Antidepressant-induced bruxism - Successfully treated with gabapentin

Background. Symptoms consistent with bruxism are a common chief complaint i n dental practice. The authors describe a case of bruxism likely induced by the antidepressant venlafaxine and successfully treated with gabapentin. Case Description. A case of bruxism, anxiety, insomnia and tremor is report ed in a man with bipolar disorder that developed a few days after he initia ted venlafaxine therapy for depression. The patient's psychiatrist prescrib ed gabapentin for anxiety symptoms, and shortly thereafter the man experien ced a complete resolution of the bruxism. Clinical Implications. On the basis of this case and the available literatu re, the authors conclude that bruxism secondary to antidepressant therapy m ay be common. Thus, dentists should inquire about the use of these medicati ons in patients who have bruxism. Gabapentin may offer promise in the treat ment of this condition.