Does Ambien cause tinnitus?

[Brucergoldberg]

Hello,

I am SUFFERING from tinnitus and have been addicted to .10 of ambien for three years now.  I take 1 every night.  Does anyone know if Ambien can cause or contribute to tinnitus?  It sure is hard to get off of!

Thank you

[MgYyz__]

So did the tinnitus go away after you stopped Ambien??

This is the first I have heard tinnitus may be caused by Ambien. I am stopping tonight. My tinnitus is a horrible high pitching ringing ( 4000 mhz, I've had it tested ) and never stops.

[Gemfly]

Maybe check B12 and Vitamin D with blood tests

[Brucergoldberg]

wow  a bump from 5 years ago!!    

[kalpa108]

Interesting comments both, thank you,
I took zolpidem (Ambien) for twelve years and managed to get off it a year ago by simply tapering and the stopping. Hi pitched tinnitus and occasional insomnia are still some of the after effects and by-products. The struggle to get off zolpidem was far worse than the tinnitus but worth it. I'm  still hoping the tinnitus will stop or improve slowly.

[Brucergoldberg]

Hi Dr. Rajput,

I stopped taking it two nights ago.  I was taking it for 3 years!!  I had the CT scan and everything else as well.  I wonder if the ambien IS causing the tinnitus, how long will it take to go away.

BRuce

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, tinnitus is known adverse effect due to ambien. 60 % of tinnitus due zolpidem is seen within a month of its use. Around 50 % patients can have severe tinnitus. Other associated symptoms are Labyrinthitis and vertigo.

Tinnitus is a perception of sound in proximity to the head. The other possibilities for tinnitus are Vascular disorders including Arterial bruits, Arteriovenous shunts, Paraganglioma, Neurologic disorders Eustachian tube dysfunction, Otosclerosis and Vestibular schwannoma.

You need to undergo complete ear examination supported by brain CT if needed.
If tinnitus is interfering day today activity then you can consult your physician for change in prescription and gradual tapering of ambein. I suggest you to consult a ENT specialist and get a detailed evaluation. Take care and regards.