Wellbutrin ringing in ears

Can Wellbutrin Cause Tinnitus? | Treble Health

Tinnitus, a condition characterized by a phantom noise heard from within the head or ears and not an external source, affects about 15-20% of individuals worldwide. It may come in a steady hum or pulsating rhythm or be intermittent or ongoing. Although often linked with hearing loss, medications can also cause hearing loss and tinnitus.

In this article, we will discuss the Wellbutrin-tinnitus connection, as well as links to prescription medication, the inner ear, hearing loss, and tinnitus sounds.

Understanding Wellbutrin, Tinnitus, and the Inner Ear

Wellbutrin is an often-prescribed medication for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Its safety and efficacy have been highly lauded; however, it can lead to tinnitus and hearing loss as a side effect in some individuals. This type of hearing disorder may be linked to the impact that Wellbutrin has on the inner workings of the ear, and individuals taking Wellbutrin may begin to notice symptoms of hearing changes.

Small structures inside of the ear, called hair cells, are tasked with converting sound vibrations into electrical signals for the brain to parse through and ultimately comprehend. Damage to these delicate components can obstruct their ability to relay sounds, leading to hearing loss and both mild and intense tinnitus.

Reports suggest that taking Wellbutrin may affect the delicate inner ear by disrupting dopamine and norepinephrine levels, two neurotransmitters essential for hearing. When these transmitters are substantially altered, this can cause harm to the hair cells in our ears, resulting in chronic tinnitus. The onset of constant ringing in the ears triggers anxiety for some, but chronic tinnitus does not always persist past antidepressants’ use, which can help alleviate some concern.

Is My Tinnitus Caused by Hearing Loss or Wellbutrin?

Tinnitus can arise from a variety of sources, including hearing loss, blood pressure alterations, medications like Wellbutrin, an ear infection or overexposure to loud noise. It is sometimes difficult to accurately identify the root cause since its symptoms are often similar to other communication ailments and it typically arises gradually over time. Although Wellbutrin is a confirmed, safe FDA-approved solution for depression and anxiety relief, it has been known to influence one’s hearing ability. From managing background noise to the unexpected ringing in their ears; acute or chronic tinnitus can be extremely disconcerting – causing those using this medication to seek out other viable options.

If you are struggling with tinnitus, consulting your physician is an important first step. Your doctor may conduct a hearing test to detect any potential hearing impairment and examine the medications you take to determine if they could contribute to the condition. A successful diagnosis will enable them to develop the best treatment plan for your needs, as many medications used to treat mental health conditions have no known or recognized links to tinnitus development.

Can Medications Cause Sudden Hearing Loss or Tinnitus?

pills are scattered on a blue background close-up

Tinnitus can be a result of certain medications, like Wellbutrin; however, it’s uncommon for medication to cause sudden hearing loss. This is because the inner ear has a tight guard against most medicines entering and potentially causing damage. The blood vessels that supply the internal auditory system are tightly regulated to prevent potential harm from drugs or other substances, though even a subtle break to these delicate systems can cause tinnitus.

Medications can cause abrupt hearing loss or tinnitus, in some cases. This is more likely to occur with ototoxic drugs, which are toxic to the ear. For instance, certain antibiotics, NSAIDs, and chemotherapy drugs may be dangerous when taken in high doses either once or over a period of a few months.

Permanent Tinnitus vs. Temporary Ear Ringing

Tinnitus can be either short-term or long-lasting. Short-term tinnitus is typically caused by exposure to too loud noise or acoustic trauma and usually resolves on its own after a few hours or days. Permanent tinnitus may indicate harm done to the hair cells situated within your ears and might also indicate hearing loss.

If you are living with tinnitus, talking to your healthcare provider about potential causes is essential. They might conduct a hearing test and review the medications you’re taking to identify the source of your condition. Early diagnosis is key. If caught early on, treatment can be more effective and successful and eliminate the discomfort anyone who has experienced tinnitus can feel.

Is It Common to Have Developed Tinnitus from Wellbutrin?

Although the chances are very slim, taking Wellbutrin can result in tinnitus. Clinical studies have shown that it may affect 1-2% of people taking the medication. Despite these low odds, it’s essential to be cognizant of all possible side effects of a drug before consuming it, no matter how rare.

Quick Stats On the Wellbutrin-Tinnitus Connection

Tinnitus is a rare side effect of Wellbutrin, affecting between 1% and 2% of users.
Tinnitus caused by Wellbutrin is thought to be related to its effects on the inner ear.
Wellbutrin may reduce levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, which are important neurotransmitters for hearing function, leading to side effects like ringing ears.
If you are experiencing tinnitus, you must consult your doctor to determine the underlying cause, as few cases can indicate a potentially life-threatening condition.

Diagnosing Wellbutrin Tinnitus and Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

If you are in a situation where tinnitus or hearing loss has become the norm, speaking with your physician immediately is paramount. Your doctor will conduct an auditory test to assess any signs of hearing impairment and determine whether the ringing could be linked to medications such as Wellbutrin. Don’t wait until symptoms worsen; it is worth noting that delayed treatment may not be as likely to be successful.

To identify the cause of tinnitus, your physician may conduct a physical examination, evaluate your medical record, and organize imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans. Through these screenings, it is possible to eliminate any other diagnoses that might be causing ringing in the ears, including exposure to other meds linked to ototoxicity.

What Can You Do If You Think You Have Wellbutrin Tinnitus?

If you’re suffering from tinnitus due to Wellbutrin, there are several approaches you can take to cope with symptoms. The first step is to consult with your doctor, because they may decide to alter your dosage or switch medications altogether.

In addition to medication changes, you can make several lifestyle changes to manage tinnitus symptoms. These include:

Avoiding loud noise. Exposure to loud noise can exacerbatve tinnitus symptoms, so it can be useful to avoid exposure to loud music, machinery, and other noise sources.
Using white noise. White noise machines can help reduce the perception of tinnitus and make it less noticeable.
Managing stress. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms, so it is important to find ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, meditation, or therapy.
Avoiding excessive amounts of caffeine and nicotine. Caffeine and nicotine can worsen tinnitus symptoms, so avoiding or limiting these substances can help limit ringing symptoms.

Does Ear Ringing from Antidepressants Go Away?

While tinnitus caused by antidepressants may resolve itself after the medication is no longer being used, it is possible to linger even after discontinuation.

If you’re struggling with tinnitus because of antidepressants, discussing the matter with your doctor is imperative. They could alter your dosage or shift you from one medicine to another to alleviate those symptoms. Taking charge of treatment options can help improve your overall quality of life and provide relief moving forward, though it is important to do so under the care of a physician, as quitting these medications cold turkey can be hazardous.

Using a Hearing Aid for Hearing Loss and Wellbutrin Tinnitus

If you are struggling with Wellbutrin tinnitus, and medication changes are not an option, consider using a hearing aid. It amplifies sounds, allowing you to make the most of your remaining auditory capabilities and making life more manageable and effectively treating tinnitus symptoms.

When it comes to your hearing, selecting the right style of hearing aid is essential. An audiologist can assist you in choosing a model that meets your requirements and provides continual maintenance so that it functions properly. With countless styles available, finding one tailored to your needs doesn’t have to be overwhelming or difficult–just let an expert guide you!

Managing Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Without A Hearing Aid

In addition to hearing aids and a customized sound therapy program, there are several other strategies you can use to manage hearing loss and tinnitus These include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that can help manage the psychological impact of tinnitus. CBT can help you develop coping strategies and teach you how to manage the anxiety and stress often associated with tinnitus.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy. Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is a type of therapy that can help you acclimate to the sounds associated with tinnitus. TRT involves using sound therapy to reduce the perceived loudness of tinnitus over time.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a type of meditation that can help reduce stress and anxiety. MBSR can help manage the psychological impact of tinnitus and can help you develop coping strategies for dealing with the condition.

Finding Relief from Tinnitus With a Hearing Aid, Even without Hearing Loss

If you’re looking for a better way to manage tinnitus, even if your hearing is still intact, look no further than a hearing aid! It can be programmed specifically for sound therapy which can help reduce the impact of ringing in your ears and allow you to go about life more easily. With modern technology, they’re more comfortable and discreet than ever before.

If you’re looking for alternatives to hearing aids, several options are available, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, tinnitus retraining therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, as mentioned above. All of these strategies have proven successful in managing the effects of tinnitus.

Final Tips for Preventing Hearing Loss

While tinnitus can be a challenging condition to manage, there are several things you can do to help prevent hearing loss and protect your inner ear, including:

Avoid exposure to loud noise. Exposure to loud noise can damage the hair cells in the inner part of the ear and can lead to hearing loss and tinnitus. It is important to avoid exposure to loud music, machinery, and other noise sources whenever possible.

Wear ear protection. If you must be in a loud environment, such as a construction site or a music concert, it is important to wear ear protection, such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones.

Take breaks from loud noise. If you must be in a loud environment for an extended period, it is important to take regular breaks to give your ears a rest.

Avoid smoking. Smoking can damage the blood vessels in the inner ear, increasing the risk of hearing loss and tinnitus.

Combat your stress. Stress can aggravate tinnitus symptoms, so it is essential to discover techniques for managing stress, such as through physical activity, meditation, therapy sessions or other FDA-endorsed treatments.

Tinnitus is a pervasive issue that can be caused by many different sources, including FDA-approved medications such as Wellbutrin. If you encounter any of the associated symptoms, it’s essential to speak with your doctor and search for underlying factors and feasible treatments. By guarding inner ear health and learning strategies to manage risk factors, tinnitus will become more manageable – allowing you to restore quality of life.

References:

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (n.d.). Tinnitus. Retrieved from https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/tinnitus
American Tinnitus Association. (n.d.). Why Are My Ears Ringing? Retrieved from https://www.ata.org/about-tinnitus/why-are-my-ears-ringing/
Mayo Clinic. (2021, May 1). Bupropion (Oral Route) – Side Effects. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/bupropion-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20062478

Tinnitus related to bupropion treatment: a case report

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Tinnitus related to bupropion ...

Psychiatry and Clinical Psychopharmacology 2014; 24: Supplement S339-S340

Keywords : tinnitus, bupropion, antidepressants

Read: 25521 Published: 17 February 2021

Volume 24, Issue 1, January 2014

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Tinnitus is perception of sound in the absence of acoustic stimulation. (ICD-10 code, H93.1) Tinnitus perception and the dopaminergic pathway represent the same cerebral structures with the same functions. Dopamine is present in the first synapse of the auditory pathway; therefore, it is believed dopamine modules all processes, from the first synaptic complex in the cochlea to the pyramidal cells of the cortex, passing through limbic system. A 41-year-old male, married, laborer, lives with his family in Istanbul has been on a regimen of sertraline 50 mg/day for recurrent depressive episodes since 2 years. Bupropion XL 150 mg/day was added for augmentation. However, after 3 weeks of treatment, patient noticed a subacute onset of bilateral tinnitus. He denied hearing loss, dizziness, vertigo, feeling of fullness in the ears, double vision, and hoarseness. Mental state examination was normal except depressive mood. The patient was referred to general otorhinolaryngologic consultation. Audiometry with tympanometry was done. Otologic problems, Ménière’s disease, external ear infection or acoustic neuroma was not recorded. In addition, neurological examination was normal. Drug usage such as analgesics, antibiotics, chemotherapy, antiviral drugs, loop diuretics wasn’t mentioned. Metabolic disorders (thyroid disorder, hyperlipidemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, iron deficiency, anemia) were not identified. The tinnitus in this case was attributed to bupropion. Tinnitus-generating antidepressants are tricyclic antidepressants, mianserin, trazodone, citalopram, venlafaxine, bupropion. Bupropion is dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor. Tinnitus caused by bupropion is most likely due to dopaminergic enhancement. Tinnitus perception is processed in the prefrontal, primary temporal, and temporoparietal associative areas, as well as in the limbic system that overlaps cerebral dopaminergic projections. It is well known that dopaminergic pathways can successfully be modulated by agonists and antagonists. The dopamine concept of tinnitus perception opened new possibilities for dopamine supplementation and/or dopamine receptor modulators in the treatment of tinnitus. The dopaminergic pathway can be modulated and the perception of tinnitus can be reduced, by agonists and antagonists of their receptors such as sulpiride, amisulpride, olanzapine, quetiapine, ziprasidone, zuclopenthixol, aripiprazole and melatonin. Antidepressants are used to attenuate tinnitus perception. Limited-sample reports (only two) indicated bupropion’s potential induction of tinnitus. This study aims to underlie that bupropion(dopamine agonist-antagonist) can cause tinnitus. The dopaminergic pathway is proposed as the structure that supports the functional neuroanatomy of tinnitus perception. The dopaminergic pathway opens new therapeutic fields for tinnitus in terms of agonism and antagonism of the different dopamine receptors and with the attenuation of subcortical areas.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Adult Medication

Provided by Lexicomp ^® , this document contains all the information you need to know about this medicine, including indications, directions for use, side effects, and when your healthcare provider should be contacted.

Trade names: USA

Aplenzin; Forfivo XL; Wellbutrin SR; Wellbutrin XL; Zyban[DSC]

Trade names: Canada

MYLAN-BuPROPion XL [DSC]; ODAN Bupropion SR; TARO-Bupropion XL; TEVA-Bupropion XL; Wellbutrin SR; Wellbutrin XL; Zyban

Warning

Drugs like this have increased the likelihood of suicidal thoughts or actions in children and young people. This risk may be higher in people who have tried or had suicidal thoughts in the past. All people taking this drug must be closely monitored. If you develop or worsen disorders such as depression, nervousness, anxiety, grouchiness, panic attacks, and changes in mood or behavior, contact your doctor immediately. Contact your doctor immediately if you have suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts.

What is this drug used for?

Used to treat depression.
Used to prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Used to stop smoking.
This drug may also be used for other indications. Consult your doctor.

What should I tell my doctor BEFORE taking this drug?

If you have an allergy to this drug, any of its ingredients, other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor about your allergies and how they have manifested.
If you have ever had seizures.
If you abuse alcohol and suddenly stopped using it.
If you are taking certain other drugs, such as anticonvulsants or tranquilizers, and you stop taking them abruptly.
If you have ever had an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia.
If you have any of the following health conditions: kidney disease or liver disease.
If you have taken medications for depression or Parkinson's disease in the past 14 days. These include isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline. An episode of very high blood pressure may occur.
If you are taking any of the following drugs: linezolid or methylene blue.
If you are taking another drug that contains the same medicine.

This list of drugs and conditions that may interact with this drug is not exhaustive.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you take (both prescription and over-the-counter, natural products and vitamins) and any health problems you have. You need to make sure that this drug is safe for your conditions and in combination with other drugs you are already taking. Do not start or stop taking any drug or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.

What do I need to know or do while taking this drug?

For all patients taking this drug:

Tell all your health care workers that you are taking this drug. These are doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dentists.
Avoid driving or doing other tasks or jobs that require alertness or keen eyesight until you know how this drug affects you.
This drug may affect the results of some lab tests. Tell all your health care workers and laboratory staff that you are taking this drug.
Do not stop taking this drug abruptly without consulting your doctor. This can increase the risk of side effects. If necessary, taking this drug should be stopped gradually, in accordance with the recommendations of the doctor.
High blood pressure has happened with this drug. Monitor your blood pressure as directed by your doctor.
This drug may increase the risk of seizures. The risk may be increased in people who take higher doses of the drug, who have certain health problems, or who use certain other drugs. People who abruptly stop drinking large amounts of alcohol or abruptly stop taking certain medications (such as drugs used for anxiety, insomnia, or seizures) are also at higher risk. Talk to your doctor to find out if you have an increased risk of seizures.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this drug.
Check with your doctor before using marijuana, other forms of cannabis, or prescription or over-the-counter drugs that can slow you down.
It may take several weeks to achieve full effect.
This drug is not approved for use in children. Consult your doctor.
If you are 65 years of age or older, use this drug with caution. You may experience more side effects.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The benefits and risks for you and your child will need to be discussed.

If you smoke:

Not all drugs are approved for use to help you quit smoking. Check with your doctor to make sure you get the right drug.
When using bupropion for smoking cessation, the appearance of new or aggravation of existing disorders of the psyche, mood or behavior was noted. These disturbances include suicidal or homicidal thoughts, depression, violent acts, rage, anxiety and anger. These disorders have been observed in people with and without mental and mood disorders in the past. Consult your doctor.

What side effects should I report to my doctor immediately?

WARNING. In rare cases, this drug can cause serious and sometimes deadly side effects in some patients. Contact your doctor or seek medical attention right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be associated with serious side effects:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red and swollen skin with blisters or peeling, possibly accompanied by fever, wheezing or wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, unusual hoarseness, swelling in the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat.
Signs of high blood pressure, such as a very severe headache, or dizziness, or loss of consciousness, or blurred vision.
Feelings of confusion, inability to concentrate, or changes in behavior.
Hallucinations (a person sees or hears something that is not in reality).
If, after starting the medication, seizures become more frequent or severe.
Chest pain, angina pectoris, tachycardia, or abnormal heart rhythm.
Inflammation.
Dyspnea.
Hearing change.
Tinnitus.
Frequent urination.
Swelling of the gland.
Violation of motor functions.
Some patients may be at increased risk of eye problems when using this drug. Your doctor may order an eye examination to see if you are at increased risk for these eye problems. Call your doctor right away if you have eye pain, vision changes, swelling or redness around the eye.
Possible severe skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis). This can lead to severe health problems, which can be permanent, and sometimes death. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as redness, swelling of the skin with blistering or peeling (with or without fever), redness or irritation of the eyes, and sores in the mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

Any medicine can have side effects. However, for many people, side effects are either minor or non-existent. Contact your doctor or seek medical attention if these or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

All formulations:

Dizziness or headache.
Constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite.
Shiver.
Nervous tension and agitation.
Strange or unusual dreams.
Gas formation.
Dry mouth.
Sleep disorders.
Pain in the joints or muscles.
Irritation of the nose or throat.
Excessive sweating.
Unexplained fluctuations in weight.

Extended release tablets:

The tablet shell of some brand name drugs can sometimes be seen in the stool. For drugs of these brands, this is normal and does not cause concern. If you have any questions, please consult your doctor.

This list of possible side effects is not exhaustive. If you have any questions about side effects, please contact your doctor. Talk to your doctor about side effects.

You can report side effects to the National Health Board.

You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You can also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What is the best way to take this drug?

Use this drug as directed by your doctor. Read all the information provided to you. Strictly follow all instructions.

For all uses of this drug:

Do not take the drug more often than prescribed. This may increase your risk of developing seizures. Make sure you know at what intervals you need to use the drug.
Take in the morning if you are taking this drug once a day.
Take this drug with or without food.
If you cannot sleep, do not take this drug at bedtime. Consult your doctor.
Swallow whole. Do not chew, break or crush.
Keep taking this drug as instructed by your doctor or other health care professional, even if you feel well.
If you have difficulty swallowing, check with your doctor.

For smoking cessation:

You can take this drug for 1 week before you stop smoking.
Nicotine replacement and psychological help can be done at the same time for best results.
If you have not been able to stop smoking after 12 weeks of taking this drug, talk with your doctor.
When you try to quit smoking, you may experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms even if you use quit smoking drugs like this drug. There are many signs of nicotine withdrawal. People who are trying to quit smoking have occasionally experienced depression and suicidal thoughts. Consult with your physician.

What if I miss a dose of a drug?

Skip the forgotten dose and return to your regular schedule.
Do not take 2 doses or an additional dose at the same time.

How do I store and/or discard this drug?

Store at room temperature, protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all medicines in a safe place. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of unused or expired drugs. Do not empty into a toilet or sewer unless instructed to do so. If you have any questions about disposing of medicines, ask your pharmacist. Drug disposal programs may be in place in your area.

General information about medicines

If your health does not improve or even worsens, see your doctor.
Do not give your medicine to anyone and do not take other people's medicines.
Some medicines may come with other patient information leaflets. If you have questions about this drug, talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
A separate instruction for patients is attached to the drug. Please read this information carefully. Reread it each time you refill your supply. If you have any questions about this drug, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
If you think you have overdosed, call a poison control center or get medical help right away. Be prepared to tell or show what drug you took, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Use of Information and Limitation of Liability

This summary information includes a summary of the diagnosis, treatment, and/or drug product. It is not intended to be a comprehensive source of data and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or evaluate potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a particular patient. It should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a physician based on a medical examination and assessment of the patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients should consult with their physician for full information about their health, medical issues, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding the use of medications. This information is not a guarantee that a treatment or drug is safe, effective, or approved for a particular patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its subsidiaries disclaim any warranties or liabilities related to this information or its use. The use of this information is subject to the Terms of Use found at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last revision date

2021-07-28

Copyright

Date last updated

Monday, December 12, 2022

Beware! Antibiotics that lead to hearing loss!

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Carefully! Antibiotics that lead to hearing loss!

Many of the modern medicines can bring not only benefits to the body, but also significant harm. There are entire groups of medicines that adversely affect hearing and the functioning of the vestibular apparatus. You can read more about ototoxic drugs in our article.

In the modern world, a huge number of different medicines are produced. Many of them can bring not only benefits to the body, but also cause significant harm. That is why it is so important for a person to be able to navigate the whole variety of medicines. There are whole groups of medications that adversely affect hearing and the functioning of the vestibular apparatus. Such drugs are called ototoxic. Their negative effect is the destructive effect of the components of the drug on the auditory nerve and inner ear neurons.
You can understand that you are taking an ototoxic drug by the following signs:

violation of the vestibular apparatus;
appearance of noise or ringing in the ears;
dizziness when walking or suddenly changing position;
unsteady gait;
difficulty in focusing the gaze;
involuntary eye movement;
deterioration in the ability to hear high-pitched sounds, unintelligibility of women's and children's speech;
hearing loss in both ears.

It is important to note that the appearance of the above symptoms may not coincide in time with taking the drug. Often there is a "delayed symptom", that is, when the symptoms of hearing loss begin to appear after a certain time period after the course of treatment.
The likelihood of hearing loss symptoms increases:

when taking several ototoxic drugs at the same time;
with a course of treatment lasting more than two weeks;
while taking ototoxic drugs with diuretics.

Currently, hearing loss after the use of ototoxic drugs often becomes irreversible. Therefore, at its first signs, modern treatment is important. Children and the elderly are especially sensitive to the use of such medicines. The risk group should also include people suffering from diabetes and kidney disease, due to the peculiarities of their metabolism. In addition, people who, by their profession, come into contact with chemicals such as arsenic, sulfur, lead, mercury, and their compounds are also in this group.

Attention! Treatment with ototoxic drugs is not allowed during pregnancy and lactation.

All medical products can be divided into several categories according to the degree of influence on hearing:
0 - no hearing impairment;
1 - hearing loss only according to diagnostics and audiometry;
2 - the appearance of tinnitus or hearing loss that does not require treatment;
3 - the appearance of tinnitus or hearing loss, which require treatment or hearing aids;
4 - severe degree of hearing loss or deafness, not amenable to treatment and hearing aids.
So, what drugs can lead to hearing loss?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac sodium, indomethacin, ibuprofen cause disturbances in blood circulation in the capillaries of the inner ear, which often leads to temporary hearing loss. As a rule, after discontinuation of the drug, hearing is restored.
Antidepressants and tranquilizers (Bupropion, Carbamazepine, Doxepin, Norpramin, Tofranil, Molidon, Amitriptyline, Xanax, Tranxen, Librium, Flurazepam, Prozepam, Midazolam, Doral, Temazepam, Oxazepam, Triazolam, Phenelzine, Vivactil, Trazodone) are also ototoxic drugs.

In addition, the following groups of antibiotics have ototoxic properties:

Glycopeptides (Vancomycin, Teicomycin) cause hearing loss when administered intravenously, impair the perception of high-frequency sounds.
The polypeptide antibiotic Ristomycin acts on the auditory nerve, causing irreversible hearing loss.
Tetracycline antibiotic Minocycline may cause vestibular disorders.
Macrolide antibiotic Erythromycin is considered to be the least toxic; it has a negative effect when administered intravenously in large doses.
Polymyxins - drugs of this group are used topically in the form of drops in the ears in the absence of perforation of the tympanic membrane. Can cause complete deafness.
Aminoglycosides - broad spectrum antibiotics. Hearing loss is more often caused by taking Gentamicin and Amikacin, in turn, after taking Tobramycin and Gentamicin, disturbances of the vestibular apparatus may be observed. Aminoglycosides are able to cross the placenta, accumulating in the tissues of the fetus, while increasing the risk of having a child with complete deafness. In addition, these drugs can enter the bloodstream through the skin. They are especially dangerous for newborns. When used topically, aminoglycosides (ointments, creams, etc.) have a negative effect not only on the patient's hearing, but also have a devastating effect on the kidneys.

In addition to the above drugs, some other drugs can also have a negative effect on a person's hearing:

Aspirin - an ototoxic effect can occur when taking 6-8 tablets of aspirin or preparations containing it per day.
Contraceptives Ovidon and Nonovlon worsen the composition of the blood in the inner ear, thereby causing increased thrombus formation.
Cancer chemotherapy drugs - Vincristine and Cisplastin.
The anti-tuberculosis drug Florimycin has a negative effect on the auditory nerve and causes hearing loss.
The antimicrobial agent Furadonin has a neurotoxic effect, contraindicated in sensorineural hearing loss.
Cardiac agents such as Celiprolol, Tambocor, Lopressor, Lidocaine, Pronestil, Propanolol, Quinidine, as well as drugs Vinblastine, Methotrexate, Misoprostol, Atabrine, Prednisolone also have an ototoxic effect.

Diuretic drugs also have a detrimental effect on a person's hearing. These drugs cause an imbalance of sodium and potassium in the fluid that fills the cochlea of the inner ear. The most common and dangerous drugs from this group are Furosemide, Ethacrynic acid, Bumetanide.

It is worth noting that there are drugs that have a protective effect on the auditory nerve and the inner ear. The simultaneous use of such drugs with an ototoxic drug helps to reduce the negative impact of the latter on the patient's hearing.
What if you are already taking an ototoxic drug?
First, you need to address this issue to a specialized doctor (audiologist or otolaryngologist). Next, the doctor will diagnose hearing and, depending on the results of the audiogram, select the appropriate treatment. After detecting the negative effect of the drug on human hearing, the patient is detoxified, and then, if necessary, a course of hormone therapy can be prescribed.
Thus, medications can not only get rid of any ailment, but also have a negative impact, both on certain organs and on the whole organism as a whole. In order not to harm yourself and your body, follow the simple rules for treating any disease. Before prescribing a drug, it is imperative to visit a specialized specialist. Do not self-medicate, seek help from a doctor and undergo treatment under his supervision, responsibly following the instructions of a specialist. It is necessary to be extremely careful about the drugs that you take, read the instructions and check the contraindications for use. And most importantly, when the first signs of side effects from taking drugs appear, immediately consult a doctor to prevent further consequences.

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