The AudioNotch Tinnitus Treatment Blog
SSRI’s As Tinnitus Treatment
In patients who suffer from both tinnitus and depression, there is data indicating that a class of medications called “Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors” (SSRI’s) are an effective treatment for both tinnitus and depression. That is to say, there is evidence that tinnitus severity and mood disorder symptoms of depression can be improved with the administration of SSRI’s (with or without psychotherapy as an adjunct). If you suffer from both tinnitus and depression, you may benefit from a trial of such medication. SSRI’s function by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, a neurostransmitter, by presynaptic neurons, which causes an increase in synaptic levels of serotonin. Although they are broadly referred to as “antidepressants,” in a certain sense, this is a misnomer, since they can be used to treat a variety of ailments affecting the brain.
As with any medication, there are benefits and costs (in the form of side effects). Certainly, with the aid of a clinical professional, the decision to initiate any medication is requires a careful and reasoned cost-benefit analysis guided by your physician.
The papers in question are:
A Randomized Trial of Nortriptyline for Severe Chronic Tinnitus
SSRI Use by Tinnitus Patients: Interactions Between Depression and Tinnitus Severity
Cheers,
AudioNotch