In a previous post, I mentioned that using Flonase helped eliminate my tinnitus. However, I also noted that I had to stop using it because I suspected it was causing some pretty severe mood swings during the day. I've since determined that those mood swings were more likely due to my withdrawal from Xanax rather than from the Flonase.
Just in case there was a connection, my ENT recommended reducing the Flonase dosage to one spray per nostril in the evening instead of the prescribed two. So I wanted to give everyone an update: I'm back to using it, and more often than not, even at the lower dosage, my tinnitus level drops to "at or very near zero" the next day, usually within an hour or two of waking up. The relief typically lasts until the evening, when the tinnitus gradually returns. The dose seems to be effective for about 24 hours.
Interestingly, the new dose does not seem to help right after taking it. The benefit kicks in the following morning, not immediately after the spray. I had also previously reported that the effect stopped working after two to three days, but I've discovered a useful workaround. If I flush out any leftover spray residue from the previous dose an hour or two before applying the new one, I can get an additional day or more of relief.
I also had success in the past with the steroid Prednisone taken orally, but the side effects and health risks made it unsafe for long-term use. Flonase appears to be an effective non-systemic alternative, and for most people, it is safe to take over a longer period.
One more note: it's important to apply the nasal spray correctly. To be effective, it needs to reach the right area, near the tissues close to the Eustachian tube and inner ear. I've found that if you spray it in an upward direction into the sinuses, it does not work at all.
I hope others have had similar positive results and can share any tips, techniques, or experiences that might help make this treatment even more effective.
Just in case there was a connection, my ENT recommended reducing the Flonase dosage to one spray per nostril in the evening instead of the prescribed two. So I wanted to give everyone an update: I'm back to using it, and more often than not, even at the lower dosage, my tinnitus level drops to "at or very near zero" the next day, usually within an hour or two of waking up. The relief typically lasts until the evening, when the tinnitus gradually returns. The dose seems to be effective for about 24 hours.
Interestingly, the new dose does not seem to help right after taking it. The benefit kicks in the following morning, not immediately after the spray. I had also previously reported that the effect stopped working after two to three days, but I've discovered a useful workaround. If I flush out any leftover spray residue from the previous dose an hour or two before applying the new one, I can get an additional day or more of relief.
I also had success in the past with the steroid Prednisone taken orally, but the side effects and health risks made it unsafe for long-term use. Flonase appears to be an effective non-systemic alternative, and for most people, it is safe to take over a longer period.
One more note: it's important to apply the nasal spray correctly. To be effective, it needs to reach the right area, near the tissues close to the Eustachian tube and inner ear. I've found that if you spray it in an upward direction into the sinuses, it does not work at all.
I hope others have had similar positive results and can share any tips, techniques, or experiences that might help make this treatment even more effective.
