My inclination is to follow the advice of the psychiatrist although her telling me she has never had a patient experience this side effect in 30 years doesn't bode well for how informed she is about this particular issue. I do have an in-office visit with her on
February 11th.
I consider my case "moderate" since I am able to sleep without masking though it has drained me of all joy in life at present. While I believe I could eventually habituate to the level of tinnitus I have now, I am extremely anxious that prolonged use of the ototoxic, SSRI Sertraline has and will make my tinnitus worse. Therefore, I have anxiety about the drug that is supposed to reduce my anxiety.
- Tinnitus spike/onset was early December, 2020 (~1.75 months).
- Have been taking Sertraline for over five years with no noticeable side effects until now (if this is a side effect).
- ENT told me I have sensorineural high frequency noise induced hearing loss.
- Same ENT recommended not stopping Sertraline since I have been on it for a while with no side effects. He put me on a blood pressure medication since my BP was very high when I was at his office. GP thought I should discuss it with Psychiatrist. Psychiatrist thought it was good idea to cut back 50 mg per day every week until I am off (currently at 200 mg per day). She thought since it is not helping my anxiety now it is basically ineffectual anyway. She explained that side effects can happen even after five years. She has never had a patient with hearing loss side effect.
- Psychiatrist will prescribe Mirtazapine if I need it. I was also told about Atarax from a family member.
- Moving my desk at work to a slightly less noisy side of the office to help with anxiety about being too close to our shop with constant electric sawing (yes, I'm a wreck).
Feedback appreciated. Thank you. For now, I do plan on cutting back 50 mg per day starting today.