SSRI-associated nocturnal bruxism in four patients.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Nocturnal bruxism (tooth clenching and/or grinding during sleep) affects a significant proportion of the population. Its etiology remains uncertain, and no entirely satisfactory treatment is available.

METHOD:

This is an observational report of four depressed individuals selected from one psychiatrist's practice within an urban hospital's psychopharmacology clinic. Psychiatric diagnoses were made according to DSM-III-R criteria. Nocturnal bruxism was determined on the basis of dental examination and/or self-reported nocturnal tooth clenching and/or grinding.

RESULTS:

Four patients developed nocturnal bruxism within 2 to 4 weeks after initiation of treatment with fluoxetine or sertraline. Bruxism remitted in all patients after a decrease in antidepressant dosage (N = 1) or addition of buspirone (N = 3).

CONCLUSION:

These observations, which should be confirmed by a controlled study, suggest an association between serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment and the onset or exacerbation of nocturnal bruxism. In addition, they suggest that a decrease in SSRI dosage or the addition of buspirone may relieve SSRI-associated nocturnal bruxism.

• Authors: J M Ellison, P Stanziani
• Journal: The Journal of clinical psychiatry (J Clin Psychiatry) Vol. 54 Issue 11 Pg. 432-4 (Nov 1993) ISSN: 0160-6689 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8270587 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
• Fluoxetine
• 1-Naphthylamine
• Sertraline
• Buspirone

Topics

• 1-Naphthylamine (administration & dosage, adverse effects, analogs & derivatives)
• Adult
• Bruxism (chemically induced, prevention & control)
• Buspirone (therapeutic use)
• Depressive Disorder (drug therapy)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Female
• Fluoxetine (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Humans
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Sertraline
• Sleep