Paxil side effect

Since starting paxil I began grinding my teeth and biting the
inside of my mouth.  My tongue has also become very sensitive.
My dentist told me, after looking up paxil in his medical book, that paxil could be the cause of this since it can cause swelling of the mouth and tongue; and grinding of the teeth.
Now my husband tells me that I gasp for breath while I'm sleeping
This too has started just recently and I am wondering if this
could also be an effect of Paxil with the swelling of my
mouth.  I appreciate anything you can tell me. Thanks

Deb

[HFHS MD-JM]

Deb,

   Glossitis(swelling/inflamation of the tongue) and bruxism(grinding of the teeth) are infrequent events that have been associated with Paxil.  This conditons may cause some airway obstuction resulting in you gasping for breath.  I suggest that you discontinue the Paxil and notify your treating physician of these problems.  Generally these issues resolve with cessation of the offending agent.  Please follow up with your personal physician.

Sincerely,

HFHS MD-JM

Keywords: Paxil, bruxism, glossitis

[Deb]

HFHS MD-JM
Thank you for your answer, my doctor hadn't heard of this side
effect with Paxil but left it up to me if I wanted to continue
taking the Paxil or wanted to go off the Paxil gradually.  After your answer I think I will go off this medication and see if that takes care of my sleeping problems.

Thanks again, Deb