Antidepressant Advice — Are There Any Safe ADs with Tinnitus I Could Talk About with My Doctor?

[jadebug]

Hello everyone it's me again. I can't seem to get off of this forum, but I need advice and you guys are the only ones I really trust since doctors seem to know nothing about this condition- well at least psychiatrists. I started some talking therapy today and although it didn't help much at all especially since she didn't really seem to get the tinnitus issue, which is my main problem at the moment. Or maybe it's actually the anxiety and depression. I'm just not sure what to do.

First of all I'm on Xanax at the moment .25mg three times a day. I don't really think it's doing much for me.

Both my therapist and psychiatrist think I should be on an AD desperately but I'm scared and reluctant since I think my major tinnitus increase came from taking Lexapro an SSRI.

Are there any safe ADs with tinnitus I could talk about with my doctor next appointment?

I really want to do without them but I feel like it's impossible. I'm too depressed. Even without tinnitus I felt hopeless and just like I don't belong and it feels like T has just taken away any happy moments I used to get at all (at least temporarily).

My head and judgment are clouded by these negative feelings. I just don't know what to do. I cycle through trying to keep positive and feeling soul-crushing depression. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Dana]

@jadebug
I obtained results with Rivotril, made in Germany by the company Roche. Rivotril is just the brand name, the substance is Clonazepam. An equivalent of this medicine is Klonopin, available in USA. Rivotril is a medicine given in psichiatric hospitals, but it's not classified as an AD, it's a benzo. It helps with the depression and especially with the anxiety, though. Take it only in the evening, it will make you sleepy. Some people got T when they stopped this benzo, so when you will want to stop taking it you must do it little by little. I had to stop it cold turkey because of lack of supply and i am still alive, but i have to endure the spikes.

 

[Greg Sacramento]

We all know that smoking cigarettes is bad for your health, but Xanax Alprazolam and some of the others are killed 100% by smoking. Always after a few days use. A taper still needs to be done when quitting these drugs, but it can be done quicker with less side effects. So the Xanax Alprazolam withdrawal won't kill you, but the effects of smoking just might someday.

Another way to taper is to add GABA, but too much will do the reverse and overload your brain even more. Professional studies on this support the use of GABA, but I haven't found out much of mg taken daily is considered an overload. Also with Xanax you can slowing switch to Valium which is safer to taper, but that would require a very long taper.

To be clear, you must be a smoker before you start taking the first pill. If you start smoking anytime after your starting point of one of these drugs, then it like quitting the drug cold turkey. So you also can't start smoking to do a taper, because that will stop the withdrawal cold turkey.

http://bluelight.org/vb/archive/index.php/t-446477.html

http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/bzsched.htm#s1

 

[glynis]

Going on a AD med should help you !
You need to make sure the one you have does these things-

Helps Anxiety
Helps Sleep
Helps depression.
Better for tinnitus sufferers

The only ones I know of are
Nortryptaline
Amitryptaline

Love glynis

 

[Paulmanlike]

Remeron (Mirtizipine) is one that does not list T as a side effect.

30-45mg is the AD dose

15mg will knock you out so take before bed a couple of hours at least

It's a funny medicine, the smaller the dose the greater it knocks you out.

Been on them all, I think I'm resistant to them now.

The SSRI's are first line treatments because they are the Cheapest and safest but mirtizipine is second line only because of the cost.

 

[jadebug]

Going on a AD med should help you !
You need to make sure the one you have does these things-

Helps Anxiety
Helps Sleep
Helps depression.
Better for tinnitus sufferers

The only ones I know of are
Nortryptaline
Amitryptaline

Love glynis

Thank you Glynis! I will bring these up with my doctor.

Have you ever heard of anyone having an increase in their T after taking these?

And do you think since I most likely had an adverse reaction to lexapro it would be more likely for me to experience a permanent worsening of my T from another AD?

I know your not a doctor and this is a choice I have to make myself but I feel like I need a little guidance or at least someone's opinion on the matter.

 

[jadebug]

Remeron (Mirtizipine) is one that does not list T as a side effect.

30-45mg is the AD dose

15mg will knock you out so take before bed a couple of hours at least

It's a funny medicine, the smaller the dose the greater it knocks you out.

Been on them all, I think I'm resistant to them now.

The SSRI's are first line treatments because they are the Cheapest and safest but mirtizipine is second line only because of the cost.

Thanks! I've heard of this one too! I'm just terrified it would affect my T negatively in a permanent way since lexapro an SSRI really gave me an increase that I'm still dealing with three months later.

 

[glynis]

Any antidepressants can spike tinnitus until your brain adapts to the meds and then should settle.
I started Nortryptaline last year as my tinnitus is sever in both ears but also last year I had it in my head and could not function at all and d I did not want to live like that and in a dark place.
Could not sleep,eat,walk straight and had to take 6 weeks off work on top of my six weeks holidays.
It was this time last year.
I had a week in hospital for scans ,CAT scan,Angiography,MR scans ,lumbar puncture etc and more ....

My own doctor looked into Nortryptaline for me and said it could help me if my signals were misfiring .
I can never thank him enough as it stopped my head tinnitus and took away a deep drone sound but still have tinnitus in both ears due to Menieres and hearing loss.
Love glynis

 

[butterfly75]

Something other than an SSRI might be the best option. Ask your psychiatrist about tricyclic antidepressants (like others have mentioned: Pamelor, Elavil, Remeron.) Tricyclic antidepressants were used a few decades ago mostly. SSRI's are used these days most of the time because they have less minor side effects like dry mouth etc. Benzos really helped my anxiety, but antidepressants are better for long-term of course. I hope whatever you end up taking helps

 

[jadebug]

Any antidepressants can spike tinnitus until your brain adapts to the meds and then should settle.
I started Nortryptaline last year as my tinnitus is sever in both ears but also last year I had it in my head and could not function at all and d I did not want to live like that and in a dark place.
Could not sleep,eat,walk straight and had to take 6 weeks off work on top of my six weeks holidays.
It was this time last year.
I had a week in hospital for scans ,CAT scan,Angiography,MR scans ,lumbar puncture etc and more ....

My own doctor looked into Nortryptaline for me and said it could help me if my signals were misfiring .
I can never thank him enough as it stopped my head tinnitus and took away a deep drone sound but still have tinnitus in both ears due to Menieres and hearing loss.
Love glynis

Thank you again so much! This really helps. Head tinnitus seems to be my problem right now as well. I'll report back and let everyone know how it goes! Wishing you the best Glynis thanks for always being here for everyone we really appreciate you!

 

[jadebug]

Something other than an SSRI might be the best option. Ask your psychiatrist about tricyclic antidepressants (like others have mentioned: Pamelor, Elavil, Remeron.) Tricyclic antidepressants were used a few decades ago mostly. SSRI's are used these days most of the time because they have less minor side effects like dry mouth etc. Benzos really helped my anxiety, but antidepressants are better for long-term of course. I hope whatever you end up taking helps

That's what I was thinking too! I really want to stay away from the SSRIs. I'm taking xanax right now to get me through this rough patch but it doesn't feel like it calms me down enough or really much at all. Which benzo did you end up taking and what was the dose? .25 of xanax three times a day feels like it does nothing for me.

 

[butterfly75]

That's what I was thinking too! I really want to stay away from the SSRIs. I'm taking xanax right now to get me through this rough patch but it doesn't feel like it calms me down enough or really much at all. Which benzo did you end up taking and what was the dose? .25 of xanax three times a day feels like it does nothing for me.

I took Klonopin .5 mg. My psychiatrist prescribed it for twice a day but I only took it whenever I felt anxious. I don't have it anymore though because my mom thinks it's too addictive. I took Xanax .5 mg for a panic attack in the past and I thought it was much stronger than Klonopin. Klonopin really helped me, though. And it lasts all day so you don't have to keep taking it when you feel the anxiety rising up again. I stopped taking the SSRI I was taking because of other side effects (more intense depression, depersonalization etc.)

 

[jadebug]

I took Klonopin .5 mg. My psychiatrist prescribed it for twice a day but I only took it whenever I felt anxious. I don't have it anymore though because my mom thinks it's too addictive. I took Xanax .5 mg for a panic attack in the past and I thought it was much stronger than Klonopin. Klonopin really helped me, though. And it lasts all day so you don't have to keep taking it when you feel the anxiety rising up again. I stopped taking the SSRI I was taking because of other side effects (more intense depression, depersonalization etc.)

Thanks! Maybe I need .5mg of xanax then. I'm just afraid of the addiction and withdrawal issues with benzos but I was in such a bad place my doctor said that I'd be fine with such a low dose for a short time while we decide what AD would be best. How are you doing now with T? I've been having so many rough patches.

 

[butterfly75]

Thanks! Maybe I need .5mg of xanax then. I'm just afraid of the addiction and withdrawal issues with benzos but I was in such a bad place my doctor said that I'd be fine with such a low dose for a short time while we decide what AD would be best. How are you doing now with T? I've been having so many rough patches.

Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. Taking the Xanax until you and your doctor decide which AD is best. Anxiety and panic attacks can feel intolerable when they're severe so it's good you have something to help you and keep you calm before you start taking the AD. .5 mg may be a better idea, but you don't want to build a tolerance of course, like you said. The next time you see your psychiatrist, you should ask him/her about it though.

I'm in a similar situation as you Antidepressants just made me feel worse though sadly, so I'm just trying to distract myself with things.

 

[jadebug]

Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. Taking the Xanax until you and your doctor decide which AD is best. Anxiety and panic attacks can feel intolerable when they're severe so it's good you have something to help you and keep you calm before you start taking the AD. .5 mg may be a better idea, but you don't want to build a tolerance of course, like you said. The next time you see your psychiatrist, you should ask him/her about it though.

I'm in a similar situation as you Antidepressants just made me feel worse though sadly, so I'm just trying to distract myself with things.

Yeah the .5mg might be just what I need. I also think the AD would be good but I'm so scared to even try. But I'm just gonna hope for the best.

I think I remember you saying you've had T for a few years or so is it an increase that is bothering you now or you just can't seem to habituate? I'm so worried I won't get used to it or stop thinking about it! What kind of things do you do to distract yourself? I'm having a hard time finding things that are distracting and enjoyable with T.

 

[butterfly75]

Yeah the .5mg might be just what I need. I also think the AD would be good but I'm so scared to even try. But I'm just gonna hope for the best.

I think I remember you saying you've had T for a few years or so is it an increase that is bothering you now or you just can't seem to habituate? I'm so worried I won't get used to it or stop thinking about it! What kind of things do you do to distract yourself? I'm having a hard time finding things that are distracting and enjoyable with T.

My T has increased, but it fluctuates and changes sometimes. I just really can't seem to habituate, I guess. Like you, I also struggled with bouts of depression before and felt "out of place," and then getting tinnitus made everything a lot harder. I really developed T this past year. I'd noticed T before years ago, but it was really faint then and it would fade away after a while.

It's difficult for me to find things that are distracting as well. It doesn't help that I don't have many choices since I can't go out frequently because I have anxiety over T worsening. What really helps me personally is taking long walks, going out into nature etc. Those things have been relaxing for me. It may also help you to do something you enjoy like art, writing, sports etc. It'll get a lot easier for you one day! You'll be able to do all the things you enjoy again and you won't be focused on tinnitus. It just's very difficult for you now because it suddenly increased, but you can get through this.

 

[fishbone]

If you do decide to get on any meds, please taper and get off it. Do not just stop and cold turkey off these ADs or benzos. someone talks about cold turkeying off a med and this is a mistake. I am a former benzo addict myself and the HELL i went through to get off them. These pills can be helpful, but they also can get you addicted as well....

 

[jadebug]

My T has increased, but it fluctuates and changes sometimes. I just really can't seem to habituate, I guess. Like you, I also struggled with bouts of depression before and felt "out of place," and then getting tinnitus made everything a lot harder. I really developed T this past year. I'd noticed T before years ago, but it was really faint then and it would fade away after a while.

It's difficult for me to find things that are distracting as well. It doesn't help that I don't have many choices since I can't go out frequently because I have anxiety over T worsening. What really helps me personally is taking long walks, going out into nature etc. Those things have been relaxing for me. It may also help you to do something you enjoy like art, writing, sports etc. It'll get a lot easier for you one day! You'll be able to do all the things you enjoy again and you won't be focused on tinnitus. It just's very difficult for you now because it suddenly increased, but you can get through this.

Yeah the fluctuations and changes is what's driving me crazy with this new T. It's like I'm constantly scared of how it's going to behave. My first bout with T was way more consistent. It was super annoying but at least I knew what to expect on a day to day basis. I'm really hoping mine will calm down. It's just now I feel like I'm constantly going to be worried about doing things that make my T worse. I'm okay with going out now to reasonable places like the mall or restaurants and walking around but then I feel like there's sort of a gray area.

I'd totally be fine with never going to a concert again or a loud club or something but does that mean I can't go to the movies or a loud theme park or a wedding or a party? I know there's plugs but sometimes those don't even help. And then sometimes I feel like what's the point of going to the movies if I have to wear ear plugs and just hear my T more. I feel even more out of place with T because people our age don't worry about this kind of stuff and I feel like they wouldn't get it.

I agree anxiety definitely makes this worse. I think what works best for me is probably taking walks. Every night I go out and walk around my neighborhood with my mom and we just talk and I feel so much better. I can't hear my T much at all outside and talking to my mom and getting exercise is really enjoyable. I need to try and find another in door activity I enjoy. It's really hard for me to watch TV or movies right now because I feel like I can't sit still and I get too distracted but perhaps I'll try writing or art. I used to love those mandala coloring books. Thank you for always being so positive! I'm sure you'll start feeling better soon too it's just hard for us because we have anxious minds! I'm kind of a control freak too so the fact that T is so out of my control makes me despise it and get more upset about it. Just have to keep getting through the days I suppose until it gets better!

 

[jadebug]

If you do decide to get on any meds, please taper and get off it. Do not just stop and cold turkey off these ADs or benzos. someone talks about cold turkeying off a med and this is a mistake. I am a former benzo addict myself and the HELL i went through to get off them. These pills can be helpful, but they also can get you addicted as well....

Thank you for the advice! I definitely don't want to experience withdrawals or addiction and I'm being really careful about being on xanax recently. How long would you have to be on them to get addicted or experience bad withdrawals? I was planning on staying on xanax or a benzo for a few months tops. Is this okay? My dose is only .75 mg daily and I've been doing it for two weeks.

 

[Greg Sacramento]

@jadebug With a month or two usage, you'll need to taper from @75 mg daily. Otherwise withdrawal problems will happen like anxiety. Even with use for 2 weeks @75 mg daily, a taper is needed.

A fast taper or quitting cold turkey will cause anxiety and many other problems, including possible increased tinnitus that may be high pitched. Longer term use of Xanax could also increase Tinnitus. Xanax does help at first with tinnitus to cope, but for many, the process slows down after a few weeks.

Plus using Xanax long term is not good for those with hyperacusis. Hyperacusis will stay around until you are off this drug. On top of that, the longer that one is on this drug, the more time for habituation may be needed when you discontinue using the drug. Research withdrawal of Xanax.

Fishbone is correct.

 

[jadebug]

@jadebug With a month or two usage, you'll need to taper from @75 mg daily. Otherwise withdrawal problems will happen like anxiety. Even with use for 2 weeks @75 mg daily, a taper is needed.

A fast taper or quitting cold turkey will cause anxiety and many other problems, including possible increased tinnitus that may be high pitched. Longer term use of Xanax could also increase Tinnitus. Xanax does help at first with tinnitus to cope, but for many, the process slows down after a few weeks.

Plus using Xanax long term is not good for those with hyperacusis. Hyperacusis will stay around until you are off this drug. On top of that, the longer that one is on this drug, the more time for habituation may be needed when you discontinue using the drug. Research withdrawal of Xanax.

Fishbone is correct.

So if I slowly taper off and don't quit it cold turkey it shouldn't increase my T permanently right?

 

[Dana]

someone talks about cold turkeying off a med and this is a mistake.

If that "someone" is me , i would like to remind you that i said that stopping Rivotril cold turkey was not my choice. I had no choice, the medicine is not imported anymore where i live, so i can't find it in pharmacies anymore. I know that stopping a benzu suddenly is a big mistake.
I recomended this medicine to snow and it was the only thing that helped him. Unfortunately i do not know if it helped him enough, cause he left the forum. He stopped answering to my messages....

 

[Greg Sacramento]

@jadebug Go to benzobuddies, where there's also a lot of knowledge posts on tapering Xanax. Although everyone is different. Key word - tinnitus. Don't use the taper plan that the manufacturers recommend because it just too fast of a taper, especially if one has T.

Different sites and professionals give different taper time lengths, but when reviewing information as to what may be best for you, make sure that they are referring to someone who already has T.
10% to 25% deduction may be needed every two weeks. Although the numbers are all over the place and what would be best for you, I don't know. Start a plan and let your body and mind talk to you, but sometimes your mind will have a delay response for several days. So you might think it's OK to taper lower, when it's not.

If you open a door at night with light inside, but no light outside and you see a ghost enter your house on the side of you, then you are tapering too quickly. I'm not kidding. There are 450 side effects to a fast taper with Xanax. Some are very serious. To taper at two weeks with your dose is many times easier than to taper at same dose at 2 months.

Good Luck.

 

[fishbone]

Thank you for the advice! I definitely don't want to experience withdrawals or addiction and I'm being really careful about being on xanax recently. How long would you have to be on them to get addicted or experience bad withdrawals? I was planning on staying on xanax or a benzo for a few months tops. Is this okay? My dose is only .75 mg daily and I've been doing it for two weeks.

If that "someone" is me , i would like to remind you that i said that stopping Rivotril cold turkey was not my choice. I had no choice, the medicine is not imported anymore where i live, so i can't find it in pharmacies anymore. I know that stopping a benzu suddenly is a big mistake.
I recomended this medicine to snow and it was the only thing that helped him. Unfortunately i do not know if it helped him enough, cause he left the forum. He stopped answering to my messages....

I am glad you are doing ok

I was just saying in general, that people need to taper off the Benzos/ADs, wasn't referring to you at all...Take care...

 

[butterfly75]

Yeah the fluctuations and changes is what's driving me crazy with this new T. It's like I'm constantly scared of how it's going to behave. My first bout with T was way more consistent. It was super annoying but at least I knew what to expect on a day to day basis. I'm really hoping mine will calm down. It's just now I feel like I'm constantly going to be worried about doing things that make my T worse. I'm okay with going out now to reasonable places like the mall or restaurants and walking around but then I feel like there's sort of a gray area.

I'd totally be fine with never going to a concert again or a loud club or something but does that mean I can't go to the movies or a loud theme park or a wedding or a party? I know there's plugs but sometimes those don't even help. And then sometimes I feel like what's the point of going to the movies if I have to wear ear plugs and just hear my T more. I feel even more out of place with T because people our age don't worry about this kind of stuff and I feel like they wouldn't get it.

I agree anxiety definitely makes this worse. I think what works best for me is probably taking walks. Every night I go out and walk around my neighborhood with my mom and we just talk and I feel so much better. I can't hear my T much at all outside and talking to my mom and getting exercise is really enjoyable. I need to try and find another in door activity I enjoy. It's really hard for me to watch TV or movies right now because I feel like I can't sit still and I get too distracted but perhaps I'll try writing or art. I used to love those mandala coloring books. Thank you for always being so positive! I'm sure you'll start feeling better soon too it's just hard for us because we have anxious minds! I'm kind of a control freak too so the fact that T is so out of my control makes me despise it and get more upset about it. Just have to keep getting through the days I suppose until it gets better!

I miss things like amusement parks and movie theaters a lot. Even with earplugs, I probably won't be able to visit an amusement park again (too much screaming on rides.)

Taking long walks just like you described are really relaxing for me too. I know what you mean about being unable to sit still while trying to watch TV or a movie. I keep trying to distract myself by turning on the TV but the anxiety has been too strong. I really like those mandala coloring books too. You should really try something like writing or art to distract yourself, something where your thoughts are engaged.

I agree, tinnitus is a lot harder to cope with just because it feels completely out of your control. You can't lower the intensity, you can't pause it. And every second you're afraid it'll increase. I think that's what drives so much of the anxiety.

 

[jadebug]

Update: after talking with my doctor she prescribed me 15mg of remeron and I have been switched to .5 mg of klonopin twice a day since the xanax doesn't seem to be working for me much. I'm so worried about taking the remeron though. I just don't want my T to increase anymore. Ugh I'm panicking.

 

[Pleasure_Paulie]

Update: after talking with my doctor she prescribed me 15mg of remeron and I have been switched to .5 mg of klonopin twice a day since the xanax doesn't seem to be working for me much. I'm so worried about taking the remeron though. I just don't want my T to increase anymore. Ugh I'm panicking.

Kolonpin is a good option. In an article I read a month ago, it's the benzodiazepine with the best effect on tinnitus.

Remeron is very safe, if not the safest for tinnitus. Just try to control your hunger cravings!!