Medication induced tinnitus

[Catlioness41]

I was prescribed beta blockers for heart palpitations 5 weeks ago, and had been taking amitriptyline for pain relief for the last 3 months. Noticed low level tinnitus in the evenings a couple of months ago, but was always gone by the morning. Then 3 weeks ago woke to raging high pitched tinnitus in both ears, which has not gone away or lessened in its ferocity. Doctor checked ears and no hearing loss, and stopped the beta blockers as felt these could be the culprit. 3 weeks later no difference, and I'm beginning to go a bit crazy. Did some research and looks like amitriptyline can cause tinnitus as well as lessen it, so have stopped the tablets, hoping that this will stop the tinnitus. Has only been 2 days since I stopped the amitriptyline, and nothing yet. Has anyone got any experience of medication induced tinnitus, and does it go away.

[rabbits65]

I’m sorry your suffering. Yes I took Amitriptyline mainly for anxiety . It helps to dull pain too. I’m not sure if this caused my tinnitus but now you’ve posted this issue I think it might well have caused it . I took this medicine fir about 6 months .

[doglover1973]

Yes. I believe amitriptyline can cause tinnitus. Whether it's reversible or not I don't know. I'm sorry you're having such a bad experience. Hopefully your T. will calm down in time. Hang in there.

[Catlioness41 in reply to doglover1973]

On day two of not taking the amitriptyline I thought the tinnitus had gone as my ears were quiet most of the day and I was so relieved. But yesterday came back with a vengeance even louder than before. I have gone from feelings of relief and joy to feelings of fear and utter despair in the space of 24 hours. To be honest am sat in kitchen with radio on and sobbing whilst writing this.

[doglover1973 in reply to Catlioness41]

Oh my love. You're going to be OK. I promise you. These feelings are a very normal response to tinnitus. All of us here have been there at some stage. Anxiety, fear, despair. They're all part and parcel of this affliction. Hang in there. Your T . may yet calm down but - if it doesn't - you're in good company . Talking / sharing will help as will relaxing - if you can. Remember - you're not alone.

[LightGrey in reply to Catlioness41]

Hey. I just wanted to ask if you've noticed any improvement in the last 5 months?

[Catlioness41 in reply to LightGrey]

Hi LightGrey, I would love to say yes, but alas no. ENT consultant has told me that it wasn't medication induced as the tinnitus would have disappeared ages ago. So now nearly 6 months on, and after being told by ENT that their is nothing that they can really do, I have learnt to habituate during the day and evening. At bedtime I use sideleep headphones and listen to violet noise. This has now become my normal routine. I hope all is well with you.

[bapvd]

Amitriptyline (50Mg), didn't decrease nor increase my T. It does help sleep somewhat. I've taken it for months.

[Belfast42]

Happened to me too with amitriptyline for migraine prevention. Stopped it but occasionally get tinnitus after prolonged ear exposure to the phone or long distance driving. so maybe the drug makes ears sensitive and this can remain

[Catlioness41 in reply to Belfast42]

How long after stopping the medication did your tinnitus ease.

[bridgeit]

Amitriptyline caused T to worsen for me and that was low dose 10mg prescribed for migraine. The increased noise/screech drove me absolutely nuts. I stopped taking the drug and after 2 weeks the T calmed down to its usual thunder rumble. A GP did advise me that she wasn't surprised at all, that it was OK to stop the drug and that it takes at least 14 days for the drug to work its way out of the system.

I was advised that amitriptyline withdrawal should be carefully managed by a medic unless it is very low dose (10mg).