Facial tics, jaw, tongue muscle tension and pain, bruxism, teeth clenching, TMJ

[ShiningLight]

The drugs can cause weird paresthesia things but I think it's wise to get a medical rule out.

[rilexapro]

10 hours ago, ShiningLight said:

The drugs can cause weird paresthesia things but I think it's wise to get a medical rule out.

Other than an MRI/CT scan, what other tests could I get?

[ShiningLight]

Not sure, I'm not a doctor. If you have already run it by them, great. I hope it gets better.

[BfromNJ]

So you had an mri? Did they do it with contrast?  I'm going for one soon for something similar.   My doctor also noted on the order "with trimengal cuts".   There is the trimengal nerve in that area.   Or it sounds like maybe your tmj joint. 

[Altostrata]

@rilexapro have you ever heard of bruxism or TMJ pain? Please read this topic from the beginning.

 

Please use search before starting a new topic in the Symptoms and Self-Care forum, and add to existing discussions. We have discussed just about everything you can think of.

[rilexapro]

17 hours ago, BfromNJ said:

So you had an mri? Did they do it with contrast?  I'm going for one soon for something similar.   My doctor also noted on the order "with trimengal cuts".   There is the trimengal nerve in that area.   Or it sounds like maybe your tmj joint. 

 

Yes, with contrast. I had a CT of my chest with contrast too. Nothing showed up in terms of visual damage to my brain or anything else, it seems. It could be a thyroid issue, or nerve issue, like you said.

 

16 hours ago, Altostrata said:

@rilexapro have you ever heard of bruxism or TMJ pain? Please read this topic from the beginning.

 

Please use search before starting a new topic in the Symptoms and Self-Care forum, and add to existing discussions. We have discussed just about everything you can think of.

 

I have heard about TMJ pain, but not bruxism very much. Sorry about creating a new topic. I am very new to this forum.

[Altostrata]

Most likely, your symptoms are caused by clenching your jaw and maybe your neck muscles -- withdrawal tension very commonly causes this symptom. You are feeling it in an odd way because of withdrawal hypersensitivity, also very common.

 

This probably is not an exotic neurological condition requiring a head scan, but you may wish to talk to a dentist or otolaryngologist about it.

 

Many of our members have found a bite guard will reduce this pain. Acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, osteopathic manipulation, and stretching exercises can also help.

[rilexapro]

5 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

Most likely, your symptoms are caused by clenching your jaw and maybe your neck muscles -- withdrawal tension very commonly causes this symptom. You are feeling it in an odd way because of withdrawal hypersensitivity, also very common.

 

This probably is not an exotic neurological condition requiring a head scan, but you may wish to talk to a dentist or otolaryngologist about it.

 

Many of our members have found a bite guard will reduce this pain. Acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, osteopathic manipulation, and stretching exercises can also help.

 

It's possible, but the constant face/neck tingling/weird feeling issues only happened after going back on 10mg of Lexapro after going off 30mg about 3 months before cold turkey. My jaw used to stiffen during the day subconsciously and I'd have to stop it from doing that. It went away, but the other problems haven't. Almost every day, the left side of my face has a weird "warm" feeling to it.

[Altostrata]

Just now, rilexapro said:

 

It's possible, but the constant face/neck tingling/weird feeling issues only happened after going back on 10mg of Lexapro after going off 30mg about 3 months before cold turkey. My jaw used to stiffen during the day subconsciously and I'd have to stop it from doing that. It went away, but the other problems haven't. Almost every day, the left side of my face has a weird "warm" feeling to it.

 

Bruxism is also a common adverse effect of antidepressants. Again, your being sensitized by drug mishaps has caused the odd manifestation of symptoms.

 

That you had a pre-existing habit is further confirmation this probably is your problem.

 

We have seen this hundreds, if not thousands, of times in this community -- as we have many of the dozens of potential drug adverse effects and withdrawal symptoms. 

[rilexapro]

Just now, Altostrata said:

 

Bruxism is also a common adverse effect of antidepressants. Again, your being sensitized by drug mishaps has caused the odd manifestation of symptoms.

 

That you had a pre-existing habit is further confirmation this probably is your problem.

 

We have seen this hundreds, if not thousands, of times in this community -- as we have many of the dozens of potential drug adverse effects and withdrawal symptoms. 

 

Do you think any permanent damage/life altering damage has been done here? I probably did clench in my sleep before this, but the facial warmness is very new, and only after going back on Lexapro. Same with the brain fog, memory loss, numb mood, etc.

 

I am seeing my primary care doctor early next month, is there anything I should ask them? Already had both a CT/MRI scan. Are there any other tests that could be done?

[Altostrata]

Please read this topic from the beginning. Many of our members have recovered from the jaw pain and clenching. I have myself, with use of a bite guard and the usual normal neurological stabilization process.

[Phoenixmama]

@rilexapro hi I’m curious about the mri you had with contrast , did you effect your wd 

[rilexapro]

On 8/25/2021 at 7:50 PM, Phoenixmama said:

@rilexapro hi I’m curious about the mri you had with contrast , did you effect your wd 

What does wd mean?

[BfromNJ]

On 6/20/2011 at 8:04 PM, Altostrata said:

I had bad jaw tension, causing me to clench my teeth while sleeping. In early withdrawal, destroyed a couple of fillings this way. Jaw tension can cause a lot of problems outside of the jaw. There is a condition called Temporal Mandibular Joint Syndrome.

 

From https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Temporomandibular_joint_disorder

 

Two things helped me: 1) a rubbery night guard to wear in my mouth and cushion clenching; 2) acupuncture. The Wikipedia article -- link above -- has other suggestions for treatment.

Alto-  i know this is an older post.  But im in the process of getting a guard.   Did you get yours from the dentist or just over the counter?  The dentist is making me a custom one that will be hard but angled in front to keep my teeth apart.  But I almost feel like I really need something to actually keep me from moving it at all.  

[Altostrata]

I got mine from a dentist, but I believe others have gotten the less expensive ones over-the-counter.

[BfromNJ]

3 hours ago, Altostrata said:

I got mine from a dentist, but I believe others have gotten the less expensive ones over-the-counter.

I just went to dentist and was fitted for the hard one.  He didn't even mention the soft ones.   Which makes more sense if you are going for no movement at all.   Kind of like the ones for sports 

[Altostrata]

Perhaps you should talk to your dentist.

[Callietallie]

It's been over a year since any activity on this thread, but through I'd post anyway for any advice or encouragement someone may have.  @LexAnger and @btdt You both seemed to have similar stories to mine.

I was on Lexapro for over 20 years and bruxism was one of my most distressing side effects. I ended up quitting basically CT in April 2021.

I see the best TMJ specialist in my area and I have worn a night guard faithfully for as long as I can remember. Nevertheless, last February, I entered the world of dental hell. I ended up needing 2 crowns, one of which was painful from the day of the procedure, ended up with a root canal, and was still in pain for months on end, eventually leading to the tooth being extracted in late September.

Because of all this my health anxiety spiraled to the point of breakdown. I could not get the possibility that the pain was from some lingering infection that would escalate to extreme pain and that I would contract covid and not be able to be seen. So I spent many weeks isolated from everyone, and eventually went on clonazepam 2x day to stabilize. I am still in the process of doing a slow taper off that, and the more I taper, the more my grinding and teeth sensitivity continue to worsen. Plus I had dental trauma as a child, so every dental procedure I have needed involves extreme anxiety. I felt great when the offending tooth was removed and I was on the clonazepam 2x a day. But that is not a sustainable solution.

I guess my question is did your bruxism and/or teeth sensitivity every resolve? I meditate, do yoga, walk. I have tried cranio sacral, chiropractic, massage, acupuncture. I am nearly 2 years off and so frustrated that I am still dealing with this. I can feel myself spiraling into that really bad, dark scary place.

Also, does anyone have any links to any studies I can show my dentist and family to "prove" I am not crazy and that the grinding and sensitivity are related?

 

Thanks.

[Rezten]

On 3/19/2023 at 1:01 PM, Callietallie said:

It's been over a year since any activity on this thread, but through I'd post anyway for any advice or encouragement someone may have.  @LexAnger and @btdt You both seemed to have similar stories to mine.

I was on Lexapro for over 20 years and bruxism was one of my most distressing side effects. I ended up quitting basically CT in April 2021.

I see the best TMJ specialist in my area and I have worn a night guard faithfully for as long as I can remember. Nevertheless, last February, I entered the world of dental hell. I ended up needing 2 crowns, one of which was painful from the day of the procedure, ended up with a root canal, and was still in pain for months on end, eventually leading to the tooth being extracted in late September.

Because of all this my health anxiety spiraled to the point of breakdown. I could not get the possibility that the pain was from some lingering infection that would escalate to extreme pain and that I would contract covid and not be able to be seen. So I spent many weeks isolated from everyone, and eventually went on clonazepam 2x day to stabilize. I am still in the process of doing a slow taper off that, and the more I taper, the more my grinding and teeth sensitivity continue to worsen. Plus I had dental trauma as a child, so every dental procedure I have needed involves extreme anxiety. I felt great when the offending tooth was removed and I was on the clonazepam 2x a day. But that is not a sustainable solution.

I guess my question is did your bruxism and/or teeth sensitivity every resolve? I meditate, do yoga, walk. I have tried cranio sacral, chiropractic, massage, acupuncture. I am nearly 2 years off and so frustrated that I am still dealing with this. I can feel myself spiraling into that really bad, dark scary place.

Also, does anyone have any links to any studies I can show my dentist and family to "prove" I am not crazy and that the grinding and sensitivity are related?

 

Thanks.

This is a good question.  I had two crowns in the past year, the first one healed pretty quickly, but the second one I had about a month ago is still so painful I can't bite on that side. I'm afraid to tell the dentist for fear of a root canal.

 

 

 

[Rezten]

About a year after WD started I noticed my bite was off and I couldn't just bite into certain things or chew properly. I thought it might have been because of DIY bute guard I was using, but several years later it still seems to be getting worse.  I am curious if anyone else has had this experience.

[StayHopeful]

 

 

I've had several dental problems, during psych med use, withdrawal and with a mouthguard.

 

When I was taking my psych meds, I began clenching and grinding really bad. I'd do it during my sleep, I didn't know it, because I had no symptoms at all when I woke. I did notice constant dry mouth and would drink more liquids when I ate and chewed sugarless gum to help. I always took care of my teeth and saw my dentist regularly.  I'd had a couple root canals, but she didn't mention that I had any problems with my teeth when I had checkups or cleanings. During Covid, she retired, but since I took care of my teeth, I figured it wasn't a problem, I'd find a new one once places opened up again.

 

Once I started tapering, I started having cheek, TMJ and tooth pain. I felt electric shocks and sensitivity in all my teeth, even in previously treated ones, gum soreness, and I had copious thick saliva. My bite felt off, like my teeth had shifted and my jaw started popping when I yawned or ate. I got a mouthguard - boil and form type, to wear at night to see if it would help. It did a little but then it made it worse.

 

I found a good dentist and found out that one tooth was cracked in half, and one was very infected, my teeth were traumatized and had been worn down by the grinding, and I'd developed TMJ disorder. I was told that I should have had some pain with all this (long before tapering), but I didn't. I got both the cracked and infected tooth taken care of, and I suspect that my symptoms were somehow masked by the meds while I was on them. 

I've been to several dental specialists over the last several months and had more procedures done too. I honestly don't know if I needed them, but the pain was excruciating, nothing helped, and I was desperate. All the exams and x-rays would come back normal, and I couldn't tell the difference between WD induced pain or an actual problem.

 

Now, I have a sporadic dull ache in my cheeks and TMJ (which occasionally pops), it's hard to chew sometimes, and tooth pain still comes and goes in different areas. Mostly, I'm learning to cope with all of it, sometimes taking Motrin or Tylenol when it's bad and I get anything checked out that goes beyond what I'm currently experiencing.  I'm encouraged that it's not as bad as it was and hopefully as I heal, any pain will continue to get better or go away. What I need to fix my TMJ disorder is too expensive for me to afford, but with a good mouthguard, I can avert more damage and minimize pain. I'm also saving for a custom, soft mouthguard from my dentist. 

 

                                                           *As for the mouthguard, one size doesn't fit all. Use caution!*

The guard I bought was a boil and mold type, to fit on the upper teeth. It was soft and had a firm outer material and soft pliable inner material that molded around the teeth. It sat in a plastic tray for boiling, molding and fitting. The instructions had me expand the guard to fit the width of my arch, after boiling and before I put it in my mouth, by squeezing two prongs at the front of plastic tray in the middle, which flared out the width at the back of the guard. However, after it was molded and cooled, the firm outer material didn't keep the expanded shape. At first it helped a little, but the more I wore it, I started becoming really sore. I realized, it kept trying to go back to its original shape as I slept, causing tight pressure from the sides, pulling inward on my teeth, exacerbating my problems. I went through a couple different types in an effort to just keep the teeth apart, but they were too hard, which also made my teeth sore. Plus, I don't want to choke on anything in my sleep... still looking for something in the meantime.

 

[Rezten]

6 minutes ago, StayHopeful said:

 

 

I've had several dental problems, during psych med use, withdrawal and with a mouthguard.

 

When I was taking my psych meds, I began clenching and grinding really bad. I'd do it during my sleep, I didn't know it, because I had no symptoms at all when I woke. I did notice constant dry mouth and would drink more liquids when I ate and chewed sugarless gum to help. I always took care of my teeth and saw my dentist regularly.  I'd had a couple root canals, but she didn't mention that I had any problems with my teeth when I had checkups or cleanings. During Covid, she retired, but since I took care of my teeth, I figured it wasn't a problem, I'd find a new one once places opened up again.

 

Once I started tapering, I started having cheek, TMJ and tooth pain. I felt electric shocks and sensitivity in all my teeth, even in previously treated ones, gum soreness, and I had copious thick saliva. My bite felt off, like my teeth had shifted and my jaw started popping when I yawned or ate. I got a mouthguard - boil and form type, to wear at night to see if it would help. It did a little but then it made it worse.

 

I found a good dentist and found out that one tooth was cracked in half, and one was very infected, my teeth were traumatized and had been worn down by the grinding, and I'd developed TMJ disorder. I was told that I should have had some pain with all this (long before tapering), but I didn't. I got both the cracked and infected tooth taken care of, and I suspect that my symptoms were somehow masked by the meds while I was on them. 

I've been to several dental specialists over the last several months and had more procedures done too. I honestly don't know if I needed them, but the pain was excruciating, nothing helped, and I was desperate. All the exams and x-rays would come back normal, and I couldn't tell the difference between WD induced pain or an actual problem.

 

Now, I have a sporadic dull ache in my cheeks and TMJ (which occasionally pops), it's hard to chew sometimes, and tooth pain still comes and goes in different areas. Mostly, I'm learning to cope with all of it, sometimes taking Motrin or Tylenol when it's bad and I get anything checked out that goes beyond what I'm currently experiencing.  I'm encouraged that it's not as bad as it was and hopefully as I heal, any pain will continue to get better or go away. What I need to fix my TMJ disorder is too expensive for me to afford, but with a good mouthguard, I can avert more damage and minimize pain. I'm also saving for a custom, soft mouthguard from my dentist. 

 

                                                           *As for the mouthguard, one size doesn't fit all. Use caution!*

The guard I bought was a boil and mold type, to fit on the upper teeth. It was soft and had a firm outer material and soft pliable inner material that molded around the teeth. It sat in a plastic tray for boiling, molding and fitting. The instructions had me expand the guard to fit the width of my arch, after boiling and before I put it in my mouth, by squeezing two prongs at the front of plastic tray in the middle, which flared out the width at the back of the guard. However, after it was molded and cooled, the firm outer material didn't keep the expanded shape. At first it helped a little, but the more I wore it, I started becoming really sore. I realized, it kept trying to go back to its original shape as I slept, causing tight pressure from the sides, pulling inward on my teeth, exacerbating my problems. I went through a couple different types in an effort to just keep the teeth apart, but they were too hard, which also made my teeth sore. Plus, I don't want to choke on anything in my sleep... still looking for something in the meantime.

 

Hi, thanks for getting back to me.  You certainly have had a lot to deal with and being in WD, it's so hard. I'm sorry.

 

When I was in acute WD I had one of those boil and mold mouth guards. I was too sick to go to the dentist to get a good one, I couldn't get out of bed, so indeed one of those from Amazon. My dentist said thats what caused my Bite to be off. My teeth have shifted so much I can only chew on one side and can't really bite into anything.  Although I suspect ebmzo use may have relaxed my muscles so much everything changed, but who knows.

 

I have a good mouth guard now, but having pain from a recent crown. Very sensitive to hot and cold so I'm guessing I will have to have a root canal now and I'm super scared.  Health anxiety.  

[StayHopeful]

@Rezten

 

I'm sorry you've gone through so much dentally too. I agree about the mouthguard, the cheap ones only make things worse. I'm sticking to softer foods now, because anything else either makes my teeth sore, or outright hurts... but I'm grateful that at least I can eat.

 

I'd give your new crown a little more time, a couple weeks maybe. A lady I worked with, got one and it took a while for the sensitivity to calm down. She stuck to room temp food and liquids, yucky I know, but she ended up not needing a root canal. That might help...

[Rezten]

4 minutes ago, StayHopeful said:

@Rezten

 

I'm sorry you've gone through so much dentally too. I agree about the mouthguard, the cheap ones only make things worse. I'm sticking to softer foods now, because anything else either makes my teeth sore, or outright hurts... but I'm grateful that at least I can eat.

 

I'd give your new crown a little more time, a couple weeks maybe. A lady I worked with, got one and it took a while for the sensitivity to calm down. She stuck to room temp food and liquids, yucky I know, but she ended up not needing a root canal. That might help...

It's been about 3 weeks and still pretty bad, but I did read it can take up 6 months for some.  So maybe I'll just give it more time.

 

Thanks, for the advice, I hope things get better for you

[StayHopeful]

@Rezten

 

Thank you! and You're Welcome!  I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that your tooth starts to calm down very soon. 🙏   Since the mouthguard caused your bite to be off, did your dentist say there was anything you could do to correct it? Maybe some other sort of appliance to slowly shift them back?

 

[Rezten]

1 minute ago, StayHopeful said:

@Rezten

 

Thank you! and You're Welcome!  I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that your tooth starts to calm down very soon. 🙏   Since the mouthguard caused your bite to be off, did your dentist say there was anything you could do to correct it? Maybe some other sort of appliance to slowly shift them back?

 

It would cost upwards of $6,000. To fix.  With orthodontia and some other stuff.  I cant afford that so I ust have to deal with it.  I know of one person the benzos caused her bite to shift, I think because of relaxing the muscles and she had to have Invisalign to fix it.

[StayHopeful]

😡 It really irritates me that dentistry cost so much and isn't covered by medical insurance.

I've heard people say that it's because it's considered "Elective", which to me doesn't make sense. Teeth and dental health are important to a person's quality of life and overall health. 

 

 

[Callietallie]

Glad to know I'm not alone. I've known for the past almost 10 years that Lexapro was causing the teeth grinding and is one of the reasons I went off. But having sensitivity and issues 2 years off, is so frustrating.  And my new holistic dentist is very kind and gentle with my anxiety, so I am grateful for that.

Other thoughts:

 

TMJ -- yes, it's not covered under dental because it's a "jaw" thing, but not covered under medical because it's a "mouth" thing.  Super frustrating.

Root canals -- I would do some research on them. There is a documentary called "Root Cause" I think. Basically the root canal fills the entire root structure and leaves a dead tooth in your mouth. The problem is because teeth are actually microscopically porous, there is no way to completely remove all the bacteria and they become a breeding ground for anerobic bacteria, which can cause health problems down the line -- autoimmune issues, cancer, etc. I will never have another one. If a tooth gets to that point, I will go straight to extraction.

Since my post I started follow Medical Medium protocols and did a 9 day cleanse and my symptoms are much improved. He is controversial as he has no medical credentials. He claims to have received guidance from a spiritual source. He claims that TMJ/tooth issues are related to shingles. If you are unaware, shingles is caused by the chickenpox virus which lies dormant in your body and can flare as shingles. He claims it can flare in ways that don't produce the typical shingles rash. I looked back through my records and I first started seeing a TMJ specialist about 10 years ago about 3 months after I had a shingles outbreak. So, I am following his protocols for shingles, and, as I mentioned I am so much better.  Coincidence?  I don't know. How it relates (or not) to SSRI withdrawal, again, I don't know. My theory is that my body is weakened after going through withdrawals, and that is a weak spot for me that flared. 

Hoping you both find a solution and things calm down for you.

[StayHopeful]

@Callietallie

 

Thanks for the info! ☺️ I was wondering how or why insurance is separated for dental (vision too). I figured they just think that we can live without them and still function. I'll have to do more research on the rest of the information you shared. 

 

 

[JimB73]

Hi all,

 

I didn't get great traction on my Introduction post, so thought I'd ask a targeted question here.

 

I am currently suffering from ongoing withdrawal for almost a year... While some of the symptoms have markedly improved, the major issues that remain are TMJ-type jaw pain, and other symptoms that could possibly be explained by TMJ (tinnitus, ear fullness, dizziness, and headaches).

 

For those that have suffered something similar: why does withdrawal sometimes manifest as TMJ-type illness? Is it as simple as saying discontinuing antidepressants causes jaw-clenching and grinding, which leads to TMJ? As most other withdrawal symptoms seem neurological in nature, is there a neurological mechanism that could explain the TMJ, or some entirely different mechanism?

 

Did any of you second-guess your self-diagnosis of withdrawal syndrome, and speculate that TMJ was actually the cause of all of your symptoms?

 

[Altostrata]

@JimB73 please see the discussion above.

 

Please use search before starting new topics in the Symptoms forum.

[Tulip52]

After reading through this thread the “allergy” symptoms that I can’t seem to get rid of for the last few weeks/months is possibly withdrawal symptoms.  Fullness in right ear, dizziness, occasional ear pain in both ears, painful sinuses, pain behind eyes, nasal blockage when I lay down, occasional pain in teeth and gums.

 

I’m afraid to take antihistamines bc I don’t want my nervous system to take a hit.  What are you guys doing for this?

[Rezten]

6 minutes ago, Tulip52 said:

After reading through this thread the “allergy” symptoms that I can’t seem to get rid of for the last few weeks/months is possibly withdrawal symptoms.  Fullness in right ear, dizziness, occasional ear pain in both ears, painful sinuses, pain behind eyes, nasal blockage when I lay down, occasional pain in teeth and gums.

 

I’m afraid to take antihistamines bc I don’t want my nervous system to take a hit.  What are you guys doing for this?

I dont have allergies and have had most of those symptoms, and sometimes still do. I have found nothing but time has helped.  There is no quick fix for withdrawal.  

[Tulip52]

1 minute ago, Rezten said:

I dont have allergies and have had most of those symptoms, and sometimes still do. I have found nothing but time has helped.  There is no quick fix for withdrawal.  

Do you take medication when it’s at its worse?  I afraid I will mess things up with antihistamines or nasal sprays but I can’t stay like this either. 🤷‍♀️ 

[Rezten]

1 minute ago, Tulip52 said:

Do you take medication when it’s at its worse?  I afraid I will mess things up with antihistamines or nasal sprays but I can’t stay like this either. 🤷‍♀️ 

No, I dont take anything.  It wasn't from allergies so an antihistamine wouldn't help and potentially make things worse.  I just had to deal with it.  When Withdrawal first started for me, I was so sick physically I hardly left my bed for a year or so.  Everyone is different and recover quicker than others, but what I found was I just had to find a way to get through every long minute of the day.

[Tulip52]

Do you think it would be a bad idea to use antihistamines?