Which medications are known to cause changes in taste or smell?

Levodopa and metformin are recognized for their potential to cause alterations in taste or smell. Levodopa, predominantly used in treating Parkinson's disease, can lead to a phenomenon known as gustatory dysfunction, where patients report changes in taste perception. This is particularly relevant as these sensations can affect a person's appetite and nutritional intake.

Metformin, a common medication for managing type 2 diabetes, is also associated with gastrointestinal side effects, which may extend to taste changes in some patients. This can manifest as a metallic taste, further complicating the management of diabetes since it can lead to reduced food intake and potential weight loss.

Other medication classes, though they possess their own side effects, do not prominently connect to changes in taste or smell as consistently as levodopa and metformin do. This makes the selection of levodopa and metformin more relevant when discussing medications that can influence these sensory perceptions.