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SSRI-associated nocturnal bruxism in four patients
1Department of Psychiatry, Tufts/New England Medical Center, Boston, Mass. 02111.
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|November 1, 1993
Summary
Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine and sertraline may cause nocturnal bruxism. Adding buspirone or reducing the SSRI dose can help manage this side effect.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Nocturnal bruxism, or sleep-related tooth grinding, is common but its causes are unknown.
- Effective treatments for nocturnal bruxism are limited.
Observation:
- Four patients with depression developed nocturnal bruxism after starting fluoxetine or sertraline.
- Bruxism onset occurred within 2-4 weeks of initiating SSRI treatment.
Findings:
- Nocturnal bruxism resolved in all four patients.
- Resolution was achieved by reducing the SSRI dosage in one patient.
- Adding buspirone relieved bruxism in three patients.
Implications:
- This suggests a potential link between SSRI use and nocturnal bruxism.
- Buspirone or dosage adjustments may be effective in managing SSRI-induced bruxism.
- Further controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.