SSRI-associated nocturnal bruxism in four patients.
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.


METHODS
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).


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Ellison
J M
JM
Department of Psychiatry, Tufts/New England Medical Center, Boston, Mass. 02111.
Stanziani
P
P
D015057:1-Naphthylamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D000328:Adult; D002012:Bruxism / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002065:Buspirone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020280:Sertraline; D012890:Sleep
D015057:1-Naphthylamine; D002065:Buspirone; D005473:Fluoxetine; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D020280:Sertraline