Teeth Clenching

Okay, so I've done enough research to know that there is a link between Citalopram and Bruxism. The problem is, my teeth really hurt and I don't have any recollection of me grinding my teeth. The headaches and nausea I can deal with as their both very mild, but the mouth thing is getting old.

It hurts to chew anything (almost like I have cavities) from gummy's to rice to chips. And occasionally, when I just start eating (like right three bites in); my jaw becomes so tense and painful as if i've been chewing for hours and I have to stop eating because my jaw literally feels like it will lock up if I keep eating.

Has anyone else had this side effect from this or another medicine? And how do you counter it? In two more days, I will have been on the medication for 6 weeks and the jaw issues only began in the last two or three, but worsening as time goes on. (which, I mean, at least I know the medicine is working to some degree...) I've always been a teeth grinder, but this is like every tooth in my mouth and I haven't really grinded my teeth like that since I got my wisdoms out at the end of last year.

well i got the jaw clenching with tartive dyskenesia from the antipsychotic meds but i guess that is not the same with an AD. i take artane to stop this from happening. dont know if it has the same effect for an AD.

I had this really bad when I was on Zoloft, I really don't know what helps it but I'm sure your doctor could figure something out

I'm clinching my jar, too. I think it is caused by the Saphris, as it has messed with my taste buds and causes me to have ulcers on my tongue. I'm not sure whether is causes my jaw clinching or the clinching is caused by the other issues. I know I'm tired of everything tasting like metal and the sores on my tongue, but on the other hand it is keeping my mood stable, which I don't want to jeopardize.

Seems we're all struggling, lol. I will see what I can find that helps and perhaps return with a few suggestions. I also kind of monitored myself a bit today and realized that I am pretty much clenching my jaw continuously. Every time I noticed (about six or seven times), I forced myself to relax a little bit. My teeth do feel less sensitive, but it takes a very heightened awareness to be able to catch it. I will look for a mouth guard tomorrow.

Remember....lips together, teeth apart!

Do you have a regular dentist that you can call for advice, teal? I had to see a dentist then an orthodontist several years ago when my tooth grinding and jaw clenching turned into a severe case of TMJ after some dental work. The orthodontist put me on high dose motrin for a couple of weeks. I was doing a lot of my jaw clenching in my sleep and wasn't aware of it.

It really affects certain facial muscles, too. I found out (sort of by accident - I joined a choral group) that an hour of singing did wonders to relax my jaw and facial muscles. That was after I got past the really painful part of stuff.

I never got a night guard. Everyone kept telling me only a custom one would be good and they're very expensive and I wasn't sure I would wear it.

I ended up biting the bullet and going to a dental school for my bite splint. I pay a little eAch month in the bill but it's worth it to me! Rarely do I have any problems with my tmd anymore!

Hi Teal. I hope you have got this figured out for yourself.
I have been a tooth clencher for years. I bought one of those $8.00 (?) bite guards at walmart that you put in boiling water and shape to your mouth. Worked great. This was about 10 years ago. Later, about 5 years ago, I had a dentist custom make one for me. It worked well, but it was a thick piece of acrylic, and took some getting used to. I cannot wear it anymore as the biteguard has turned almost hard. I kept it stored in water as directed. I wish I had just stayed with the cheap one. It worked better.
I still clench my teeth. It leaves me with sore teeth and a very bad headache. I am not on any antidepressants. Just two antianxiety meds.

Sorry I took so long to reply. I went to the dentist today (was waiting for the appt to reply) and he didn't seem too concerned about the clenching. He wasn't passive about it and immediately put in a referral for a custom bite guard. He said the price of the bite guard is a lot less than the damage of the clenching over time. The outter part is like plastic but the inside is more conformable supposedly to give your teeth room to clench. I went to the store to price the ones that you guys mentioned otc and they were WAY beyond my price range (but i was at a pharmacy because I get 20% discount there; I still need to check walmart). Hopefully, my dental insurance will help to cover the custom one - if not, I have no idea what i'll do. Thanks for all the advice. The clenching seems to be lowered a bit as of late, but I still find my front teeth being a bit sore.

i get jaw clenching from Prozac...