Can Escitalopram and Clonazepam cause tinnitus?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 50 years old. At age 20 onwards had severe pimples and a very oily face, and recurring thoughts about them were treated with Fluoxetine 20 mg for two years. As I had continued anxiety and insomnia with migraine headaches, I was placed on Escitalopram 5 mg in the afternoon, and Clonazepam 0.25 mg at night.

I have been on these drugs for the past three years. My symptoms are mostly controlled now, but I have had tinnitus for the past six months. All blood and thyroid parameters are normal. What to do for tinnitus, it does not affect me much. Can I continue Escitalopram 5 mg and Clonazepam 0.25 mg?

Please guide.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

As you mentioned, you are better with Escitalopram and Clonazepam, but now tinnitus has started. So it may be due to anxiety again that you face tinnitus, or it may be an individual entity that occurs because of anxiety. So you need to continue Escitalopram 5 mg and Clonazepam 0.25 mg. If it does not affect much, then try to ignore it and do not give attention to tinnitus.

But if you cannot ignore it or the symptoms worse then start treatment. Also, in winter, you need to use cotton in your ears and avoid getting a cold. Sometimes, cold leads to tinnitus. Avoid smoking and drinking if any. Do start physical exercise daily. Also check for blood pressure.

Consider tests like an audiogram to check for hearing loss. Tinnitus is mostly due to hearing loss. Do certain exercises that help improve tinnitus. It is not a major issue. So just relax and do as I suggested. Just follow whatever I suggested, then we will see after a month.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.