Paroxetine for Treating Tinnitus

[Joan torrens pol]

I am currently taking 20 mg prozac. (5 weeks) gives me insomnia (4:00 a.m.. Am) and I have not improved the tinnitus. I would switch to paroxetine but I read that can worsen tinnitus. Could you tell me if this medication can actually worsen my tinnitus?

 

[Dr. Nagler]

I am currently taking 20 mg prozac. (5 weeks) gives me insomnia (4:00 a.m.. Am) and I have not improved the tinnitus. I would switch to paroxetine but I read that can worsen tinnitus. Could you tell me if this medication can actually worsen my tinnitus?

Like Prozac, paroxetine (Paxil) is an SSRI antidepressant. Since the two drugs are so closely related, if Prozac did not adversely affect your tinnitus, it is very unlikely that Paxil will. If for some reason it does, your tinnitus should settle back down upon cessation of the Paxil. Just remember that Paxil should be discontinued slowly and under a doctor's supervision.

Hope this helps.

Dr. Stephen Nagler