The Serotonin Connection

[FlyFish]

I am convinced there is a relationship between my tinnitus and serotonin. I have had to quit 2 SSRIs due to adverse side effects I couldn't tolerate (severe muscle pain and weakness). Both Lexapro and most recently Celexa, would often give me 2-3 days of no tinnitus in a row. Celexa was the better of the two. Without it, the buzzing in my head is constant. Pristiq and Cymbalta often made it worse. We are now trying low dose Effexor.

I don't know if anyone else has experienced this but would be curious to know.

 

[Lynnette]

Flyfish I definitely think there is a serotonin connection with T and antid's. Looking back, I think my T is louder overall after using lexapro for 4.5 months / now on zoloft for 1 month due to headaches on lexapro. Prior to meds, I don't remember my T being as loud or annoying and I was in the very early months of onset. I used to get accupunture and my T was never loud enough that it would bother me in a room with soft, soothing music playing in the background. Now, forget it, I'd hear my T loud and clear if I was in that same environment. Also, during every dose increase on both medications, my T always spikes for a few days. The meds saved me life and am thankful for it....unfortunately louder T is the price I have to pay at this point for my sanity. Hopefully meds are only a temporary thing...time will tell and until that time, my T will keep on blaring away!

 

[Sound Wave]

Seems logical. Have you tried melatonin, HTP-5 or L-trytpofan, which are all natural ingredients in the body's chain of serotonin production? L-tryptofan seems to help me sleep a bit better.

 

[inadmin]

I am convinced there is a relationship between my tinnitus and serotonin. I have had to quit 2 SSRIs due to adverse side effects I couldn't tolerate (severe muscle pain and weakness). Both Lexapro and most recently Celexa, would often give me 2-3 days of no tinnitus in a row. Celexa was the better of the two. Without it, the buzzing in my head is constant. Pristiq and Cymbalta often made it worse. We are now trying low dose Effexor.

I don't know if anyone else has experienced this but would be curious to know.

Looking at the cymbalta pills i'm taking now, adds more to the confusion I'm in - what SSRI's to take.

 

[MikeA]

On a related note: I've seen several reports, both anecdotally and in published studies, that mirtazapine (Remeron), which is a slightly different class (NaSSA), often leads to a lower T in those taking it. Works on both serotonin and norepinephrine receptors. The studies I've seen seem to suggest that there's been no or limited reports of T increase on this drug.

 

[FrankfurtMan]

Do not be so sure, that your T will lower if you Stop SSRI. My T rests severe after withdrawing SSRI (two years now)

 

[SoulStation]

On a related note: I've seen several reports, both anecdotally and in published studies, that mirtazapine (Remeron), which is a slightly different class (NaSSA), often leads to a lower T in those taking it. Works on both serotonin and norepinephrine receptors. The studies I've seen seem to suggest that there's been no or limited reports of T increase on this drug.

Hey Mike. I'd love to see these studies as my doc has recently given me remeron.

 

[Wendy A]

be careful with the remeron,i was only on it 3 weeks and it made mine louder so tapered of and its blown both my ears ,its way way worse now,for 3 weeks of sleep its ruined my life,its that bad.

 

[Guest9201]

I was on remeron early when I got my tinnitus, It helped my cope with the sound very well and noticed no increase (more of a decrease but that was because my overall mood got better)

However I had to discontinue it after some months because I could not stop eating, and already being overweight that was impossible to handle.

It was still the best AD I tried after tinnitus, except for the fact that I slept for 2 weeks straight when I started using it and could only get up to get a snack or pee.

I guess we never know what works for every individual :/
I tried citalopram and fluoxetine back in 2012 as well and neither spiked my tinnitus (maybe first week with citalopram, then got back after that), also shorter durations of usage though, 1 month with citalopram (quit because horrible sideeffects like brainzaps, muscle cramps etc)
Fluoxetin after few months, worst sideffect I got from it back then was sexual and a bit numb to feelings.

But as some said here, anything can change If I try an AD again, might go worse or better this time.

However remeron saved my life, because I was ready to end my life due to tinnitus.
Depression is a bitch.