tinnitus is a condition where one perceives a constant ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whistling sound in the ears without any external noise source. Although it can occur due to various factors like ear infections, hearing loss, or head injuries, some medications are also known to cause tinnitus as a side effect.
Among the medicines that can cause tinnitus, anxiety drugs and painkillers are the most commonly used. In this article, we will discuss these medications and their potential impact on tinnitus.
Anxiety Medications:
Benzodiazepines – Medications like Valium, Xanax, and Ativan belong to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. These are prescribed to alleviate anxiety, sleep disorders, and other conditions that involve muscle relaxation. However, the overuse or prolonged use of benzodiazepines can damage the inner ear‘s hair cells, leading to tinnitus.
Antidepressants – Some antidepressants like Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil also have tinnitus as a possible side effect. These medications work by altering the brain’s chemistry, and the changes can affect the auditory system’s sensitivity to sound. Additionally, antidepressants can also cause hearing loss, which may worsen the tinnitus symptoms.
Painkillers:
Aspirin – Aspirin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is commonly used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. However, taking high doses of aspirin over a long time can cause tinnitus. Aspirin can also interfere with the blood flow to the ears, leading to hearing loss and worsening tinnitus.
Opioids – Opioid analgesics like oxycodone, morphine, and fentanyl are prescribed for severe pain relief. However, they can cause tinnitus as a side effect. Opioids can affect the brain’s perception of sound, causing hypersensitivity to noise, making tinnitus worse.
Conclusion:
Apart from anxiety and pain medications, there are other drugs like antibiotics, diuretics, and chemotherapy drugs that can cause tinnitus as a side effect. It’s always essential to talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking or want to start taking, and the possible side effects they might have.
If you develop tinnitus symptoms while taking any medication, do not stop the dose abruptly without talking to your doctor. Instead, your doctor may change your medication or suggest ways to manage your tinnitus symptoms.
tinnitus can be a mild annoyance or a severe disruption of daily life, depending on its severity. Avoiding or minimizing exposure to medications that can worsen tinnitus is a crucial step in protecting your hearing and reducing the risk of developing tinnitus.