water. Excessive sweating can also be a side effect that leads to dehydration. If individuals notice they feel extremely thirsty after starting a new medication, they should discuss it with their doctor. There may be alternative medications, or the doctor may be able to provide some advice about how to relieve thirst without drinking excessive amounts of water. If a patient's polydipsia is caused by a dry mouth, for example, they might find relief by sucking on hard candies. If individuals are getting dehydrated, an electrolyte drink might help more than just some water.