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Antidepressant therapy in tinnitus
Shannon K Robinson1, Erik S Viirre, Murray B Stein
1Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Dr., Mail Code 116A, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA. skrobinson@ucsd.edu
Hearing Research
|September 16, 2006
Summary
This review examines the link between depression, anxiety, and tinnitus. Antidepressants may help tinnitus by treating these conditions or through direct effects on serotonin.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Tinnitus frequently co-occurs with depression and anxiety.
- Antidepressants have been investigated for their potential to alleviate tinnitus.
- Proposed mechanisms include treating comorbid mood disorders and direct serotonergic effects on tinnitus pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on the comorbidity of tinnitus with depression and anxiety.
- To explore the proposed mechanisms of antidepressant action in tinnitus management.
- To survey the evidence for antidepressants as both a cause and treatment for tinnitus.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on tinnitus, depression, anxiety, and antidepressants.
- Analysis of reported side effects and withdrawal symptoms associated with antidepressants.
- Examination of case reports, retrospective reviews, and clinical trials investigating antidepressants for tinnitus treatment.
Main Results:
- Tinnitus is a documented side effect of several antidepressants and can occur during withdrawal.
- Evidence for antidepressants treating tinnitus includes case reports and limited clinical trials.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) show mixed results.
Conclusions:
- The relationship between antidepressants and tinnitus is complex, involving both adverse effects and potential therapeutic benefits.
- Further research, including replication of prior studies and dose-finding investigations, is needed.
- Paroxetine warrants further investigation for tinnitus treatment.
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