Tinnitus can appear as a side effect of certain medications, including antidepressants. However, this is a rare and usually temporary event. Any change or discontinuation of medication should always be done under medical supervision.
Tinnitus, also known as “ear ringing,” is the perception of a sound with no corresponding external source. The noise can vary depending on the cause and the characteristics of each individual, and it may be triggered by different factors, including the use of medications such as antidepressants — although these cases are less common.
In fact, antidepressants are often used to treat mood disorders related to tinnitus.
In this article, I explain this relationship and provide important information for people who began experiencing tinnitus after starting a medication. Keep reading to learn more!
- Can antidepressants cause tinnitus?
- Which antidepressants cause tinnitus?
- Why can antidepressants cause tinnitus?
- Tinnitus after taking antidepressants: what should you do?
- Can people with tinnitus take antidepressants?
Can antidepressants cause tinnitus?
Antidepressants are medications prescribed to treat a variety of health conditions. Although they are generally safe and effective in most cases, they can cause side effects in some patients, as with any other medication.
Indeed, some patients report tinnitus as a side effect of antidepressant treatment, but this type of manifestation is very rare.
It is important to note that tinnitus can be associated with several causes, and the antidepressant is not always responsible for the symptom. For this reason, it is essential to have a physician monitor your case closely to investigate and confirm any correlation between the medication and the tinnitus.
Vestibular disorders, hearing loss, vascular conditions, impacted earwax, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) are some common causes of tinnitus that may not yet have been identified by the patient.
Which antidepressants cause tinnitus?
Tinnitus as a side effect of antidepressants is not restricted to a specific group of medications. The symptom may affect people who use both tricyclic antidepressants and SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors).
Among the most commonly used tricyclic antidepressants, we can mention:
• amitriptyline
• nortriptyline
• clomipramine
Among SSRIs, the most used are:
• fluoxetine
• paroxetine
• fluvoxamine
• citalopram
• sertraline
Why can antidepressants cause tinnitus?
The exact mechanism through which antidepressants may lead to tinnitus is not fully understood and can vary depending on the medication and the patient’s individual condition.
Among other functions, these medications increase the availability of serotonin, generating positive effects in treating mood disorders but potentially causing unwanted effects in the body as well.
Substances present in some antidepressants, such as Imipramine, Amitriptyline, and Citalopram, are considered ototoxic, meaning they can damage cells in the inner ear and possibly trigger symptoms such as tinnitus.
This does not mean that everyone who uses these medications will develop the symptom. As mentioned, this is uncommon and, in most cases, temporary.
It is also important to highlight that many other medications can affect inner-ear structures and consequently cause tinnitus, such as chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, and analgesics.
Tinnitus after taking antidepressants: what should you do?
If you noticed tinnitus after starting antidepressant treatment, stay calm and understand that the best approach is to report the symptom to your doctor. Never change or discontinue the use of antidepressants without medical guidance, as this can lead to serious adverse effects.
By reporting the symptom, your doctor can assess the relationship between the treatment and the tinnitus and investigate other possible underlying causes.
If necessary, the patient may be referred to an otolaryngologist or an otoneurologist (an ENT specialist in dizziness and tinnitus) for a more in-depth evaluation.
Can people with tinnitus take antidepressants?
There are no specific restrictions on the use of antidepressants for people who already have tinnitus. On the contrary, antidepressants are often used in treating patients with tinnitus, especially when the distress caused by the symptom contributes to the development or worsening of mood disorders.
Tinnitus is also frequently involved in cases of insomnia, which often require this type of medication.
Therefore, even though antidepressants can cause or worsen tinnitus, this should not be a cause for concern for most people. Talk to your doctor and provide as many details as possible about your experience so that the best treatment strategy can be defined for your case.