Should You Avoid SSRIs If You Have Tinnitus? → Fusiform Cells in the Dorsal Cochlear Nucleus

Hi,

Looking for a bit of insight and advice please.

Dr. Susan Shore from University of Michigan suggested that tinnitus (particularly somatic tinnitus) is caused by increased activity of the fusiform cells in the dorsal cochlear nucleus. This has been proven in all her research.

There is also research out of the University of Oregon which suggests that SSRIs increase Serotonin, which in turn increases activity of the same fusiform cells in the dorsal cochlear nucleus.

If you are on an SSRI, and particularly a drug like Paroxetine that has a powerful 5-HT affinity and a strong effect on Serotonin, I guess you should look at removing this drug if your tinnitus is at an unlivable level and you have been on the verge of suicide as it is so strong and intrusive?

Please, any expert opinion or advice would be appreciated.

 

@Padraigh Griffin, how long have you been on the SSRI? As a long-term user of them, I would suggest that the ideal situation is to not take them at all if possible. Any taper would have to be slow and controlled with guidance from a doctor.

However, some people need the help of an SSRI or other drugs to cope with tinnitus (especially soon after onset of tinnitus or any spikes, or if severe or highly bothersome).

Ultimately, it depends if you can get through without the drugs.