The effectiveness of adding pharmacologic treatment with clonazepam or cyclobenzaprine to patient education and self-care for the treatment of jaw pain upon awakening: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Aims: To compare the relative effectiveness of a benzodiazepine (clonazepam), a muscle relaxant (cyclobenzaprine), and a placebo for the treatment of jaw pain upon awakening, when each is combined with the recommended nonpharmacological components of initial medical management.

Methods: Forty-one subjects were recruited with a diagnosis of myofascial pain based on the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). All subjects were given education about TMD and a self-care program. Subjects were randomized into 1 of 3 groups: clonazepam (0.5 mg/night), cyclobenzaprine (10 mg/night), or placebo. The primary outcome measure was the subjects' average intensity of jaw pain upon awakening over the prior week. This was recorded with a visual analog scale at pretreatment and at the completion of the 3-week trial. A secondary outcome measure was sleep quality based on the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index.

Results: Within-group changes showed a statistically significant (P < .001) decrease in jaw pain upon awakening for all 3 groups. Between-group differences demonstrated a statistically significant difference (P < .016) between cyclobenzaprine and placebo, and between cyclobenzaprine and clonazepam. There was no significant effect on sleep quality in any group.

Conclusion: This study suggests that cyclobenzaprine is statistically superior to either placebo or clonazepam when added to self-care and education for the management of jaw pain upon awakening. Based on the subjects' report of sleep quality, these medications failed to significantly improve sleep in the short term.