Tinnitus Caused by Ototoxicity from Gabapentin — the Inconsistency, "Ear Jumping", and Trigger-Fear Has Me Paralyzed

[hharper3114]

Hey all,

I developed tinnitus in my left ear after taking Gabapentin for insomnia. Later, it started in my right ear after I took supplements meant to increase GABA in the brain to help with sleep.

Now, I spend hours every day trying to figure out how to manage the excitatory and inhibitory imbalance in my brain, which, as we all know, feels impossible. My days are consumed by researching potential triggers in foods, calling specialists, and seeking out new doctors. It's exhausting. This condition has cost me my marriage, my job, and my happiness.

Does anything actually work? How do you all handle the unpredictable episodes... not knowing when they'll start or stop?

Has anyone tried NeuroMed?

 

[sspencermo]

I'm so sorry you're going through this. My tinnitus started about 14 months ago, and in the beginning, I tried researching everything; reading papers, trying supplements, and experimenting with different sleep regimens. I even consulted three different ENTs. Unfortunately, none of it seemed to make much difference in the long run.

Tinnitus is a complex brain-related condition that no one fully understands. However, three things seem to help most people:

1. Sleeping well: Consider medication if necessary to improve your sleep quality.
2. Distraction: Use sounds to mask your tinnitus or at least help shift your focus away from the noise.
3. Time: With time, your brain may adjust, and you might find it more manageable.

My tinnitus hasn't gone away, but it has improved compared to when it first started. Even on bad days, I'm better equipped to handle it than I used to be. Using hearing aids that provide sound enrichment can also be helpful.

Wishing you the best. Take care.