Use of Modafinil in the Treatment of Tinnitus

[Tinnitus Talk]

Tinnitus Talk submitted a new resource:

Use of Modafinil in the Treatment of Tinnitus (version 1.0) - To study the effects of Modafinil upon attention problems associated with tinnitus.

(Terminated early due to lack of change in primary and secondary outcome measures.)

A study on the effects of the FDA approved drug Modafinil upon attention problems associated with tinnitus. This is considered to be a safe drug with few side effects. Each subject will be asked to participate in 3 sessions each lasting approximately 1 hour in which cognitive testing and recordings will be taken. The study involves each subject taking a 2- week supply of Modafinil and a 2- week supply of...

Read more about this resource...

 

[Frédéric]

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00591019
Status: completed.

Results are published:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/results/NCT00591019?sect=X4301256#othr

Personally, I don't know what to think about these results since neither tinnitus distress evaluation (THI, TFI, BDI, VAS) nor tinnitus loudness evaluation (MML, etc.) were assessed. So I can not deduce whether modafinil is effective in treating tinnitus or not. Can someone shed me some light?

 

[Quiet please]

I've only just started taking Modafinil for daytime sleepiness from OSA. It's working wonders for the daytime sleepiness and it has also indirectly helped the tinnitus.

The tinnitus seems quieter, my head feels clearer, my concentration is better and my vision (of all things) has cleared up quite a it. Hope it continues; but who knows?

 

[dan26]

I've only just started taking Modafinil for daytime sleepiness from OSA. It's working wonders for the daytime sleepiness and it has also indirectly helped the tinnitus.

The tinnitus seems quieter, my head feels clearer, my concentration is better and my vision (of all things) has cleared up quite a it. Hope it continues; but who knows?

Hi. What is OSA?

 

[Markku]

Hi. What is OSA?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

 

[ZachB]

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00591019
Status: completed.

Results are published:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/results/NCT00591019?sect=X4301256#othr

Personally, I don't know what to think about these results since neither tinnitus distress evaluation (THI, TFI, BDI, VAS) nor tinnitus loudness evaluation (MML, etc.) were assessed. So I can not deduce whether modafinil is effective in treating tinnitus or not. Can someone shed me some light?

Modafinil is listed as ototoxic and tinnitus causing if I'm not mistaken.

 

[AVIYT]

I only used Modafinil once after my prescription of Pregabalin. And it was when my Tinnitus first started with Pregabalin, halfway through the 1 month I used it. Maybe a bit past it. I tried to use it for energy, motivation, etc. like I always had used it. I never really abused the substance as when I did use it, I'd go for a period of 2-3 months where I'd take it every other day or 1x every 3-4 days, depending on how much work I'd have. I'd eat healthy and exercise during those periods and things went well.

I know taking it daily would offset my circadian rhythm and other things, so I'd give myself rest. Also usually I'd run out of Modafinil and wait a few months before restocking it anyways. Usually from a legal source or the pharmacy.

But when I was in Mexico, 1.1 years before I got tinnitus from Pregabalin... I mixed weed with Modafinil once. It was a horrible experience the first time, because it was the first time I got short term tinnitus. I didn't know what to expect. It lasted a few hours and I ran around the apartment opening windows, shutting them, trying to distract myself with sounds. I thought I was going psychotic, when in fact it was my first real experience with tinnitus. Maybe it was a warning sign? Who knows.

Anyways, after that I noticed if I took the normal 200mg dose I'd get a little bit of tinnitus. I reduced it down to 100mg and things were fine. I'd also get a bit too paranoid on 200mg. But eventually I reduced from 100mg to 50mg and things were good.

However when I took modafinil during the one time after Pregabalin, I already was experiencing tinnitus but noticed it much worse. I hated it. I waited for it to wear off, which unfortunately takes a while.. but eventually it did. I think in my case Tinnitus spikes from Modafinil. Maybe it helped cause it long term, but Pregabalin was the big culprit out of all the things I ever took. However would I suggest Modafinil for those with tinnitus or poor ears? No. I'd recommend staying away from all sorts of stimulants as they can worsen it.

 

[dan26]

My tinnitus is super loud recently and can't function. Using CD's to try to mask the crazy insane sounds.

 

[JasonP]

I've only just started taking Modafinil for daytime sleepiness from OSA. It's working wonders for the daytime sleepiness and it has also indirectly helped the tinnitus.

The tinnitus seems quieter, my head feels clearer, my concentration is better and my vision (of all things) has cleared up quite a it. Hope it continues; but who knows?

That is very interesting. When you say your vision cleared up, what do you mean?

 

[GBB]

I've only just started taking Modafinil for daytime sleepiness from OSA. It's working wonders for the daytime sleepiness and it has also indirectly helped the tinnitus.

The tinnitus seems quieter, my head feels clearer, my concentration is better and my vision (of all things) has cleared up quite a it. Hope it continues; but who knows?

Was this a lasting effect for you?

 

[Mehmet]

I've got tinnitus at a bearable level. For the last 5 days I started to take Modafinil 100 mg per day morning time. Is this much enough? The pharmacist said it's better to take it with Ginkgo Biloba. Any experience?

He also said it will show its effect after 40 days of use?

 

[GBB]

For the last 5 days I started to take Modafinil 100 mg per day morning time.

Did Modafinil do anything for you?

 

[Quiet please]

Was this a lasting effect for you?

@GBB, although I love the effectiveness of Modafinil, I only take it once a week or so now. Two days or more in a row, it gives me mild heart palpations. Even with taking 1/2 a 100 mg.

It helps me with brain fog & daytime sleepiness. It doesn't seem to directly affect the tinnitus but since it makes me feel more awake & alert, I believe I just don't pay as much attention to it.

The effects lasts only as long as the med does. With 50 mg, that's about 6 hours or so.

That is very interesting. When you say your vision cleared up, what do you mean?

It's really interesting that the med seems to "clear" my vision. I don't really notice it's fuzzy until it clears up. It just brightens it up.

I do have a vestibular disorder called Cochlear Endolymphatic Hydrops. A main symptom is tinnitus, but also mild vision issues.

 

[twa]

It's really interesting that the med seems to "clear" my vision. I don't really notice it's fuzzy until it clears up. It just brightens it up.

I do have a vestibular disorder called Cochlear Endolymphatic Hydrops. A main symptom is tinnitus, but also mild vision issues.

Can I ask what kind of vision issues do you have?

Thank you,
twa

 

[Quiet please]

Can I ask what kind of vision issues do you have?

Mostly I get ocular migraines with auras and sometimes headaches that seem to affect my vision. After taking Modafinil, my vision lightens up & I seem to see sharper.