Propranolol and tinnitus query

[SH55]

My tinnitus came on over 2 years ago (maybe 3) when I was put on high doses of Propranolol (a beta blocker) to ease a "cough headache". That is a headache brought on by any sort of strain e.g. Sneezes, coughs, bending over, and in the end even laughing. (The propranolol reduces the pressures in the head). I was also put on about 80 gms of Amitriptyline. Within a very short time I realised I had developed tinnitus and it hasn't gone. It is high noise with hissing. Nothing is ever quiet.

What I want to ask is have others had this response to either of these drugs. The internet is quite full of beta blocker stories relating to tinnitus but the drug side effects chart doesn't cite these as being a problem. I have read that some beta blockers are ototoxic!! which I think means not good for ears.

As my cough headache is back and I am off to the docs again I am rather nervous about going on a beta blocker again - will it make the tinnitus even worse?? Thanks

[jbradford42]

Hi SH55 ive always believed that my tables a long time a go my doctor said your blood pressure and cholesterol are high so he started my off on beater blockers ( atenolol) and ramipril witch is also for high blood pressure. Also simvastatin for cholesterol after about one week it started T all admitted it was mild until a couple of months ago now it’s really loud I’m at the doctors next week and I’m going to question about this as I’ve had enough I don’t care what the leaflet say about side effects I know these have coursed this terrible thing. Cheers and all the very best.

[Richardward]

I had tinnitus a long time before taking proplanolol and it has not made it worse, it seems to help me control the panic better actually.

[SH55 in reply to Richardward]

Thanks I’ll bear that in mind when I go to the doc tomorrow

[Lynne-H]

Hi I`ve taken propranolol 40 mgs twice a day for three and a half years now and my tinnitus hasn`t become any worse. In fact my tinnitus doesn`t really bother me at all now.

Lynne

[SH55]

Thanks- will probably have to go back on it.

[Hidden]

I am guessing it depends what is causing your tinnitus to begin with - could just be coincidence? I’ve just started Propranolol for internal tremors and high BP despite BP meds and have had tinnitus 24/7 for a few years now with mild hearing loss. I also have pulsatile Tinnitus and just been diagnosed with Labyrinthitis which started after a heavy cold. So the Propranolol is definitely not culprit in my case.,

[SH55]

I have to consider this was a coincidence and am getting my hearing checked properly too. Thanks