In my article, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (Part 4), I have mentioned some of the side effects I have experienced with medications. One thing I forgot to mention is ever since I stopped taking Amitryriptyline (a.k.a Elival), I no longer suffer from heartburn. I would go through a bottle of Tums in a week. One doctor even put me on another prescription to take care of the heartburn. Unbelievable! My latest experience is with Ativan (Lorazepam). I went to a dentist because I was experiencing pain in a tooth above and below the gum line. Shortly after my dental visit I stopped taking Ativan because I broke out in a rash, which is a side effect of the drug. Then I began experiencing gum pain above around other teeth. When I referred to my Patient Prescription Information sheet, I discovered gum pain is a side effect of this drug. Then I did further research on Ativan. I discovered toothaches and gum pain is a sign of Ativan withdrawal. After not taking Ativan for about a week, the tooth and gum pain subsided. I was on this medication for only two weeks and already was experiencing withdrawals.
During my time of pain, I found a dental office, Aspen Dental, who offered free exams and x-rays for those without dental insurance. I completed my patient information sheet, noting I had Chronic PTSD and was on Ativan to control the anxiety. The dentist asked me what PTSD was. Right there, I should have walked out. Then to find out she did not even relate my tooth and gum pain to the Ativan. I realize at that time I was not aware of this either, but I am not a doctor.
Until this experience, I never knew there were any medications that could cause tooth and gum pain. Dentists are the professionals who should know what medications could cause tooth and gum pain, which may not be related to an infected tooth as what I was being told. The dentist was about to put me on an antibiotic until I was able to see the Endodontist they referred, but could not because I am allergic to them. She did prescribe me Acetaminophen with Codeine 3 for the pain, but it caused me additional anxiety I clearly did not need.
