Hi, I used to work in a dental setting and what you're describing is altered taste. Now, there are many things that can cause this, from acid reflux (when awake or sleeping) to a GI issue elsewhere. Everything in-between like a small infection in the oral cavity, dry mouth, medication (no idea about the one you're on), a viral infection etc etc can also cause a bitter taste.

Something we learned very quickly during our journey, you can type in any symptom, like any symptom, and someone somewhere will have had that same symptom simply due to the sheer number of people out there. For example, itchy, dry scalp and boom, someone will have had that too. Something people do is once they have a specific illness, and it doesn't really matter which one, they tend to lump all symptoms together, and it's understandable because we're all on edge in case our biggest fear is realised. But the reality is, the body is complex and it's more plausible for it to be a separate problem from the main problem. After all, before all this if we had a backache and a rash on our hand, we'd assume they were two completely separate things.

If you're worried, speak to a gp on Tuesday and see what they say. It's not a minor thing because it's worrying you, so no one will think you're wasting anyone's time.

Dear Georgie

Thank you for getting in touch with us.  I agree with your breast care nurse.  It would be extremely unusual for this to be a symptom of a recurrence of breast cancer.  Even with liver problems I think you would get other symptoms before this.  I am afraid as a cancer nurse I have no idea whether the venlaflexine might be causing it but it doesn't seem to be listed as a common side effect.

There must be some reason for it though, so I would suggest that you speak to your GP about it.  You may have a sinus infection that needs treatment.

Thank you so much for replying! Have you heard of it being linked to liver mets? Or is that even unusual? Xx

Hi Georgie,

If you read the leaflet that comes with your Venlafaxine, you will see that altered taste sensation is mentioned under the possible side-effects. It is stated that this is one of the common side-effects, affecting up to 1 in 10 people.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hello and thank you for getting back to us.

The taste change you mention is not a usual symptom of a problem with the liver and that includes cancer being there.

Please do talk again with your breast cancer team if you are still worried and ask what can be done to make your mouth feel better.

Take care,

Caroline