Posted by yxibow on March 19, 2009, at 5:56:18
In reply to Re: Jaw clenching on AD's, posted by butternut on March 18, 2009, at 20:37:56
> Hi, I don't post a lot on this site but just browsed it tonight and saw your question. I definitely have bruxism with the SSRI. I went off Zoloft and it got better but did not completely resolve, and when I went back on Zoloft, it returned and felt much worse. I've been on Lexapro and had similar probs but not quite as bad. I also feel like my tongue pushes up against my teeth when my mouth is just at rest, and have wondered if that's a permanent effect from the meds. In my experience, jaw clenching was a side effect that didn't improve until I went off the med. I do have a history of gritting my teeth, which is similar, so maybe I'm particularly vulnerable to this side effect.
Not to be dour, but Zoloft -very rarely- has a potential of possibly tardive effects, due to its slight action at Dx (dopamine) rather than other SSRIs.This is rather rare though and usually is due to additional exposure to other medications beforehand.
On the other hand, just as likely as mentioned it is a possible component of anxiety or depression, and may not have to do with the medication at all and as you do mention you have a grinding habit, which is not uncommon at all.
If it had to due with the previous medication, it may take more time to dissipate.If you are concerned enough to be worried about it you might want your doctor to refer you to a neurologist specializing in movement disorders, but I neither mean to scare you of this nor say that there is any connection. If it would give you peace on that, then that is an option.
Have you ever asked your doctor as an test to see if an anticholinergic such as Artane makes it any better or not? Or possibly propranolol?
-- best wishesJay
poster:yxibow
thread:885881
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090313/msgs/886024.html