Medication induced tinnitus: I was prescribed... - Tinnitus UK

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Medication induced tinnitus

Catlioness41 profile image
10 Replies

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.

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Catlioness41
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10 Replies
rabbits65 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
Catlioness41 in reply todoglover1973

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 profile image
doglover1973 in reply toCatlioness41

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 profile image
LightGrey in reply toCatlioness41

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

Catlioness41 profile image
Catlioness41 in reply toLightGrey

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 profile image
bapvd

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

Belfast42 profile image
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 profile image
Catlioness41 in reply toBelfast42

How long after stopping the medication did your tinnitus ease.

bridgeit profile image
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).

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