Reboxetine: An Alternative for Induced Bruxism

Acute stimulation of 5HT2A receptors in the basal ganglia has been proven to cause changes in motor movements because of serotoninergic inhibition of dopamine neurotransmission in those receptors. Therefore, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and other antidepressives with a strong effect on serotonine levels, such as venlafaxine, can cause akathisia, psychomotor retardation and even minor parkinsonian and distonic movements.¹ The purpose of this letter is to report two cases of wakeful bruxism associated with venlafaxine treatment in which subsequent cessation of venlafaxine and introduction of reboxetine marked a reduction of reported bruxism.