Background: Symptoms consistent with bruxism are a common chief complaint in 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 reported in a man with bipolar disorder that developed a few days after he initiated venlafaxine therapy for depression. The patient's psychiatrist prescribed gabapentin for anxiety symptoms, and shortly thereafter the man experienced a complete resolution of the bruxism.
Clinical implications: On the basis of this case and the available literature, the authors conclude that bruxism secondary to antidepressant therapy may be common. Thus, dentists should inquire about the use of these medications in patients who have bruxism. Gabapentin may offer promise in the treatment of this condition.