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Why Does Concerta Make You Grind Your Teeth?

Concerta is a drug primarily prescribed to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is a central nervous stimulant. Teeth grinding, clinically called "bruxism," is usually an unconscious habit of clenching the jaw and grinding teeth together. Bruxism is most commonly caused by anxiety and stress, but it is a side effect of some psychiatric medications.

  1. Drug Information

    • According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Concerta is classified as a stimulant similar to amphetamine. These stimulants are some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs. Stimulants increase energy and elevate mood, but can also cause or worsen bruxism, according to the Mayo Clinic. Stimulants work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, which can lead to bruxism.

    The Facts: Bruxism

    • Bruxism, characterized by jaw clenching and teeth grinding, can cause worn, flattened or chipped teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, headaches and chronic facial pain. Severe cases can lead to temporomandibular disorders (TMJ), which can result in "problems opening and closing the jaw, eating, speaking and other facial movements," according to the Mayo Clinic. Bruxism is an unconscious disorder, meaning individuals are not aware they are doing it, and often occurs during sleep.

    Frequency

    • A 2007 study by Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development was conducted to determine the effectiveness of Concerta in treating adults with ADHD. Results showed that Concerta offered "significant improvements in ADHD symptom management compared to adults taking placebo," according to Medical News Today. The study also evaluated side effects of Concerta and found that of the 229 adults aged 18 to 65 who received Concerta instead of a placebo, 6.4 percent reported bruxism as a side effect.

    Treatments

    • If Concerta is causing the bruxism, the patient's physician may want to try a different drug to control her ADHD. If that is not in the patient's best interest or doesn't work, several treatment options are available for bruxism. Dentists probably will recommend splints, hard acrylic devises that fit over the teeth, or mouth guards, rubber pieces that fit in the mouth and prevent clenching and grinding. Splints are more expensive than mouth guards, but are only available through a dentist. Mouth guards are available over the counter or custom made by a dentist.

    Warning

    • Concerta is a Schedule 2 drug and has a high potential for abuse. NIDA considers abuse to include taking drugs that are prescribed to someone else, taking more than the prescribed amount or taking the drug in a manner it is not intended (i.e., crushing pills and snorting them). High levels of Concerta produce effects similar to those of cocaine and taking higher levels than prescribed can increase risk of side effects, including bruxism.

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