Posted by ben on November 18, 2001, at 2:44:06
In reply to Re: jaw tension, tension headaches » jazzdog, posted by JohnX2 on November 17, 2001, at 18:02:49
Hi I got bruxism and tension headaches of Paxil (30 mg/day) but not of any other ADs. Unfortunately Paxil worked better against my depression but gave me this bad side effect.
Now I have reduced Paxil and I feel fewer tensions in head and teeth. From that I read about bruxism it is caused by serotonine stimulation, stress and predisposition. I realized more bruxism when I added Ritalin, so dopaminergic stimulation isnt the target (there are reports for dexaampthemine induced bruxism -- > dopaminergic stimuklation). Clonazepam (Rivotril) works well against bruxism, but I get too sedated of only 0.25 mg at bedtime...dizzy in the morning. Anthistaminergic drugs often cause sadation as well and in long term use weight gain is a big problem. Buspirone (Buspar) sounds theoretically good and there are studies supporting good effects. I didnt try it because my doc have a lot more failures in adding Buspar than good results.
> I thought I might have TMJ, but the neurologist
> said negative. bruxism is common outcome of a
> stress disorder. Also common amongst stimulant
> abusers.
>
> I may try a mouth guard. Can't hurt.
>
> Do you get the problem during the middle of
> the day like I did from the med exposure?
>
> -john
>
> > Hi John -
> >
> > I've suffered from jaw pain and bruxism for years, even before I started on zoloft nearly ten years ago. I believe the term is tempero-mandibular joint syndrome, or tmj. It's amazingly common. Certainly anything that damps down the nervous systems, like benzos or antihistamines, can help temporarily, but I prefer to spare my seratonin receptors and opt for a more mundane approach. Essentially, I sleep with a mouthguard, custom-made through my dentist, that keeps me from doing any damage when I grind my teeth. There are other techniques I've tried, including cranio-sacral massage, tmj exercises, and stress management. In Europe, dentists fit patients with splints to reallign their jaws - it's invasive, but some people swear by it.
> >
> > The bite guard is a bit of a drag, but it sure beats crippling jaw pain and headaches. I know what you're going through witht his. Good luck.
> >
> > - Jane
poster:ben
thread:84482
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011113/msgs/84562.html