Fibromyalgia and Pregabalin - can it cause tinnitus to worsen?

[muchoburro]

I've had stiff muscles and tension headaches for the last couple of years, and have been on a low dose of Pregabalin (25mg) for the last 12 months. My GP has suggested that my symptoms are most likely the result of fibromyalgia, which makes sense given the posts I've read from other sufferers. I was recently put on an increased dose of Pregabablin - 100mg - for 6 weeks, which definitely helped with my symptoms. However I also noticed that my tinnitus worsened after a few weeks of taking the increased dosage. Does anyone know if there's a link between Pregabalin and tinnitus? If so, are there any alternative drugs that help with fibromyalgia but don't have this side effect?

Thanks in advance for any advice anyone can offer!

[Yellow-sun]

Hello muchoburro,I was on pregabalin and had to stop,it gave me tinnitus on one side,I perceived with it but had to stop where the tinnitus was getting bad,I told the doctor and came off it slowly and my tinnitus has all most disappeared,we spoke about gabapentin but I said to him won't it do the same thing where they are alike,sometimes I think the doctor just thinks I moan about every medication I try,but I seem to get all the side affects it's frustrating

[rosewine]

I honestly don't know if there is a link but since being on Pregablin my tinnitus which was quite mild got worse. The tinnitus really annoys me and makes me feel low some days but the help that Pregablin gives me for the shooting, burning pain is such n advantage I have stayed on it.x

[Fra22-57]

I dont know I'd there is a link.I have been on it for 9 years.was on 450mg but since 2017 350mg. I only started with tinnitus after diagnosed with acoustic neuroma which is tumour on audio nerve .your body gets addicted to it and it's hard to reduce when it helps with the pain

[Milynda]

I stopped taking Pregabalin as I was experiencing memory loss and loss of balance at an increased level. Besides that, it did not relieve my pain. I now find that getting enough rest nightly and taking vitamin D helps. Water exercise is the thing that did the most good.

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

It may be worthwhile giving your local pharmacist a phone call, as they will be able to advise if tinnitus could be connected to taking pregabalin

Regarding alternatives, you will need to discuss that with your GP

[Julesubu]

I took Gabapentin to help my fibro and developed trigeminal pain in fave, this stopped when discontinue pills. So would say yes possibly it is your meds, try reducing dose and see if helps.

[fightingfatigue]

I’ve had tetanus since having fibromyalgia and I’ve been taking 100mg of Pregabalin a day for about a year. I haven’t noticed an increase in the tetanus. I find that I have it, when I over do things or I’m the slightest bit stressed. It’s like an alarm in my head, warning me to rest.