Teeth clenching problem

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-27-2006
Teeth clenching problem
4
Mon, 03-19-2007 - 2:05pm
I know its a symptom of anxiety, but does anyone have any tricks to stop the teeth clenching?? I never did it before with my anxiety and at first I thought it might be the meds but I had taken this same med before for 3yrs and never clenched. My jaw feels tired all the time now and the tension headaches are coming back again I think. I won't even feel tense but then I will think of it and realize I am clenching and I have to force myself to relax my jaw. I have an appt with my *T* on thurs (she was out of town last week so we skipped) and a massage appt also so I am hoping that one or the other or both could help me. Oh, and I just increased my Paxil from the 12.5 time release, to the generic 20mg so I am hoping the slight increase might help me too. Any tips would be highly appreciated! Thanks!! Erin
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Mon, 03-19-2007 - 3:17pm

Sorry to hear this, Erin): I know from first hand experience, that this can be painful & damaging to your teeth over time. If you do an advanced search, this subject has come up before. Some ppl have used mouth guards if the problem is worse @ night.


For me, as the stress was reduced & my coping with anxiety became better, the jaw clenching disappeared. Being more aware of it does help. Each time I felt myself doing it, I would take a couple of deep breaths & practice relaxing the jaw. Here's a link from the *coping tips & tricks* below. http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=iv-bhpanic&msg=21870.1&ctx=16384

 

 


 



Avatar for peoplearenuts
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 03-19-2007 - 6:19pm

I had the clenching thing too when I was starting my meds. I wonder if it's a side effect from increasing your meds? If so it should go away in a few days.

I don't really have too much other advice. I know I chewed a lot of gum and that helped a little.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Mon, 03-19-2007 - 8:04pm

I had the teeth clenching, too, when I started the Lexapro.

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2006
Tue, 03-20-2007 - 8:25am
I'm on paxil and when I started, I had the teeth clenching, nausea and increased anxiety. It all lasted about 2 weeks for me and have completely faded away. Give it a little time, it will most likely be worth it!