Trileptal for Tinnitus?

I had a med checkup today (I'm currently on lexapro for depression) and I mentioned how much my tinnitus bothers me. My pdoc said she has a few patients with T she's rx'd Trileptal to help reduce T and it has worked for them. I've read that this drug can reduce the sodium levels in your body as well. I'm hesitant to add any drugs to what I'm on since I'm feeling better overall (aside from the T) but I was curious if anyone has heard of this med being used for T?

 

Hi @Lynnette :

Yes, Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine), which is a seizure medication, is sometimes used to treat tinnitus. I have heard of several success stories (and would be happy to elaborate). Know that relative to antidepressants, Trileptal is a heavy-hitter with serious potential side-effects. I believe that users of this drug do need periodic monitoring of their sodium levels.

-Golly

 

I'm wondering if this drug helps some since it does reduce sodium levels and as we all know, excess sodium intake can increase our T. I don't want to add any medications to the lexapro right now, but I was curious about this medicine since my pdoc mentioned it. She also said that it is rx'd for T at a much lower dose than what would be given to those with seizure disorders. I know the lexapro I'm on tends to increase the volume of the T a bit, but I'm willing to live with it for the time being on the medication rather than adding another med to offset the side effects of this one.

 

Hi Lynnette: I have been considering trying Trileptal, and have it in the pipeline if I want to try it. I am trying to get off sleep meds first and then might try Trileptal, but as Golly said the side effect profile might not be so good. Some people at DS are currently using that for tinnitus.

Gabapentin + Klonopin might be better to start out with as some T docs have recommended that, but it eventually "poops out" as the brain gets more resistant to that combo.. Probably less side effects than Trileptal, but appears to hurt your cognitive thinking.

 

What just prescribed Trileptal and was wondering if you started taking it and how it is working. Thanks.

 

I never did end up filling the rx and changed antidepressants to zoloft. After about 9 months of T, I feel I'm finally over the hump and have habituated to it. It's still as loud as ever but it's not something I focus on 24/7 anymore (except when I'm in a quiet room). I still don't like the idea of living with T for the rest of my life but I feel I've come a long way since August in my ability to cope and adapt to it. Did your doc have confidence Trileptal will help the T?

 

Glad you are in a better place. Trilateral came up as an option as something that "might" help. Potential side effects are scary.
Thanks for getting back to me. Will let you know if decide to give it a try.

 

I only took it once and "chickened out" after that. I talked to a person on DS Tinnitus and he said it had some side effects that didn't sound too appealing to me. I believe he continues to take Trileptal, so the risk/reward must be worth it to him. I do take Gabapentin + Clonazepam and have good results at times. Distracting your mind somehow also seems to help, but is quite difficult when your tinnitus is as loud as mine is right now. Treating sleep apnea seems to help lessen the noise, whether it be with CPAP or a oral appliance to help keep your airway open. I did not use either last night and I have mild sleep apnea, especially laying on my back.

 

Tried Gabapentin only once and had such a bad headache was looking for another option. Thanks for your help, not sure want to do. Trying to lower the volume too but don't want to create other issues.

 

You could try Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) at 150mg x twice/daily. At this low dose probably not many side effects, but your doctor or pharmacist may know that better. Also check this: http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Tinnitus/forum/18597573-trileptal. BobsDream & McMurdo at DS Tinnitus would have excellent advice on Trileptal and/or Mysoline.

 

I will keep you posted, thanks so much for the info

 

I have mentioned in other TT posts that I correspond with someone who derived some benefit from Trileptal in regard to his tinnitus. In fact, there are various stories on different message boards regarding tinnitus sufferers who have benefited from this drug.

As pointed out by @just1morething, however, one must consider the risk-reward profile of the drug. Trileptal is a heavy-hitter with a host of possible side-effects. Think it through and work closely with your doctor.

-Golly

 

That is what scares me, side effects..going through such a horrible peak these last few days that I am looking once again to lower the volume.

 

I'm going thru a spike also. Have you tried taking Niacin Leah? I did take 1000mg of Niacin and will try fish oil also to improve my HDL cholesterol--possibly better blood flow to the ears.

 

Bought some have not started yet, how much do you take?

 

Oops just saw you posted the dosage.

 

My hissing is out of control, especially in my left ear, so not sure what to do. The Niacin allowed me to function for awhile. I hope your doing better than me. Just being honest on my current condition.

 

I will continue to take Fish Oil as my doctor recommended for bad cholesterol & also Niacin. They could possibly help tinnitus, not sure.

 

Hi @just1morething;

How often are you taking Gabapentin and Klonopin? I am using these drugs, but not in conjunction, and not every day. I take 1mg of Klonopin about once every four days and 100mg of Gabapentin maybe a bit more frequently. I find these help a lot when taken before bed. I don't want to increase the frequency for fear that the magic will wear off.

-G

 

Hi @Golly-

It depends on how bad my head noise is. I would sometimes take 900mg Gabapentin + .5mg Klonopin 1-3 times a day. The T doc I seen in the past said to not take that combo everyday so the brain would not get resistant to it. I would continue your staggered doses like you are. Whatever works I guess. Keep your magic working!

I am much better today for some reason, but I am adding Fish Oil and Niacin and that may help. I guess we are on are own until some trials come thru which could be quite awhile. I would have liked to have tried Autifony's drug yesterday, as my head was very noisy.

Thanks for your helpful tips!

-J

 

Glad you are feeling better! Whenever you have a streak of bad days, stay strong and know that it will get better. Keep us all updated on the fish oil and Niacin regimen.

Best, Golly

 

Going to try Trileptal to see if I can lower the volume. Finally got the Rx here's hoping it helps.

Why does some research show improvement and others say it caused T? Confused.

 

Did the Trileptal help? I was thinking about asking the doctor about it.

 

Hi;

Recently I have been switched from carbamazepine on oxcarbazepine mainly for trigeminal pain.

Is there someone with similar conditions?

Can you share your experience please?

I'm in pain. I must wait another week to do blood test and then start trileptal.

Any suggestions are appreciated

Best

 

Trileptal made my T worse than ever
Only made it a week at 150 mg a day
Trying it For anxiety And it started hammering my T into a frenzy day and night.would wake up in the middle of the night and get ice packs
On my head it was so bad. Did not help much but felt like I was doing something at least.cant recommend this for any T help at least for me...

 

I take Oxcarbazepine for epileptic seizures and it does indeed lower sodium levels in the blood (it’s a sodium channel inhibitor, basically). But it does cause anxiety, which increases blood pressure, which can cause tinnitus.

By all means try it if you’re desperate and out of options but I have tinnitus and I’m taking oxcarbazepine, which may or may not be a contributory cause and my tinnitus may or may not improve, worsen or be exactly the same if I’m able to come off the medication one day.

I just had brain surgery which worked well for my seizures and may also be a contributing factor. I’ll post here if coming off the drug helps at all (starting it purely for tinnitus won’t help you in my opinion).