AboutDr Alan Galbraith Expertise I can answer most questions on drugs, both medical and "recreational". Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.
Experience I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease.
Organizations Institute of Biology, London.
Publications Principal author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" 4th Edition published in November 2003 by Pearson Education, Australia.
Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith Date: 2/19/2008 Subject: Lexapro / Tinnitus
Question I was prescribed lexapro for GAD. I took it for 5 weeks with no side effects. I stopped taking it for 2 weeks due to a change in general practitioners, and my neuro put me back on lexapro (10 mg). So I was on for 5 weeks, off for 2, and on again. I haved developed terrible Tinnitus in both ears. It varies in intensity from day to day. I went to the ENT and he offered no help. Called my neuro and she said that it was probable not the lexapro and prescribed a steroid to rule out inflammation in the ear. I also take Ambien, Proprananol for high BP, otc Zantac. Could this drug or a combination be causing this Tinnitus? Should I taper off of it or something else? This is driving me crazy and I can’t seem to get any help. Any advice you can give is very appreciated. Thanks so much.
Answer Dear Kevin
None of these drugs have been reported as causing tinnitus but this condition is so common as one ages it is often difficult to delineate a cause. You really need to see an ENT specialist to try to ascertain the cause (not always possible) and suggest an appropriate treatment. Clonazepam taken at bedtime instead of the Ambien may help. In Australia we have tinnitus clinics where a sympathetic ear and appropriate expertise is always at hand - I find your ENT guy to be rude not to offer help as it can be a very debilitating condition. treatment is not always easy but all sufferers deserve as much support as possible.
