Perhaps you have seen your doctor about this problem. You may have tested his ears, told him that there is no physical problem with his ears, and perhaps even referred him to an audiologist. But, he has not gotten relief from his tinnitus, until now.
But has your doctor checked the medications you take regularly (prescription and over-the-counter) to see if they might be the cause of that unhealthy noise? If he didn’t, I’ve listed 5 medications that cause tinnitus, medications that millions of people take and that make their ears ring as a side effect.
- Accutane (anti-acne). While it sounds harmless enough as a form of vitamin A designed to reduce the amount of oil released by sebaceous glands in the skin, Accutane is actually a very powerful drug that can cause serious birth defects in unborn children. It is only available as part of a program called iPledge, which requires patients to take birth control and undergo regular pregnancy tests. Accutane is very effective in preventing acne, but it is one of the drugs that causes that horrible ringing in the ears.
- Celexa (antidepressant). A member of a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Celexa helps rebalance brain chemistry to treat depression. Millions of people who suffer from depression find relief while taking Celexa on a regular basis. But, one of the side effects of this powerful drug is the possibility of ringing in the ears.
- Ecotrin (reduces aches, pains and fever). This popular and safe pain and fever reducing medication has brought relief to millions of people who complain of muscle aches and the like. But, like aspirin, Ecotrin is a member of a group of drugs called salicylates (sa-LIS-il-ates) that are well known as drugs that cause tinnitus.
- Lipitor (cholesterol reducer). Millions around the world find that Lipitor lowers their “bad” cholesterol to a reasonable level, safely and effectively. Lipitor can also increase “good” cholesterol. As an added benefit, studies have shown that the use of Lipitor reduces the risk of heart attack in certain patients. But did your doctor tell you that one of the side effects can cause tinnitus? Can.
- Pepto-Bismol (indigestion, etc.). To treat heartburn, upset stomach, indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, and the distress associated with overeating, Pepto-Bismol works like a champ. But, like aspirin, Pepto-Bismol contains aspirin-like salicylates, a proven cause of ringing in the ears. Of course, Pepto-Bismol should be used only occasionally; if you use Pepto-Bismol on a regular basis, you may have even bigger problems.
While this list is only a small fraction of the medications that cause ringing in the ears, you can clearly see that even the most widely used and safest medications can have side effects beyond the realm of conventional thinking. I am in no way suggesting that anyone stop using a drug prescribed by a doctor or change dosages without first consulting their doctor.
There may be some alternative medications that provide an effective treatment for the main goal, without causing that irritating noise in the ears: tinnitus.