Trazodone Treatment of Bruxism in a Patient With Severe Dementia

Objectives: The objective of this study was to report the effectiveness of trazodone for treatment of bruxism in dementia.

Methods: A single case study of a 66-year-old man with severe vascular dementia and awake bruxism was performed.

Results: The patient's bruxism responded robustly to titration of trazodone. He tolerated the medication with no untoward sedation or other adverse effects.

Conclusions: Bruxism is occasionally encountered in patients with advanced dementia and raises concerns about nutritional compromise and about potential need for poorly tolerated dental treatment. Trazodone may potentially be effective for bruxism in some patients.