My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Ear, Nose & Throat Community

Announcements

Last Reply:

Includes Expert Content

SSRI caused tinnitus

Cin_k posted:

I started using Citalopam for 10 days. I developed ringing in both ears and stopped using the medication 2 days later. My GP spoke to an ENT who had read the ssri meds can cause tinnitus. I have read since that these and other anti anxiety drugs are ototoxic. I am bothered by this constant, high pitched ringing in both ears but do not want to further damage my ears using drugs to help with the anxiety. Has anyone else experienced this "side effect" and how long did it take to resolve. I have been off the drug for about 5 days now. Thanks

2 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:SSRI caused tinnitusI started using Citalopam for 10 days. I developed ringing in both ears and stopped using the medication 2 days later. My GP spoke to an ENT who had read the ssri meds can cause tinnitus. I have read since that these and other anti anxiety drugs are ototoxic. I am bothered by this constant, high pitched ringing in both ears but do not want to further damage my ears using drugs to help with the anxiety. Has anyone else experienced this "side effect" and how long did it take to resolve. I have been off the drug for about 5 days now. Thanks

Rod Moser, PA, PhD responded:

Anti-anxiety drugs are not ototoxic, and a matter of fact, this class of drugs and some anti-depressants are used to TREAT tinnitus.

Tinnitus can be a potential side effects of thousands of medications

Report This| Share this:SSRI caused tinnitusAnti-anxiety drugs are <i>not</i> ototoxic, and a matter of fact, this class of drugs and some anti-depressants are used to TREAT tinnitus. <br /> <br />Tinnitus can be a potential side effects of thousands of medications

Rod Moser, PA, PhD responded:

Anti-anxiety drugs are NOT ototoxic. As a matter of fact, antianxiety medications and certain antidepressants are often used to TREAT tinnitus. There are thousands of drugs that have tinnitus as a potential side-effect -- some more than others, of course -- , but making a direct, causative relationship may be clinically difficult.

Report This| Share this:SSRI caused tinnitusAnti-anxiety drugs are NOT ototoxic. As a matter of fact, antianxiety medications and certain antidepressants are often used to TREAT tinnitus. There are thousands of drugs that have tinnitus as a potential side-effect -- some more than others, of course -- , but making a direct, causative relationship may be clinically difficult.

Visit the Cold & Flu Health Center

Women's Health Newsletter

Find out what women really need.

Featuring Experts

Rod Moser, PA, PhD

Welcome to WebMD's Ear, Nose, and Throat Community — a site where members help each other. If you have an experience to share or would like ...More

Popular Discussions

Start a Discussion | See All

Helpful Tips

Most People with a penicillin allergy can safely take cephalosporins

Medical providers have always been taught that if you are allergic to penicillin, you have a greater chance of also being allergic to a ... More

Was this Helpful?

28 of 59 found this helpful

Post a Tip | See All

Helpful Resources

Will Vicks dayquil make you te...

Tinnitus Relief

Common Cold Quiz

Have you found the ALL EARS BLOG?

100 Resources for PAs

Post a Resource | See All

Expert Blog

Focus on Flu

Find answers to your questions about seasonal flu issues and answers to your concerns about the flu season and H1N1...Read More

Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other Ear, Nose & Throat Information

The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.

Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

In-depth coverage:

Find us on:

URAC: Accredited Health Web Site

HonCode: Health on the Net Foundation AdChoices

About WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact Us

Medscape Reference eMedicineHealth RxList Medscape MedicineNet BootsWebMD WebMD Corporate

First Aid WebMD Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory

WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.

Ear, Nose & Throat Community

See All