Tinnitus and medication?

[Greg]

This will probably sound a bit of an odd question here, but has anyone who is taking either baclofen or benzodiazepines experienced tinnitus (ringing in the ears) that has seemed to be due to the medication? I'm just trying to work out why I am suddenly experiencing this, as I haven't been injured or subjected to loud noise. I only take 15 mg baclofen and 1 mg Xanax each day, although they are both taken as a single dose each, so maybe some sort of mini-withdrawal symptom?? I am a bit worried about stopping or increasing either of these drugs to find out, and I went to my doctor, who said it's nothing to worry about. Anyhow I'd be interested if knowing if anyone else has had this problem.

P.S.: I did notice some neck pain before this happened, sort of muscle aching or tightness, but as I said I've had no injury. Also there is a sense of pressure/fullness in the head and "nose bone" and sometimes mild transient headache with the tinnitus but nothing severe. Blood pressure has been normal, which now makes me wonder if it's a withdrawal symptom at all.

[bleep]

Tinnitus and medication?

Hi Greg,

I posted a reply, but it seems to have gotten lost.

I experience tinnitus all the time from baclofen. Always sounds like my phone is ringing. It's a fairly common SE - a number of people have reported experiencing it.

Just a bit annoying really, not too bad.

[Guest]

Tinnitus and medication?

Ears ringing is a side effect and made worse if you drink with Baclofen too.

[Greg]

Tinnitus and medication?

Thanks folks. I have stopped baclofen for a few days now to see what happens, luckily I was taking a small enough dose to do this without problems. Also I wasn't drinking with baclofen but agree that side effects can be worse if people do.

I've also found out that tinnitus is also a common benzodiazepine (eg Xanax) side effect as the drug wears off, sort of a mini-withdrawal. I'm seeing a doctor in the next few days to be able to ditch the Xanax by switching over to Valium then gradually tapering off that. It's the method recommended by people who have been through 'benzo' withdrawal, and Valium is supposed to lack the withdrawals between doses that happens with shorter-acting drugs. Xanax was helpful during early sobriety but I guess it's now time to let go of it, also it's not recommended for people who have had drinking problems.

Anyway my problem is minor compared to what others here are facing!

[Guest]

Tinnitus and medication?

From what I remember Valium isn't recommended for alcoholics either, but if you are using it in a reducing dose that I guess that might be ok.

I've had neck pain but I put it down to the 'dead' sleep that Baclofen brings on. Also have had the pressure in the head, nose and sinuses but I put it down to the extreme weight gain.

[Greg]

Tinnitus and medication?

Ukblonde;1064009 wrote: From what I remember Valium isn't recommended for alcoholics either, but if you are using it in a reducing dose that I guess that might be ok.

I've had neck pain but I put it down to the 'dead' sleep that Baclofen brings on. Also have had the pressure in the head, nose and sinuses but I put it down to the extreme weight gain.

Thanks, I'm seeing an addiction specialist doctor about the Valium and will ask him about the dangers, and also insist that we stick to a strict reducing regime. Luckily I didn't find Xanax euphoric in any way and had no interest in abusing it, and have taken Valium a few times with a similar result, but definitely something to be careful of.

Unfortunately weight gain is a listed side effect of baclofen, although possibly rare. What I read didn't actually say WHY it can cause that, although there was mention of occasional elevated blood sugar levels. I'm not a medical professional so am only going on what I have read.

By the way I'm not on the forum every day, so if not here again for a while, good luck with it all!