My Tinnitus Keeps Worsening and I'm Not Sure Why

[ramza97]

I believe that I acquired tinnitus as a result of going off my SSRI (zoloft) in late 2016.

It didn't occur until a few months later when I was drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes.

I had also reinstated my zoloft after 2 months of being off it completely. I believe going off it sensitized my serotonin receptors such that any serotonergic substance (e.g. caffeine and nicotine) set the tinnitus off and again worsened when I smoked/drank coffee again later.

I am also on 2 different serotonin antagonists, risperidone and mirtazapine, when combined with a full dose of zoloft may yield an excess of serotonin in my brain, leading to continual damage over time.

I have cut out all serotonergic behavior except light exercise and occasional spicy food, yet my tinnitus continues to fluctuate, but has been on a downward trajectory, with the bad to good day ratio growing.

I have ringing as well as beeping, and I am afraid the latter will soon keep me awake at night.

I am clueless as to whether to reduce my meds to reduce the serotonin in my system, which may indeed worsen my tinnitus rather than improve it.

I am really lost and scared and any advice or support is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.

 

[glynis]

Medication effecting the brain can cause tinnitus and also coming off it can cause tinnitus.
If you had sever depression with counselling and no improvement then medication would be needed.
It is a matter of what help you need.
Always get your doctors support and not internet advice if on medication as you need their support.
Love glynis x

 

[ramza97]

I don't have depression and the meds aren't necessary...I just want to know if my theory sounds plausible and whether the meds are actively making things worse. I spoke with a specialist and he said tinnitus doesn't get worse on its own...so there must be something that is making it worse.

 

[fishbone]

I don't have depression and the meds aren't necessary...I just want to know if my theory sounds plausible and whether the meds are actively making things worse. I spoke with a specialist and he said tinnitus doesn't get worse on its own...so there must be something that is making it worse.

Tinnitus does not get worst on it's own. Either the meds are causing it (could possibly be) or your stress/anxiety levels are up. Keep a diary of what you are eating, taking (meds) and your daily routines.

 

[ramza97]

does tinnitus fluctuate though on its own?

 

[Nanny chocolate]

Hi ramza
Zoloft has played havoc with my long term T. Reducing dose and then slightly increasing due to breakdown has produced new noises and now gone to both ears. I think your theory is correct, what to do is hard to say as it seems to be a catch 22. T does fluctuate as it seems to have a law of it's own. Naturally we are going to be more anxious if our T gets worse. Yours may settle down, I hope it does.

 

[Core2Duo]

I have been on zoloft for two tears. Three months ago the physic lower the dosis. My tinnitus is louder now. I have not related them until I read this post !