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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by T34 on February 11, 2004, at 13:58:38
Have any of you had tinnitus with Lexapro or Wellbutrin? The high pitched squeal in my ears started a few days ago and seems to be getting louder until it seems deafening. I have read that SSRI's can cause this. Do I need to stop taking this, or is there something you have found to stop it. The Lexapro has really worked well and I don't want to give it up.
Posted by john1022 on February 11, 2004, at 14:32:43
In reply to tinnitus and Lexapro, posted by T34 on February 11, 2004, at 13:58:38
Does it come and go? The first time I was on Effexor I had high pitched screeing noises that would come and go, not constant. I think it lasted about the first 4-6 months and then slowly went away, but I forget, it may have been there the whole time I was on Effexor (9 months total). But it stopped when I stopped Effexor
Posted by kellieann7 on February 11, 2004, at 14:40:41
In reply to tinnitus and Lexapro, posted by T34 on February 11, 2004, at 13:58:38
My first two weeks on Lex, I had A LOT of pain in my left ear, as well as the lovely high pitched ringing noise. I honestly thought I had an ear infection caused by a botched first time attempt at nasal irrigation (to get rid of the sinus infection brought on by Lex). Anyway, I finally realized that I did not have an ear infection, and the pain was caused by my jaw-clenching. I actually forgot about the noise. I hope that was part of Lex, too. I freaked out enough about losing my hearing because of a two week long ear infection.
Posted by T34 on February 11, 2004, at 18:22:03
In reply to Re: tinnitus and Lexapro, posted by john1022 on February 11, 2004, at 14:32:43
I had the same thing on Topomax (for migraines) and my neuro made me come off of it. He made a big deal out of tinnitus causing permanent hearing damage. I thought it was coming and going because I could only hear it some of the time, but I found out one day by walking between a quiet room and one with a radio on that it is actually there all of the time, noise masks it, making it appear to be coming and going. I had it then for about 6 weeks. I have had this now for about a week. It gradually gets louder. From what I've read about tinnitus, it's bad stuff. People have committed suicide over it. The insatiable noise drives them to the edge! I was just hoping someone in here would write and tell me that they had the same problem, but it went away in time. I can deal with anything for a period of time. I just don't want to go deaf. I also don't want to go back to the roller coaster of emotions pre-lexapro. Life is unfair. I'm sure everyone will agree. The other websites about tinnitus say that most SSRI cause it, but they don't tell if it's something that will get better in time, or you have to stop the meds. I'll keep researching, plus I've called my doc, just haven't heard from him yet. When all else fails, I ask the doctor.:)
Posted by HenryO on February 12, 2004, at 2:29:17
In reply to tinnitus and Lexapro, posted by T34 on February 11, 2004, at 13:58:38
Yes! Welbutrin does that to me. I hate tinnitus. It drives me mad. I don't take welbutrin. It gives me night terrors too. I didn't even know what those were 'til I had a week or two of them. No thank you.
Posted by EscherDementian on February 12, 2004, at 8:20:47
In reply to tinnitus and Lexapro, posted by T34 on February 11, 2004, at 13:58:38
Yes! Lexapro and Wellbutrin gave me deafening, maddening tinnitus that i renamed ))>>>SCREEeeeeeING<<(( , and defeated whatever benefit i would have otherwise recieved.
It reduced until finally disappearing into a thing of the past when i was able to wean off those meds. But it also took changing to a new Pdoc who validated the intensity of my tinnitus more seriously than my disgruntled PHMNP was willing to give me credit for.
There has been much discussion here in previous posts about possible causes... not sure if there have been any conclusions... do a 'search' using the google-Dr.Bob below. Look into copper levels and tinitus in your research throughout the 'net, too.
i wish you the very best~ i know how maddening this thing can be & was for me. Good luck!
Escher
Posted by T34 on February 12, 2004, at 10:37:35
In reply to Re: tinnitus and Lexapro, posted by EscherDementian on February 12, 2004, at 8:20:47
So what are you taking now? Anything working? I just talked with my doctor and he said that I did need to come off the meds and to try to leave off the Lexapro and see if the tinnitus stops in a few days, then if it doesn't, leave off the Wellbutrin to try to identify the villian. But tomorrow is Valentine's Day and I teach and have 20 EXTREMELY excited and loud students and my patience is wearing thin. I will not dare lose my patience with them, but when I get home, I made slam my head into a wall. I have been off the Lexapro two days now and it is amazing how much difference it makes in my ability to deal with any situation that I am faced with at home/ or school. My doc is going to call in Buspar to get me through the next few days. Any ideas if that might work?
Posted by EscherDementian on February 12, 2004, at 22:25:06
In reply to Re: tinnitus and Lexapro, posted by T34 on February 12, 2004, at 10:37:35
Oh my gosh, you're a teacher too? (me: Montessori and kindergarten for years)
Sadly, my sharing won't come in time for Valentine's Day assistance, but i hope the Buspar helps your anxiety levels.My Lexapro was changed to Zoloft because it was something i had taken in the past with no side effects whatsoever & as an alternative rather than take the extensive time for an SSRI 'washout'. My Wellbutrin was changed quite successfully to Adderall when i was evaluated as having adult ADD. My current SSRI is now Celexa.
(Surprise!!!)
Yes, i know that many out there are going to flame me, saying that Lexapro IS Celexa : but the more refined, latest, greatest, lower SE form of Celexa... perhaps even this Pharmaceudical Co.'s "Star!" (and cost$ more, too) but all i can speak to is my own experience, and the fact that two of my very best friends and a husband also found great relief and preference for Celexa over Lexapro, AND it was an end to my terribly loud ear ))>>screeEEEEEeeing<<((.Hope my sharing helps,
Escher
Posted by T34 on February 13, 2004, at 13:43:45
In reply to Re: tinnitus and Lexapro » T34, posted by EscherDementian on February 12, 2004, at 22:25:06
I took 2 Lexapro last night and another this morning because my doc said that since I was still having the tinnitus, it most likely wasn't the lexapro. So I left off the Zonegran. I felt kinda cloudy last night, but today has been great. Another teacher friend of mine is on Serzone for the exact same thing I have (neither of us know WHAT we have) it's like a really bad case of PMS every few weeks with the irritability. Anyway, the lexapro worked beautifully. I can't decide though if it is depression, or anxiety. I wish I knew, because if for some reason I can't take the lexapro, many meds treat one or the other. I don't feel depressed at all. In fact, in my family I am the positive one. I don't have panic attacks or worry much. The only thing that really worries me is when my parents at school get upset about something. I don't like friction between my parents and me. You said you have ADD. I don't mean to pry, but what are your symptoms?
Today has been wonderful. The kids have been excited and hyper, but I have taken it all in stride and loved them through it all. Thank Heaven's for medicine! BTW: I teach 3rd.
Thanks for sharing.
T
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