Tinnitus from Escitalopram (Lexapro)

Posted , 5 users are following.

Hi, I have been suffering from Cronic Insomnia for 3 months. I advised my Specialist Psychiatrist I had previously suffered from mild Tinnitus but he prescribed me Escitalopram SSRI saying I would not get tinnitus and it would to help cure my Chronic Insomnia (although I am not suffering from depression).

I took one 5mg Escitalopram tablet each morning for only 5 days but on the 5th day noticed awful tinnitus so immediately stopped taking the tablet. My Psychiatrist when I spoke to him seemed totally unaware of the Tinnitus risk and advised me the tinnitus would fade away as I had discontinued the drug.

I have been drinking lots of water and taking laxatives to get this drug out of my system and have now not taken a tablet for 7 days but the tinnitus has not stopped but has got even worse!

Does anyone know if tinnitus caused by Escitalopram fades away over time or once obtained you are doomed for life?

Any help or advise gratefully received.

Many thanks.

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Edited

    Hi Beng50,

    I developed tinnitus after 3 days of anti depressant sertraline. I still have it 32 days and counting. How is yours? Is it still bad?

    • Edited

      I think it may have faded a little bit in volume, but unfortunately I still have loud ringing which comes from the middle of my head and has been really disturbing. I am currently trying to habitualise using Mindfulness but it is early days. The Consultant who prescribed Escitalopram and an ENT Specialist I saw afterwards both advised they did not think my tinnitus was caused by the Escitalopram. However I am certain it was as it actually states Tinnitus can be caused by Escitalopram on the list of effects, although this statement is hidden (deliberately??) at the end of a lot of other prose on the list of effects.

      Escitalopram definitely causes tinnitis and I would warn anyone thinking of taking it not to do so.

    • Posted

      I agree with you regarding the drugs causing tinnitus. I never had ear problems till the sertraline. The tinnitus is unbearable. How long have you had it now?

      Its all well and good people advising us to not think about it, you'll get used to it. But why should we. I am so angry.

    • Posted

      I have had the screaming tinnitus since mid February after only taking 5mg of Escitalopram for only 5 days. My consultant just did not have a clue what the drug would do to me and when I question him he said "he did not understand me" and the tinnitus could not have been caused by the drug........I am 100% convinced it was.

      My tinnitus is also unbearable and I have been very angry and upset, but have taken the view there is nothing I can do except try to habitualise to the noise and by this web site maybe help others understand the damage Escitalopram will do to your auditory system.

    • Posted

      It's really unfair. Stay strong. Kee me posted on how you get on.

  • Posted

    hi people. im very surprised because i have a very similar story. i was suffering from many reasons 4 years ago. i started using cipralex on the fifth day suddenly i started hearing some sound inside my left ear and i never used it again and the tinnitus is still with me.

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