Secrets to Stop Ringing in the Ears: 5 Medications That Cause Tinnitus

Perhaps you have seen your doctor about this problem. You may have examined his ears, told him there is no physical problem with his ears, and perhaps even referred him to an audiologist. But, he has not gotten relief from his tinnitus, so far.

But has your doctor checked the medications you take regularly (prescription and over-the-counter) to see if they might be causing that unhealthy noise? If he didn’t, I have listed 5 drugs that cause tinnitus, drugs that millions of people take that cause ringing in the ears as a side effect.

• Accutane (anti-acne). While it sounds harmless enough as a form of vitamin A designed to reduce the amount of oil released by the sebaceous glands into the skin, Accutane is actually a very powerful drug that can cause serious birth defects in unborn children. It’s only available as part of a program called iPledge, which requires patients to take birth control and take regular pregnancy tests. Accutane is very effective at preventing acne, but it’s one of the drugs that causes that horrible ringing in the ears.

• Celexa (antidepressant). A member of a group of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Celexa helps rebalance brain chemistry to treat depression. Millions of people who suffer from depression find relief while taking Celexa on a regular basis. But, one of the side effects of this powerful drug is the possibility of ringing in the ears.

• Ecotrin (reduces aches, pains and fever). This popular and safe pain and fever reducing medication has brought relief to millions of people who complain of muscle aches and the like. But, like aspirin, Ecotrin is a member of a group of drugs called salicylates (sa-LIS-il-ates) which are well known tinnitus-causing medications.

• Lipitor (cholesterol reducer). Millions around the world find that Lipitor lowers their “bad” cholesterol to a reasonable level, safely and effectively. Lipitor can also increase “good” cholesterol. As an added benefit, studies have shown that the use of Lipitor reduces the risk of heart attack in certain patients. But did your doctor tell you that one of the side effects can cause tinnitus? May.

• Pepto-Bismol (indigestion, etc.). To treat heartburn, upset stomach, indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, and the suffering associated with overeating, Pepto-Bismol works like a champ. But, like aspirin, Pepto-Bismol contains aspirin-like salicylates, a proven cause of ringing in the ears. Of course, Pepto-Bismol should only be used occasionally; if you use Pepto-Bismol on a regular basis, you may have even bigger problems.

While this list is only a small fraction of the medications that cause ringing in the ears, you can clearly see that even the most widely used and safest medications can have side effects beyond the realm of conventional thought. I am in no way suggesting that anyone stop using a medication prescribed by a doctor or change dosages without consulting their doctor FIRST.

There may be some alternative medications that provide effective treatment for the main goal, without causing that irritating noise in the ears – tinnitus.