 Tinnitus is a condition in which noise comes from inside the ear rather than the environment. Commonly called "ringing in the ears," it may also sound like humming, buzzing, or hissing. It may be constant or it may come and go. In most cases, there is no cure. Many people manage tinnitus by learning to control how they respond to it or by using hearing aids. Some people will find relief when the cause of their tinnitus is treated. For others with unknown causes, certain prescription drugs may provide relief.Sometimes tinnitus causes sleep problems, irritability, or depression. In these cases, doctors may prescribe antidepressants such as amitriptyline (brand name Elavil) or fluoxetine (Prozac), or anti-anxiety drugs such as alprazolam (>Xanax) or diazepam (>Valium). These drugs don't cure tinnitus, but they can partially relieve its symptoms. In severe cases, lidocaine (Xylocaine) can provide temporary relief of tinnitus for some people. However, you must receive lidocaine intravenously in a hospital and it can have dangerous side effects if not used properly.
In recent clinical trials, two other drugs, gabapentin (Neurontin) and acamprosate (Campral) have shown benefits in treating tinnitus for certain people. Sources:
Dobie, R.A. "A Review of Randomized Trials in Tinnitus," Laryngoscope 109 (1999).
Seidman, M.D., G.P. Jacobson. "Update on Tinnitus," Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America 29 (1996).
Vesterager, V. "Tinnitus: Investigation and Management," British Medical Journal 213 (1997).
Diseases and Conditions, "Tinnitus." http:www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 1/2/2007.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2007.
This answer prepared 5/22/2000.
This information updated 1/2/2007.
- >amitriptyline
- >lidocaine
- >gabapentin
- >Campral
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