Antidepressants and Tinnitus

[alyssalee97]

Hey all!

I had an appointment with my therapist today where she strongly suggested antidepressants. We're in the motions of doing that, I know that some antidepressants can cause tinnitus, but can they make it worse? What are you experiences with it? Anything will be helpful! Thanks!

 

[Michael Leigh]

I had an appointment with my therapist today where she strongly suggested antidepressants. We're in the motions of doing that, I know that some antidepressants can cause tinnitus, but can they make it worse? What are you experiences with it? Anything will be helpful!

An antidepressant can make tinnitus worse but this is usually temporary, and will not affect everyone in this way. I advise you to follow the advice of your Therapist and take the antidepressant. Tinnitus can fluctuate a lot in intensity. This roller coaster cycle can play havoc with a person's emotions and hinder or stop the habituation process and any treatment that you are having for tinnitus.
Michael

 

[TuneOut]

Hey all!

I had an appointment with my therapist today where she strongly suggested antidepressants. We're in the motions of doing that, I know that some antidepressants can cause tinnitus, but can they make it worse? What are you experiences with it? Anything will be helpful! Thanks!

I've been on an MAOI called Nardil for a few years and it doesn't seem to affect my tinnitus. This is a pretty strong antidepressant. Instead of just enhancing serotonin like the SSRI's, it prevents the breakdown of many different neurotransmitters. It's usually a last resort after everything else has been tried.

 

[zombiechick]

I got on Zoloft a year ago. The first couple of weeks were a nightmare. But it has helped me cope a bit better. Ask your therapist for full disclosure on all side effects of the meds.