Here's a post I put in another thread last week. My doctor has put me on a new antidepressant (Prestiq) and is referring me to an ENT I saw a few years ago. Before this most recent relapse, I thought I would never have to talk about this awful topic again.
I've had a low-pitched buzzing/humming in my head since 1996, although it has been known to go away for periods of up to three years. I've been on the antidepressant Escitalopram (generic Lexapro) for 15 years which I stared taking for depression, anxiety, and OCD. The buzzing in my head stayed away for years, but would occasionally return from out of the blue. I assumed (hoped) that the Escitalopram was helping with this.
Last week, I had another relapse after being buzz-free for three years. Since it returned, I haven't felt like myself. The major depression has returned, and I've lost all interest in the things that I normally relish. I have no appetite, and sleeping is virtually impossible. In addition to hearing this awful noise, I can also feel it. My whole head feels as if a propeller plane is flying around causing a vibration in my ears and throat.
Shaking my head from side to side will stop the humming but only for a few seconds.
The noise is also reactive. Playing music on my stereo, talking on the telephone, or strumming my acoustic guitar will cause it to go into overdrive. Up until last week, none of these things caused any problems. The word 'tinnitus' wasn't even in my vocabulary anymore. Now it's all I think about (again).
I'm seeing my doctor this week about possible getting on a new antidepressant. After 15 years on the same one, it might be time for a change.