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Anxiety and bruxism
Hi.,I am with anxiety..and am getting bruxism..I am taking escitalopram, clonazepam,clomipramine...
Is bruxism due to medicine?
What to do?
Answers (10)
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Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can occasionally occur as a side effect of medications- particularly SSRIs like escitalopram. Although it's relatively uncommon, it typically develops within the early weeks of starting treatment.
Clonazepam, being a benzodiazepine, generally helps reduce anxiety and muscle tension, making it less likely to cause bruxism- though issues like tolerance or withdrawal can sometimes play a role.
Clomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, is less frequently linked to bruxism but may still contribute, especially when used alongside other medications.
Next Steps
Please consult your psychiatrist to consider:
Dose adjustment of escitalopram
Switching to another antidepressant with fewer extrapyramidal side effects (e.g., mirtazapine or bupropion)
Using short-term add-on treatment like buspirone (which may help reduce SSRI-induced bruxism)
Avoid stopping medication without medical advice.
Health Tips
Bruxism may be aggravated by underlying stress or anxiety. Incorporating stress-reduction strategies, using night-time mouthguards, and evaluating for other contributing conditions such as sleep disorders can be helpful in managing the symptoms.
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You should start with therapy soon. The therapist will help you with techniques / interventions / tools to over come your distress. I also add psychiatric nutrition in my practice where using simple food ingredients we restore our normal functioning.
Contact me at eight five nine one three six zero eight nine four.
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First of all, some further details regarding the new onset of symptoms will need to be explored such as duration, frequency, at what time bruxism occurs, associated with other features. After a detailed assessment, it can be commented about the cause responsible for it. Moreover, the dose of medications you mentioned, duration of treatment all need to be assessed. So, plan a consultation with your psychiatrist with treatment records and then management will be planned and if needed EEG will be advised
Next Steps
plan a consultation
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🧠 My Opinion (As a Psychiatrist):
Yes, bruxism (teeth grinding) can sometimes occur as a side effect of certain psychiatric medications. Among the ones you're taking:
Escitalopram (an SSRI) is known to be associated with bruxism in some individuals, especially at higher doses.
Clomipramine (a TCA) and Clonazepam generally do not cause bruxism; in fact, Clonazepam is sometimes used to treat it, especially when related to anxiety or sleep.
In your case, bruxism could be related either to medication side effects (particularly from escitalopram) or underlying anxiety itself.
Next Steps
📌 Next Steps (What should the patient do next?):
1. Consult your prescribing psychiatrist to evaluate the need for dose adjustment or substitution—sometimes switching from escitalopram to another antidepressant helps.
2. Consider a night guard (mouth guard) to prevent dental damage—consult a dentist for this.
3. Monitor stress and anxiety levels—mindfulness-based relaxation and cognitive techniques might help reduce nocturnal bruxism.
Health Tips
⚠️ Helpful Tips / Word of Caution:
Do not stop or change your medication without medical supervision.
Keep a bruxism diary—note the severity and timing, especially in relation to medication timing.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking, as these can worsen bruxism.
If bruxism persists or worsens, Buspirone has shown benefit in SSRI-induced bruxism and may be considered under your psychiatrist's guidance.
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Heyy
I can help you better with further treatment course needed. U can connect me via whatsapp on seven zero eight two zero two two zero six two.
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Hi.. escitalopram can cause bruxism. However will need further history regarding the same to advise appropriately. Consult online for suggestions regarding the same
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Bruxism may sometimes increase in some antidepressants due to their reduced inhib control over masticatory muscles. Try some relaxation techniques .
Next Steps
Take a proper consultation. Evalute the sleep pattern
Muscle relaxant may help
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Dr. Kavita Bhutani (PhD)
Psychologist
7 yrs exp
Gurgaon
Could be
Could be not
Dosage
Diet
Sleep
Anxiety
Panic
Jaw clenching is symptomatic for lot of things
U need to figure out why are u taking so many medicines together ans deep breathe
Smile
Sunshine
Physical fitness
Yoga Nidra
Therapy bro
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Dr. Siddharth Rathore
Sexologist
13 yrs exp
Ujjain
Yes. These drugs may cause bruxism.
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Dr. Chitra Jain
Psychiatrist
6 yrs exp
Mumbai
Could be a potential side effect. Other causes of bruxism need to be ruled out as well. Talk to your treating doctor, they may recommend other medication.
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