Lexapro and tinnitus

[cherry1111]

Has anyone experienced tinnitus while on Lexapro? I just started taking it a week ago tomorrow and today I developed a very loud ringing in my ear. Tonight I googled and sure enough it is an uncommon side effect. Ugh. I so badly want to take something for my anxiety but I also cannot deal with this loud ringing. I will be calling my dr tomorrow to see what I should do but curious if anyone else experienced this.

[sunshineluv]

I am on lexapro and didn’t have this side effect. But a lot of the side effects go away quickly.

I was so intimidated and annoyed at the length of time it takes to determine what med is right for you. But it is so worth it.

I started on Zoloft and had nearly every side effect, I was a mess. I read way too much online and thought I needed to power through until week 8 and it would be wonderful. I went back to my doc, switched to lexapro, and it has been super helpful for me with very minimal side effects. The long process was worth it. I hope you find something that helps.

[followyourarrow]

I've been on lexapro for 15ish years. I haven't had this side effect or any side effects with it. Wellbutrine was super bad for me though. I hope you find the right one that works for you, I know it's an awful process.

[puppylove64]

I take lexapro and didn’t have this side effect, but what I did have went away quickly. When are you taking it? Can you try taking it at night if that helps?

[cherry1111]

I have been taking it at night before bed. The nurse called me back and said to go ahead and stop and when the dr is back (Tuesday) we can discuss other options. This sucks so bad. The last thing needed when trying to figure out how to manage anxiety (especially anxiety around physical and medical problems) is to develop a new symptom from it all. I hope to god this ringing will stop once I stop taking it.

[1confused1]

If Effexor is an option he presents to you, I highly recommend it. I had headaches for the first week or so, but that was the only negative side effect. Other than that, it has changed my life completely.

[cherry1111]

Jan 25, 2024 16:31:43 GMT -5 1confused1 said:

If Effexor is an option he presents to you, I highly recommend it. I had headaches for the first week or so, but that was the only negative side effect. Other than that, it has changed my life completely.

Thanks. She actually called me from her vacation and wants me to try Wellbutrin. I think I’m going to take a break and see if hopefully this tinnitus goes away before starting something else so I know for sure what the side effects are from it. If that doesn’t work I will ask about Effexor too. I’m hopeful I can find something that works even if the process sucks.

[wanderingback]

Jan 25, 2024 17:57:33 GMT -5 cherry1111 said:

Jan 25, 2024 16:31:43 GMT -5 1confused1 said:

If Effexor is an option he presents to you, I highly recommend it. I had headaches for the first week or so, but that was the only negative side effect. Other than that, it has changed my life completely.

Thanks. She actually called me from her vacation and wants me to try Wellbutrin. I think I’m going to take a break and see if hopefully this tinnitus goes away before starting something else so I know for sure what the side effects are from it. If that doesn’t work I will ask about Effexor too. I’m hopeful I can find something that works even if the process sucks.

Ugh, sorry about the tinnitus. It’s rare but does happen. Hope it goes away soon.

As far as Effexor goes, def talk to your doctor about it. I usually try another SSRI before jumping to a SNRI or Effexor. The process to get off and withdrawal is often worse with SNRI (like if you miss 1 day of your med you might have withdrawal symptoms, this usually isn’t as bad on SSRIs). So that’s something I def talk to people about before starting a SNRI. Wellbutrin can be a great choice for people who have depression and no anxiety. In my experience it doesn’t have a lot of side effects for many many people. I Hope you find something that works well for you!

[Pibs]

I didn't have it work Lexapro, but I did with Wellbutrin. I was able to lower my dose and the tinnitus (also the most awful taste in my mouth) went away within a week.

How long have you been on the Lexapro and what dose are you taking? It's generally one that should be tapered down when stop it.

[cherry1111]

Jan 25, 2024 22:35:22 GMT -5 Pibs said:

I didn't have it work Lexapro, but I did with Wellbutrin. I was able to lower my dose and the tinnitus (also the most awful taste in my mouth) went away within a week.

How long have you been on the Lexapro and what dose are you taking? It's generally one that should be tapered down when stop it.

I took 10 mg for 7 days. I’m reading online that a lot of people are fine on 5mg but get the tinnitus at 10mg. I wonder if I started too high. The dr didn’t mention anything about tapering I guess because I was only on it for a week.

[redheadbaker]

My husband is on Lexapro and has tinnitus, but that's likely from 40 years of playing instruments and going to concerts without ear protection.

[Pibs]

Jan 25, 2024 22:42:43 GMT -5 cherry1111 said:

Jan 25, 2024 22:35:22 GMT -5 Pibs said:

I didn't have it work Lexapro, but I did with Wellbutrin. I was able to lower my dose and the tinnitus (also the most awful taste in my mouth) went away within a week.

How long have you been on the Lexapro and what dose are you taking? It's generally one that should be tapered down when stop it.

I took 10 mg for 7 days. I’m reading online that a lot of people are fine on 5mg but get the tinnitus at 10mg. I wonder if I started too high. The dr didn’t mention anything about tapering I guess because I was only on it for a week.

If you've only been on it for a week you should be ok to stop it without tapering. Starting on a 10mg/day dose isn't uncommon or a bad choice. It might just be too high for you. If your tablets are scored they should be safe to split, so you could talk to your doctor about trying out 5mg/day without having to get a new Rx to see how the lower dose works.

Or try a different med -- it's super common for people to end up trying more than one before they get the results they need. It's also annoying because they take so long to see the full effect, so be patient and kind to yourself.