Medications can cause involuntary jaw movements, which can be concerning. Understanding this link helps individuals recognize symptoms and seek medical guidance.
Recognizing Involuntary Jaw Movements
Involuntary jaw movements can manifest in various ways. One common type is bruxism, characterized by repetitive teeth grinding or jaw clenching. Bruxism symptoms include headaches, facial pain, especially in the morning, sore jaw muscles, earaches, pain while eating, or difficulty fully opening and closing the mouth. Bruxism can occur during waking hours or subconsciously during sleep, sometimes leading to worn-down teeth or dental damage.
Another form of involuntary movement is tardive dyskinesia (TD), which involves repetitive, uncontrollable movements primarily affecting the face, mouth, tongue, and jaw. TD signs include lip smacking, puckering, or pursing, grimacing, or repetitive chewing motions. Individuals might also exhibit rapid eye blinking, tongue thrusting or protrusion, and jaw swinging. These movements can extend to other body parts, such as the limbs or trunk, and may be subtle initially before becoming more pronounced.
Medications That Can Cause Jaw Movements
Several types of medications can cause involuntary jaw movements. Older “first-generation” antipsychotics, such as haloperidol or chlorpromazine, commonly cause tardive dyskinesia. While newer “second-generation” antipsychotics, like risperidone and olanzapine, generally carry a lower risk, they can still contribute to these movements. These medications are prescribed for conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions.
Certain antidepressants, especially Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), and venlafaxine (Effexor), are commonly associated with bruxism or jaw clenching. Some antidepressants, including amoxapine, trazodone, and fluoxetine, have also been reported to cause tardive dyskinesia. The onset of bruxism with antidepressants typically occurs within 3-4 weeks of starting or adjusting the medication.
Anti-nausea medication metoclopramide is linked to tardive dyskinesia. The risk of developing these movements with metoclopramide increases with higher doses and longer treatment durations, particularly when used for more than 12 weeks. Stimulant medications, frequently prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) like Adderall and Ritalin, can also induce bruxism. Illicit stimulants such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and ecstasy are also known to trigger teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
How Medications Affect Jaw Control
Medications can influence jaw control by altering the balance and function of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Dopamine and serotonin are key neurotransmitters involved in regulating mood and movement. Many drugs, particularly antipsychotics and anti-nausea medications, work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. This blocking action can disrupt the brain’s normal control over muscle movement, leading to conditions like tardive dyskinesia.
SSRIs primarily affect serotonin levels, but this can indirectly influence dopamine pathways. Some theories suggest SSRIs might cause bruxism by suppressing dopamine levels, as dopamine helps inhibit certain movements, including jaw clenching. The common thread involves the disruption of neurotransmitter systems that coordinate muscle activity and movement control.
Addressing and Managing Jaw Movements
Individuals experiencing involuntary jaw movements while on medication should consult a healthcare professional. Do not discontinue medication without medical advice, as this could worsen the underlying condition. A doctor can evaluate symptoms, determine if they are drug-induced, and review the current medication regimen.
Management strategies include adjusting the medication dosage or switching to an alternative drug less likely to cause these side effects. For tardive dyskinesia caused by antipsychotics, switching from a first-generation to a second-generation antipsychotic may be considered. New medications specifically approved for TD, such as valbenazine or deutetrabenazine, might also be prescribed. For bruxism, adding another medication like buspirone has shown success in some cases of SSRI-induced clenching.
Supportive therapies can manage symptoms. For bruxism, a custom mouthguard can protect teeth from damage caused by grinding and clenching. Stress management techniques may also be beneficial, as stress can exacerbate bruxism. In some situations, botulinum toxin injections into jaw muscles have been used to reduce the intensity of involuntary movements. Early intervention for drug-induced movements can improve outcomes and potentially prevent symptoms from becoming permanent.