Tinnitus is nothing new to me. When I was a kid, I got it due to fireworks. But it wasn't so loud. Only when sleeping I could hear it a bit, or when I concentrated on it. So, no real problems there.
I have GAD - generalized anxiety disorder. Since early November 2021.
Been prescribed Ativan 2 mg daily. Have been taking them and a couple of weeks ago started with Citalopram. Now, that was terrible. I got tingling in my head, like all my nerves are so sensitive on my skull, ED, worse depression and anxiety. I only took one 10 mg Citalopram tablet. The ED was gone after a week. I was happy about that.
But then... two weeks ago, a ring in my ears. First quite soft, then louder and louder each day. Then the sensitivity to sound also. And now I have raging tinnitus. I have been able to sleep, but it seems to be getting worse. Ativan helps to dampen the sound, but I've read also that benzos are a culprit. When even showering your scalp creates a huge hours lasting spike, I know, this probably has to do with overactive nerves. I can't even listen to a normal conversation anymore. It doesn't hurt my ears, but I pay a price afterwards in the form of increased ringing.
Question to you guys, what do I do? Your input is highly appreciated. So, taper the benzo and go on a different SSRI for the anxiety? Have to do something for that, right. It's bad GAD. I immediately found out that stress makes the ringing worse. Now, I have been suicidal for some time due to the GAD/burnout/depression, but not being able to listen to music anymore... what do I live for? This is agony. I rather be deaf when possible, or dead.
Joe, 35-year-old, from the Netherlands.
I have GAD - generalized anxiety disorder. Since early November 2021.
Been prescribed Ativan 2 mg daily. Have been taking them and a couple of weeks ago started with Citalopram. Now, that was terrible. I got tingling in my head, like all my nerves are so sensitive on my skull, ED, worse depression and anxiety. I only took one 10 mg Citalopram tablet. The ED was gone after a week. I was happy about that.
But then... two weeks ago, a ring in my ears. First quite soft, then louder and louder each day. Then the sensitivity to sound also. And now I have raging tinnitus. I have been able to sleep, but it seems to be getting worse. Ativan helps to dampen the sound, but I've read also that benzos are a culprit. When even showering your scalp creates a huge hours lasting spike, I know, this probably has to do with overactive nerves. I can't even listen to a normal conversation anymore. It doesn't hurt my ears, but I pay a price afterwards in the form of increased ringing.
Question to you guys, what do I do? Your input is highly appreciated. So, taper the benzo and go on a different SSRI for the anxiety? Have to do something for that, right. It's bad GAD. I immediately found out that stress makes the ringing worse. Now, I have been suicidal for some time due to the GAD/burnout/depression, but not being able to listen to music anymore... what do I live for? This is agony. I rather be deaf when possible, or dead.
Joe, 35-year-old, from the Netherlands.