Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed medications for moderate to severe depression. Many people who take SSRIs report unwanted side effects that include bruxism. In other words, you may find yourself grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw after taking this type of medication. A common question among those experiencing these symptoms is, does bruxism from SSRI go away? Understanding the timeline and treatment options can help you manage this challenging dental issue.
- Bruxism, pronounced BRUK-siz-um, is a condition where you grind, gnash or clench your teeth
Symptoms Associated With Bruxism
Signs of SSRI-associated bruxism can include:
- Clenching or grinding teeth during the day or while sleeping
- Jaw pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Damaged, loose, chipped or fractured teeth
- Dry mouth
- Tooth sensitivity or pain
- Exposed tooth areas with worn enamel
- Pain in the ear, face or neck
Without treatment, bruxism sometimes leads to sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing repeatedly pauses during sleep. It can also increase the risk of other sleep disorders like insomnia. Many people don’t realize they have bruxism until complications develop, especially if the symptoms only occur during sleep. Others find out from their sleep partners because the grinding makes unwanted noise at night.
Why SSRIs Cause This Odd Side Effect
Bruxism associated with SSRI use more commonly occurs in females and may affect both children and adults prescribed these antidepressants. Venlafaxine (Effexor), sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac) were the drugs that most commonly caused this side effect in the study data. Sertraline causes dry mouth and bruxism are particularly common complaints among those taking this medication.
SSRI-related bruxism is believed to arise from the drugs’ effects on dopamine levels in the brain. While SSRIs primarily work by increasing serotonin, they can also deplete dopamine, a brain chemical that impacts both mood regulation and motor function. This suppression of dopamine may trigger involuntary jaw-clenching behavior. Similar dopamine-related mechanisms are seen in movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, which is also associated with limited dopamine.
Coping With Side Effects of SSRIs
Some side effects of SSRIs resolve after your body adjusts to the drug. In the Neurology Clinical Practice research discussed above, symptoms like dry mouth and grinding teeth began within a month after participants started taking the drug and resolved within a month after they stopped treatment.
When side effects persist, it’s important to balance the discomfort with the ability of the medication to control your depression symptoms. If you struggle with side effects, your healthcare provider may recommend a different antidepressant. Some people find that bruxism resolves if their doctor adds buspirone (an anxiety medication) to their treatment regimen. It’s important to keep an open line of communication with your doctor so you can find a solution for both your mental health concerns and SSRI side effects.
Although SSRIs work in similar ways, different drugs have different effects on the body. In addition to bruxism, side effects resulting from SSRI use may include appetite changes, dizziness, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, dry mouth, fatigue, headache and upset stomach. However, if you find that you can’t tolerate the side effects of one type of antidepressant, your healthcare provider can likely find a different drug that works better for you.
Even if you experience side effects, you shouldn’t stop taking your antidepressant without telling your doctor. Some of these drugs can cause withdrawal symptoms if you abruptly discontinue use. If you don’t gradually decrease the amount of the SSRI you take, you could experience fatigue, dizziness, nausea, nervousness and flu-like symptoms.
Treatment Options for Bruxism
Treatment can often alleviate the effects of bruxism, particularly if you experience dental complications. Your dentist can prescribe a mouth guard or splint to prevent the grinding and clenching motion. They fit over the teeth and may be worn during the day and at night. You may need fillings or crowns to repair damage if teeth become worn, cracked or broken.
Sometimes, the alignment of your teeth and jaw can lead to bruxism or worsen SSRI-related bruxism. In this case, your dentist can evaluate your bite to determine whether orthodontic treatment could resolve teeth grinding or related complications. People with missing teeth may find that getting implants or crowns addresses bruxism concerns.
Some people find that managing stress and anxiety reduces or resolves teeth grinding. You may want to try relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation and talk therapy. You can also consider biofeedback, a type of physical therapy that helps you control the muscle activity involved in clenching and grinding your teeth. Doctors sometimes prescribe Botox injections or muscle relaxants to treat severe cases of bruxism. Facial massages can relieve the pain of tight muscles in the neck and jaw area.
Lifestyle changes can potentially reduce the impact of tooth grinding on your health. You can reduce dietary caffeine by limiting items like coffee, chocolate and soda. Alcohol can also contribute to excessive jaw clenching. Avoid chewing on non-food items, which can also make teeth grinding worse over time. Try keeping the tip of your tongue between your teeth to discourage the grinding motion.
Does Bruxism From SSRI Go Away? Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the timeline and progression of SSRI-related bruxism can help you make informed decisions about your treatment.
How Long Does It Take for SSRI-Related Bruxism to Develop?
SSRI-associated bruxism typically begins within the first month of starting treatment. For most people who experience this side effect, symptoms emerge within 3-4 weeks of beginning therapy. However, some individuals may notice teeth grinding or jaw clenching earlier, while others may not develop these symptoms at all.
Will Bruxism Stop if I Continue Taking My SSRI?
For most people, SSRI-related bruxism can persist as long as they continue taking the medication. Unlike some side effects that diminish as your body adjusts to the drug, bruxism often remains a consistent issue throughout treatment. The good news is that symptoms typically resolve within a month after discontinuing the SSRI, though you should never stop medication without consulting your healthcare provider.
Can Switching SSRIs Help With Teeth Grinding?
Yes, switching to a different SSRI or antidepressant class may reduce or eliminate bruxism symptoms. Not all SSRIs affect everyone the same way. Your doctor might recommend trying a different medication or adding buspirone to your treatment plan, which has been shown to help alleviate SSRI-induced bruxism in some patients.
Is Dry Mouth Related to SSRI-Induced Bruxism?
Dry mouth is a separate but common side effect of SSRIs that can occur alongside bruxism. Both conditions may be present simultaneously, and dry mouth can actually worsen the dental complications associated with teeth grinding. Reduced saliva flow increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, which can compound the damage from bruxism.
The Benefits of Residential Mental Health Treatment
It can be difficult to determine whether a particular SSRI makes sense for your mental health treatment, especially when a drug comes with unwanted side effects that disrupt your life and health. You need to consider a range of factors that include your personal physical and mental health history, family history, lifestyle, behavior, symptoms you experience, possible interactions with other medications you take, other health conditions you have and whether you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive. Spending time in a residential mental health care program can help you land on the right management plan for your diagnosis, whether or not that includes medication.
At Restore Mental Health, we provide comprehensive care that addresses both your mental health needs and the challenges of managing medication side effects. Our experienced team works with you to find the right treatment approach, including medication management and therapeutic interventions. Reach out to Restore today and connect with one of our professional counselors to learn more about your options for a healthier life. We provide a range of services that include treatment for depression and other mental health concerns, as well as dual diagnosis of mental health and substance use disorder.
