What Would You Do? Advice Please

[Jamie]

Hi,

Mine is a long story but I will simplify

My tinnitus got far more reactive nearly 3 years ago when I was taken off clonazepam cold turkey by my doctor. I had been put on it by a specialist and not advised how addictive it was.

The last 3 years have been really hard, my tinnitus is know so reactive a car going past is too much, so going out to cafe, movies, swimming pools etc is terrifying. I have musician's earplugs but just the act of wearing a plug or earmuffs makes the ringing louder as well.

I have lost my career, hobbies, social life, friends and now it looks like I may lose my partner of 16 years. She has been with me through it all but everybody has their limit and I have changed.

The specialist, an ENT and my doctor say I have to try anti-depressants before they will do any other treatments. This really worries me as it common knowledge it can make the whole thing worse. I am very anxious about this after my bad experience coming off clonazepam.

Any advice would be appreciated. I really don't know what to do.


Thanks so much.

Jamie.

 

[Samantha R]

@Jamie
I am so sorry for your struggles.
Have you tried mindfulness or CBT?
What other treatments are your doctors holding off on?
You could do some reading on Mirtazapine / Remeron. It's generally accepted to be safer than most ADs in terms of ototoxicity.
I am currently using passionflower as needed for anxiety and I feel it makes a difference. You could try this or even 5htp which is a natural alternative to ADs.
It does sound like you have some hyperacusis with the way the tinnitus is reacting to sound.
I can certainly understand why this stresses you out.
All the best.
Sam x

 

[Layla23]

I'm 23 and have severe reactive tinnitus. I can't even step outside as the wind spikes my tinnitus to 75 decibels. If I'm in a restaurant it spikes to 90 decibels so I leave. I am a lot more comfortable indoors for the time being.

I don't have advice because I haven't figured it out for myself either. All I can say is that I feel your pain and I'm sorry you also have to go through this.

Sending positive thoughts your way.

 

[iAzra]

I was prescribed antidepressive, didn't take it since it had tinnitus written is side-effects. Doctors are no good
The idea is to prevent depression and anxiety to happen and they fail to do this with no info on T or H or help offered but just leaving us alone to handle it until we get heavy anxiety and develop a depression due to changes in our life, loss of hobbies, work, friends, partners.. it is only normal than one will become depressed. The decision is yours and whatever you decide, it will probably be ok