Ringing in the ears

[Piper222]

Can you tell me which forum we ask about medications.  I am on three medications and wondering if any of them cause ringing in the ears.

[FurballsMom]

I've been taking a supplement called 5-HTP.  It can't be taken at the same time as one is taking antidepressants, but I'm not taking any.  This one may be helpful for others with FMS.  It was actually the Ask the Expert FMS forum that I learned about it.  I'm not experiencing any negative side effects from it that I can tell, and I've been taking it for a while now, too.  I later learned that it is good for anxiety and depression.  Maybe that's why it's used for the FMS.  It's not terribly expensive and I haven't had any bad side effects from it.  I don't know if it's actually helping, but it's definitely not hurting.

[Piper222]

I can never tell what is a side effect and what is actually part of the illness.  Just spent 2 hrs at my sons and couldn't concentrate - get feeling of fire ants crawling under the skin all the time and happened to be bad tonight.  Could be drug, could be fibro, I am just not good at knowing my body.  Some of that is because of going on and off too many drugs and not knowing what does what.  Even trying one at a time now I can't tell as so many drugs take a long time to show an improvement.  Any other ideas or thoughts would be appreciated.

[Piper222]

Have you had any problem with anxiety?  I'm very sensitive to drugs but heard Prozac is good for pain but have seen many people get really bad reactions from it.  Didn't find much on Keppra.

[dustybrown]

That's right. I remember your horror story with the Topamax. I wish these doctors knew what they were doing when prescribing these meds. They really work great when titrated properly, but now you have a phobia and I don't blame you. It took me about six months to get up to 150mg and I am so happy with the medication. I now take 175mg and I am just about ready to go up to 200mg.

200mg of Lyrica is not too bad. Have you considered taking 50mg 4 times per day? It would probably work better for your pain. I know it's more annoying having to take it more often but it seems to work better doing it that way. I tried it that way and switched to the 100mg twice a day and got less relief. I think Lyrica's half life isn't that long. Topamax has a long half life.

I take Prozac for my anti-depressant and it's an awesome mix with the Topamax. I just love it. I can't stand the SNRIs. They make me more depressed. I like to stick to the SSRIs. I think taking one really effective anti-depressant is really all you need.

Have you considered Keppra? You should google it and see what you think.
-Dusty

[Piper222]

I don't have a good Dr.  I do take Magnesium, on 100 mg Lyrica twice a day.  Topamax had overdose and how petrified of it, pharmacist error started me on 200 mg then went up to 400 mg instead of 50.  Very bad results.  Use to be on Neurontin but didn't help with he burning I have.  Had problems with Cymbalta when I originally tried it but everyone is telling me how much better I'm doing.  I can't tell what should be happening or what is side effects. Voltaren didn't help much so take Napracin.   Very discouraged and takes a lot to stay up beat these days.  Just can't seem to find a supportive Dr which is why I joined this site.  

[dustybrown]

I tried Cymbalta, but didn't like the way it made me feel, plus it messed with my stomach really bad because I also have to take an NSAID for my spinal arthritis (Votaren EX). (I recall you having severe spinal issues too- I am surprised your doc doesn't have you on a strong NSAID (unless you can't handle them), and a different anti-depressant) I have never been on Remeron or Ativan. Lyrica worked really well for me, but it made me gain a whole mess of weight.

Are you taking any kind of multi-vitamin? Magnesium is known to help with hearing. Plus you should be taking at least 2000 IU of Vitamin D per day.

Why not go off the Remeron, keep the Ativan for sleep and stay on the Cymbalta?? Just a thought? No sense in being on two anti-depressants?? I take Klonopins for sleep and they work very well. What dose of the Lyrica are you at? You could always switch to a different anti-seizure med if you are swelling. Have you tried Neurontin? There are a couple other good ones out there. I take Topamax and Keppra is supposed to be good too.

Anyhow, let me know if you need some more info. I kind of went on a tangent here, but my Rheumy allows me to sample a lot of meds, so I am just kind of wondering if you are on the wrong mix??? If you'd like to send me a PM and we can discuss this in more depth.
-Dusty

[Piper222]

I've been on Remeron for almost a year.  The ringing got worse when I increased the Cymbalta but it has helped the depression and anxiety. The Lyrica makes my throat swell, ankles to.  I'm afraid to come off anything right now because it is helping but have to get rid of some of the side effects.  The pain is still pretty severe and can't increase the Lyrica.  Remeron helps me sleep and I'm sure must help some with the anxiety.  I've been able to decrease the Ativan and want off of it completely.  It could be the combination of all 3 I guess.  Any thoughts on what has worked for you.

[dustybrown]

Cymbalta and Remeron both have a slight risk of causing tinnitus. How long have you been on the Remeron though? You say it happens at night- perhaps then it's the Remeron causing this? What are your thoughts?
-Dusty

[Piper222]

I'm on 60 mg Cymbalta for pain, 100 mg Lyrica, 30 mg Remeron for sleep but also take a sleeping pill.  The ringing is so bad in the night and in the morning think it makes the pain worse.  Also on 2 1/2 mg Ativan but have been trying to come off it as the anxiety is much less.  I did quit smoking and have started again but not very much.  None of the Dr's can explain.

[dustybrown]

I am not sure we have one?? Perhaps I am wrong, but if you feel comfortable sharing your meds perhaps I can help you. I have taken many different meds and know a lot of the side effects. Let me know. Thanks.
-Dusty