July 3, 2000 – According to a clinical study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, in rare cases, sertraline (Zoloft®) can cause side effects of headache, bruxism (grinding of the teeth) and a clenching of the jaw to the point of fracturing the teeth.
The four cases reported in the article all developed these symptoms after taking sertraline (Zoloft®). Study lead author Dr. John Michael Bostwick said Paxil® and Prozac® may also have similar side effects as they affect neural circuits controlling movement.
The study authors mention that by adding buspirone (BuSpar®), an anti-anxiety drug, to the antidepressant, the symptoms quickly disappeared. This drug inhibits spontaneous movements like those of bruxism by acting on the serotonergic neurons of the mesocortex which influence chewing. It is also possible to wear a mouth guard at night to prevent teeth grinding.
HealthPassport.net
According to Prevention, July 2000
Bostwick JM, Jaffee MS. Buspirone as an antidote to SSRI-induced bruxism in 4 cases. J Clin Psychiatry. 1999 Dec; 60 (12): 857-60.
