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Tininitus caused by gabapentin
Has anyone had severe tininitus caused by gabapentin? I have been on 1200mg/day of gabapentin for a couple of months now, and I have had a severe roaring in my ears for about a month. I also have pain. I have been to an ENT and they say nothing is wrong. I saw one website that says that gabapentin is oxotoxic (bad for ears), but could not find any others.
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Hello @cwallen9, here are some articles on gabapentin and it's use to treat tinniitis. Also, Mayo Clinic has some information on the symptoms and causes. Interesting that it is used to treat tinnitis but also may be a cause. I have no medical training or background but it does seem to confusing. Hopefully others with experience can shed some light on it.
Tinnitus - Symptoms & causes
-- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/symptoms-causes/syc-20350156
Gabapentin side effects - Mayo Clinic (earaches, noise in ears - listed under "Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention.... Less common or rare list of symptoms")
-- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/gabapentin-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20064011
JAMA Network - Relief of Idiopathic Subjective Tinnitus - Is Gabapentin Effective?
-- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/484708
International Tinnitus Journal, Vol. 14, No. 1, 1–5 (2008) - Gabapentin and Tinnitus Relief
This article is an editorial reply on the JAMA Network report above.
-- http://www.tinnitusjournal.com/articles/gabapentin-and-tinnitus-relief.pdf
NIH - Effect of gabapentin on the sensation and impact of tinnitus.
-- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16652071
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1 ReactionI have just stopped taking Gabapentin due to severe tinnitus. In just a couple of days I think it is getting better without the medication. I will post if it continues to lessen symptoms.
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1 Reaction@nogo
How much Gabapentin do you take? I take only 100 mg at night and my tinnitus has returned (in my left ear). I had tinnitus before but noticing it more now since taking Gabapentin (never took it before).
300mg for nerve pain. I try not to take meds if I can help it.
I did wake up this morning with tinnitus roaring in my ears again. Who knows?
I also take it for nerve pain (small and large fiber). It helps some but already dizzy and have some balance issues/fatigue that are worsened with Gabapentin. I may wean off at some point in the near future.