hi there, please read this! - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

cute_lil_bmw · 10-11-2002, 06:32 AM

Hi there, im fairly new to this, I just got diagnosed the other day by my dentist, after being made to feel like crap by all the docs and neuros etc.
My dog head butted me yesterday and it set it all off again, my jaw on both sides felt like they had been ripped apart and put back together wrong. I used a moist tea towel warmed in the microwave for 40 secs and applied four times to each side. It eventually went then the temple pain on my tmj side set in, so I used ice. Had a warm bath and went to bed. I was waking every 10-15 mins all last night, I woke clenching my jaw all night. I felt like I was asleep, but I wasnt as I could hear everything around me and all night I kept looking at the clock. I think I have panic attacks in the night, which is exacerbated by the pain. DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVE PANIC ATTACKS ETC, AND /OR CAUSED BY THE PAIN. Im thinking of taking some valium tonight, the only problem is im taking 75mcgs of clonidine a night. Does anyone know if these will make me soooo drouzy that it will make me clench more?? I feel like my jaw is doing overtime when I talk too much or laugh loads. Can anyone suggest anything or know about these meds.?
I havent had many replies to my last post? IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE BESIDES ME??

HELPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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changpau · 10-11-2002, 08:12 AM

Hi, Well, I don't know anything about the panic attacks but do know how it feels to be butted in the face and jaw by my dogs, I have 4 chows. I would alternate moist heat and ice. I believe the time limits is 15 min. As for the meds having an interaction, You can call your doctors office or better yet the pharmacy where you get your RX's filled; they should be able to tell you what you can and cannot use. Hope this helps.
Take care,
Paulette

*Cat* · 10-11-2002, 09:01 AM

Hi

I'm sorry you are having a rough time, trust me I understand.....I think everyone on this board does too.

I would definately call your pharmacy like the above poster mentioned. But, call your doctor or dentist too. Maybe they can give you a mouth guard to prevent the clenching and grinding. My dentist gave me the NTI and it has really helped me with grinding, since it doesn't allow me to grind.

I have panic attacks. I had them before getting TMJ disorder, and this doesn't help them. Try to do some stress relief type activities. For me yoga helps, for you it could be taking a long bath, going to the gym, reading, etc. I really do understand!!

Let us know what you find out!

Goodluck

Cat

Elaine · 10-11-2002, 11:30 AM

Ditto, check with your pharmacist. Drug interactions can be a killer.(See Brens thread) I take Lorazapam, (I think it is like valium) to relax me enough to be able to sleep, sometimes I still wake up with a headache but not as often. Without them, I lay awake all night and still have a headache from being exhausted. I don't think I am clenching as much taking this med, as I don't have "quite" as many headaches in the morning. Vicious cycle, round and round we go!!!
Take care,
Elaine

amachristian · 10-14-2002, 11:18 PM

Hi, I also have a panic disorder and have noticed that anxiety does bring on tension, and tension can cause me to clench my teeth or grind them at night. My doctor has me on xanax. I take one before bed time and it helps me to relax more. i also read that xanax, along with working with the brain in some way, relaxes the scull muscles. I also try to concentrate on falling asleep with my mouth relaxed and slightly open. It doesn't always work, but sometimes, it does help.
Like everyone else here said, call your doctor / dentist for things they can help you with, but absolutely call a pharmicist about the med situation. When it comes to meds. they know so much more than doctors or dentists do because that's their field of study. I call my parmicist every time a doctor gives me a new precription just to find out all I can about it because those little 'med iformation papers' you get with a prescrition don't always tell the why's and where for's about the med.
I wish you well and hope you feel better soon!
God's love be with you and yours,
amachristian