Experiencing a Tinnitus Spike from Quinine in Gin & Tonic— In Need of Support/Guidance

Hi All,

This is a quick one. I was recently out with a friend, and I had 3 gin and tonics. Each drink with one of those small bottles of fever tree tonic water. I take usual precautions, but I honestly had no idea about the side effects of Quinine found in tonic water.

Immediately after having the drinks, I experienced a very bad spike. Apparently Quinine is linked to tinnitus! I had no idea.

Anyway, just wanted to check I've not done permanent damage or if anyone had a similar experience? If so, did it subside for you? The spike feels a bit better after some sleep.

Wishing you all well,
Sam

 

I love GT and have never had issues. I hope it's just a temporary spike and that you feel better soon!

 

I doubt you have done any damage thus far. Once it is out of your system fully, the spike should go down.

Maybe try drinking some more fluids like water to flush it out of your system/kidneys

 

I doubt it! Quinine causes reversible ototoxicity. But tonic water usually has no more than 80 mg of quinine per liter. So for example 200 ml may have 16.6 mg of quinine. I really doubt that this quantity can affect your ears, it would be very unlikely. You will be fine!

You can drink lemon vodka, it also great

 

Thanks both for your kind words! Really appreciate you taking the time

The spike has gone down a bit, as you say I think it lasts in your system for maybe 48 hours?

In any case, it really helped having support from people who know exactly what I'm going through.

Wishing you all well,
Sam

 

Is there any possibility that noise in the bar may have contributed to the increase in tinnitus? That's something that makes mine worse, it's hard to find a quiet bar anymore.

 

Certainly possible, although agreed as to finding a quiet bar nowadays! I never remembered them being so loud in my past, they all seem to love blasting music