Expert: Eric Brandt - 3/25/2009

Question
Hello!  I have a problem: I am currently on 20 mg. Citalopram (Celexa) p/day for depression, but am experiencing awful, awful jaw clenching and jaw pain, as well as moderate constipation.  Aside from these side effects, this medication has worked for me.  But I cannot go on with the side effects, especially the jaw pain...it is simply horrible.  I am wondering if you know of several other antidepressants (relatively inexpensive, that has been around a while) that are of another class of antidepressants than Citalopram that would not have the side effects of jaw clenching/pain and constipation.  Thank you so very much!  Any information you can give me would be so very helpful!  I appreciate you!

Answer
Hi Alice,
I have checked the side effect profile of most commonly used antidepressants. They all have potentila to affect gums or teeth to some extent. You may need to try them anywat to see if the alternatives also affect you that way. The laternative thay may cause this the least may be Wellbutrin.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm