A buzzing, roaring, clicking or whistling sound are just a few symptoms of tinnitus. According to the Mayo Clinic, two forms of tinnitus exist: subjective and objective. Subjective tinnitus is only audible to the affected person, while objective tinnitus is audible to other people, including the affected individual. Age-related hearing loss, ear wax and loud noise exposure are some causes of tinnitus. Fortunately, medicines can manage the symptoms.
Amitriptyline
Amitriptyline is used to manage severe tinnitus, according to experts at the Mayo Clinic. It is a tricyclic antidepressant that typically treats depression. According to MedlinePlus, amitriptyline's side effects include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, blurry vision, trouble urinating, weakness, nightmares, fatigue, sweating and changes in weight. Amitriptyline also causes a dry mouth, fatigue, slow speech, fainting, strange bleeding or bruising, seizures, hallucinations, chest pain, dizziness and a fast, pounding or rapid heartbeat. Unfortunately, amitriptyline also elevates the risk for suicidal thinking and behavior.
Combining amitriptyline with such drugs as disulfiram, ipatropium, quinidine, fluoxetine and citalopram may require a dosage change because amitriptyline's effectiveness may be reduced or the aforementioned side effects can occur.
Alprazolam
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine medication that also can reduce tinnitus symptoms. Usually, this drug treats panic or anxiety disorders and depression.
The Drugs website says that alprazolam's side effects include trouble sleeping, amnesia, nausea or vomiting, constipation, difficulty concentrating, a dry mouth, loss of sex drive (libido) and blurry vision. Alprazolam also causes irritability, drowsiness, seizures, yellowing of the skin, hostility, agitation, risk-taking behavior, hallucinations and tremors. Do not take alprazolam if allergic to it or any other benzodiazepene medication, such as chlorazepate, lorazepam, diazepate and oxazepam. Finally, Alprazolam should not be used in pregnancy or during breastfeeding because it can severely harm the baby.
Acamprosate
Acamprosate is a medication typically used to treat alcoholics. However, it can also be used to treat tinnitus sufferers. According to the Drugs website, acamprosate's side effects include back pain, a headache, sweating, dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Visual problems, sweating, decreased urination, behavioral or mood changes and confusion are acamprosate's other side effects. Additionally, acamprosate also causes anxiety, depression, weight gain and shortness of breath.
Unfortunately, it is unclear whether acamprosate passes into breast milk or harms a baby during pregnancy. It is still important to tell a physician if nursing or a pregnancy is present.
