Administration of clonazepam in the treatment of TMD and associated myofascial pain: a double-blind pilot study.
A double-blind pilot study was undertaken to test the administration of low doses of the long-acting benzodiazepine drug clonazepam in the management of chronic intractable temporomandibular disorder/myofascial pain patients who were not responsive to occlusal splint, behavioral, and physical therapy. Clonazepam was selected for its long duration and its cholinergic/GABA-ergic/serotonergic, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, and sedative properties. Clonazepam appears to be effective when compared to a placebo. However, caution must be observed with long-term administration of clonazepam because of potential side effects such as depression and liver dysfunction. Indiscriminate administration of clonazepam may be harmful to the patient.
Harkins
S
S
College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson.
Linford
J
J
Cohen
J
J
Kramer
T
T
Cueva
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002998:Clonazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009209:Myofascial Pain Syndromes / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013706:Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*
D002998:Clonazepam