06 May 6 Medications That Cause Bruxism as a Side Effect
Are you waking up with a sore jaw, tension headaches, or sensitive teeth? Your first instinct might be to blame stress. But what if the culprit is actually sitting in your medicine cabinet? A surprising number of commonly prescribed drugs are known to cause bruxism (teeth grinding) as a side effect.
Chronic teeth grinding can actually be very harmful. It wears down the enamel, leaving your teeth vulnerable to cavities and fractures. It also puts a lot of strain on the jaw joint, which can cause tension headaches and TMJ disorders. If you’re taking any of the medications listed below, let your dentist know.
Six Types of Medication That May Cause Teeth Grinding
1. Antidepressants
Bruxism is a well-documented side effect in people who take prescription antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)—such as fluoxetine, sertraline, and escitalopram—affect dopamine pathways in ways that can trigger involuntary jaw muscle activity. SNRIs like venlafaxine carry a similar risk.
2. ADHD Medications
Teeth grinding can also be a side effect of ADHD medications. Stimulants like amphetamine salts (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin) increase dopamine and norepinephrine activity. This effect can cause muscle tension throughout the body, including the jaw. Children and adults who take these medications may develop bruxism, especially during peak medication hours.
3. Anti-Anxiety Medications
Here’s a somewhat counterintuitive one: although bruxism is often a side effect of anxiety, some anti-anxiety medications can cause bruxism as well. Buspirone, for example, has been associated with jaw clenching. And while benzodiazepines can help tense muscles relax, abrupt discontinuation can trigger rebound tension and teeth grinding.
4. Antipsychotics
Bruxism is a common side effect of antipsychotic medications, as well. Both first- and second-generation antipsychotics, including haloperidol and risperidone, are linked to bruxism. Like antidepressants, they also trigger jaw clenching because of the way they interact with dopamine receptors.
5. Sleep Aids
Some prescription sleep aids, especially those that work on the central nervous system, are associated with night bruxism. This is problematic, because it is an unconscious behavior and damage can accumulate for months before any noticeable signs appear.
6. Blood Pressure Medications
Some of the calcium channel blockers prescribed for hypertension can also induce bruxism. The cause is unclear, but medications that affect the cardiovascular or nervous systems can sometimes lead to unexpected jaw muscle activity.
Preventing and Treating Bruxism
You can’t stop taking your medications, but you can take steps to reduce the negative side effects of bruxism.
Tell your dentist about all the medications you’re currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and vitamin supplements. Bruxism is far more common than most people realize, because it rarely gets mentioned as a side effect of medications. If you think you might be grinding your teeth, don’t wait until the damage is visible or the pain is keeping you up at night.
At Prescott Dentistry, we can help repair and prevent the damage caused by bruxism. A custom-fitted mouthguard can protect your teeth while you sleep, and holistic remedies can help you fight bruxism without adding more medicines to the mix.
Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
Photo by Christina Victoria Craft on Unsplash with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 3/11/26.