Zoloft-grinding teeth

I know this may sound incredibly ignorant, I have a really bad issue with grinding my teeth all the time, whether I am awake or asleep(doing it right now), it has become such a habit that I do it without realizing it, I will tell myself to stop and will stop while thinking about it, but as soon as my mind goes to another place I am grinding and grinding.

I've recently seen another post about clinching the jaws or whatever, and after reading up on it I guess some people can have this issue on Zoloft. I guess I just thought I was a freak, never told my Psychiatrist about it, because I felt like it was my teeth that are irritating me, I have to feel them with my tongue all day long and it wears my jaws out. I honestly don't know how to break this habit.

Sorry this may sound weird to some people, but I can't believe how long this has been going on, and how bad I do it.

Wow, Anxietyrose so do I, I've actually made my teeth in the back loose, I wake up with my teeth aching, so funny I never thought the medicine had anything to do with it or could have anything to do with it.

I've always been one to have "habits" when I was young it was biting my nails, and chewing my hair to the point my mom would have to cut so short like a boys hair cut so I couldn't reach it into my mouth, thankfully I've quit both of those habits but I believe this teeth thing is almost a compulsion with me, I have a place where a tooth was pulled out, and I fill it all day with my tongue....wow I think I have major issues.

I find myself gnashing my teeth together if I'm trying to find something to do, but thankfully not prolonged grinding.

I've gotten pretty lucky in terms of side effects from Zoloft. Mainly excess tiredness in the mornings.

Nightcrawler, I have been on and off of Zoloft for a long period of time, I didn't think I had any side affects from it(other than occasionally an upset stomach), but I am wondering now if it is the Zoloft or an anxiety related habit.

I constantly have to be moving something, whether it is my foot or leg and now I realize my tongue is in on the deal.

It's kind of funny how you can do something for so long and not realize it, till one day it just dawns on you that you have this weird habit.

Hi

I agree with SC about speaking with your doctor about alternative medication as this sounds a bothersome side effect.

If you decide to stay on this medication I would go and see your dentists about getting a mouth guard for night time use would be a good idea.

Keep us posted.

Hibee

Hi Brenda,

Thought I'd chime in! I'm not experiencing any grinding and nothing at night, but I do have a great deal of clenching during the day.

1. S.C.'s advice on chewing gum was spot on. It seemed counterproductive to me because my jaw already felt tired and over worked, but gum chewing did help.

2. I just left my therapist and apparently there is a difference between progressive muscle relaxation and passive muscle relaxation. I did not know this. She said that doing progressive isn't ideal because the muscles in our face/jaw are already tense, but she told me to google passive muscle relaxation and that it may help. I haven't done it yet, but I'll let you know when I do. I'm really hoping to stick with Zoloft, so I'm hoping to work through the jaw issues. Hoping my teeth are ok too!!