How Ibuprofen Can Aggravate Tinnitus: Understanding the Link
Ibuprofen and tinnitus are two different conditions, and there is no clear evidence that either can be treated. However, both medications are known to have ototoxic effects, meaning that they alter the way that the body perceives sounds. While there is no definitive link between ibuprofen and tinnitus, it is important to keep in mind that some other drugs may also contribute to this disorder. Memantine, an oral drug used to treat Alzheimer's disease, is believed to have a positive effect on tinnitus.
Diuretics
Common loop diuretics are known to cause tinnitus. They are commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and kidney problems. Although rare, diuretics are ototoxic. However, they are associated with a higher risk of tinnitus than other types of diuretics. Common loop diuretics include amiloride, chlorothiazide, and ketoconazole.
However, some types of drugs can cause temporary hearing loss or tinnitus. This temporary symptom can develop after long-term use. In some cases, hearing loss can happen just a few days after starting a drug. The good news is that the symptoms will subside once the drug is stopped. It's important to consult a healthcare provider before discontinuing any type of medication.
If you're looking for a way to treat tinnitus while taking a regular ibuprofen dose, consider taking a loop diuretic, such as Lasix. Diuretics are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression. While they can cause tinnitus, there are few medicines that are approved specifically for this condition.
The main cause of tinnitus is an underlying problem with the blood vessels. While it is not life-threatening, it can be a contributing factor to depression. In addition to blood vessel problems, diuretics can worsen tinnitus. While these two drugs may have similar symptoms, they can cause permanent damage. Diuretics for ibuprofen and tinnitus are not recommended for people with a history of sensorineural hearing loss.
Although ibuprofen can reduce pain, it can also cause water retention and interfere with electrolyte balance, which regulates the fluid in the inner ear. Aspirin can also worsen the symptoms of tinnitus. If the symptoms don't respond to nonprescription medications, you can try changing your diet. If this doesn't work, a doctor can prescribe medication or surgery to relieve the symptoms.
If diuretics are not an option, you can try nicotinic acid, which is a water-soluble vitamin that is needed for normal skin, nerve, and digestive function. It can also control tinnitus by enhancing blood flow in the labyrinth. In a clinical study, nicotinamide caused improvement in 50% of the patients. However, it was not as effective as placebos.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Many people take over-the-counter pain relievers, including NSAIDs like aspirin and Motrin, to alleviate pain and inflammation. However, over-the-counter pain relievers may worsen tinnitus. In fact, a study of more than 69,000 women over 20 years found that taking NSAIDs like aspirin or acetaminophen increased the risk of developing tinnitus by 20 percent. In addition to NSAIDs, many cold and sinus medications contain pain killers like acetaminophen.
While many anti-inflammatory drugs cause ringing and noise in the ears, they're not as common as you might think. Anti-depressants such as Wellbutrin and SSRIs may also cause tinnitus. And don't forget about those anti-anxiety drugs, like Xanax and Klonopin. Though these medications can cause tinnitus, they can also cause vertigo, hearing loss, and other side effects.
In terms of their toxicity, NSAIDs fall into two broad categories: those with a high Grand Total and those that have a low Grand Total. Low-Grand Total drugs are less likely to cause tinnitus than those with a higher Grand Total. However, increased doses may cause liver damage and tinnitus. Therefore, it's best to consult a medical professional before taking NSAIDs for tinnitus.
While NSAIDs may be beneficial in some situations, they are still associated with ototoxicity, a condition characterized by ringing in the ears. While it's not clear if the drugs cause tinnitus, the effects appear to be reversible after stopping the use of NSAIDs. It's important to understand the risks and benefits of taking NSAIDs before you decide on the best treatment.
In addition to tinnitus, some of these medications can lead to hearing loss. In fact, more than 200 drugs are linked to hearing and balance disorders. These effects are referred to as ototoxicity, and the severity of hearing loss depends on the specific drug, the dosage, and the duration of use. It's important to note that these effects can occur even in very small doses.
Before trying a new medication, you should always consult your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Moreover, don't stop using your medication without your doctor's consent. If you're experiencing tinnitus after stopping an over-the-counter medicine, it's important to consult a medical professional and avoid making any changes to your treatment. This may result in serious consequences.
Tinnitus pills
You can get relief from tinnitus by taking over-the-counter painkillers, like ibuprofen. These drugs work by constricting blood vessels and thereby alleviate tinnitus symptoms temporarily. But while they help to mask symptoms, they don't treat the root cause of tinnitus. Before taking any medications for your tinnitus, consult a doctor to rule out other causes of the problem.
There's also an association between ibuprofen and tinnitus, according to a recent study. While over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, are widely available and seem harmless, they can cause harm. Frequent use of these painkillers may increase the risk of chronic persistent tinnitus.
Other drugs that may cause tinnitus are beta-blockers. These medications are commonly prescribed for GERD or high blood pressure. Although tinnitus is rare with beta-blockers, bisoprolol and nebivolol are more likely to cause it. Anti-hypertensive medications like ACE inhibitors may also cause tinnitus.
Although tinnitus pills have no definite cure, they are effective for managing the symptoms and restoring quality of life. Because no two people experience tinnitus in the same way, different combinations of these medications may work for you. However, once you've found a treatment that works for you, it's not difficult to maintain. So, don't delay seeking treatment.
Frequent use of low-dose aspirin did not increase the risk of tinnitus in women. However, the same could not be said for frequent moderate use of NSAIDs and acetaminophen. The study participants had no prior history of tinnitus when they were enrolled. But it's always important to consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation
While alprazolam may temporarily reduce tinnitus symptoms, it has not been shown to have long-term benefits. Transcranial magnetic stimulation sends a weak electrical current to the brain through a small magnetic coil placed on the scalp near the auditory cortex. This treatment targets the neurons in the targeted area, reducing noise. It has shown great promise in relieving symptoms of tinnitus and is regularly used in Europe.
Another new intervention for tinnitus is transcranial magnetic stimulation. While its use is controversial, it is worth researching. Although many studies are lacking, the technique has a high rate of success. If you're interested in trying this method, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. This method is safe for those who don't have hearing loss and has been proven to reduce the loudness and severity of tinnitus symptoms.
Previous studies have shown a significant effect of rTMS in patients with chronic tinnitus, but their small sample size has limited their use. Further validation of rTMS for tinnitus is needed in large, randomized, double-blind, multicentre trials. If you are looking for a treatment for your chronic tinnitus, consider using both medications.
In addition to transcranial magnetic stimulation, a therapy called constraint-induced movement therapy is being studied. This treatment aims to modify the frequency of brain cell firing to enhance the brain's functionality. In contrast, electroconvulsive therapy involves passing an electrical current through the brain to stimulate brain cells. However, transcranial magnetic stimulation doesn't affect neurons and doesn't cause seizures. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is also used in speech therapy for stroke patients. In the study, tDCS and speech therapy improved the learning of words by 92%.
Tinnitus is often a sign of a malfunction in the balance organs. The vestibular system, which contains the auditory nerve, degenerates with age. If you're exposed to loud noise, the problem is likely to occur at a younger age. The same applies to the auditory system. If it's not, this disorder can be a sign of other, more serious problems.
Sources
- “Tinnitus: Diagnosis and Treatment,” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350162
- “Tinnitus: What Causes It?” American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/tinnitus/
- “Ototoxic medications and hearing loss,” American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/Ototoxic-Medications/