Information What can I do? Treatments Tinnitus and antidepressants Name of treatment Antidepressants Type of treatment Pharmaceutical Claims for treatment Reduces/eliminates the tinnitus percept. How treatment is delivered Orally Potential negative consequences Common side effects from clinical trials included: sedation, sexual dysfunction and dry mouth. [1]; Evidence offered Papers available 6 (as in the Cochrane review[1]) Conclusions drawn It is yet unclear if the potential benefits of antidepressants stem from reducing tinnitus distress or depression; well designed, long studies are necessary. One study administering selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor showed promising effects for tinnitus distress when the medication’s maximum dosage was administered. Future studies should further investigate these results. Quality of evidence [2] A Does the BTA recommend this treatment? Yes, where clinically indicated for low mood BTA opinion on this treatment Antidepressants may be administered to diminish depression and anxiety in tinnitus. There are, however, low evidence levels for the administration of antidepressants for reducing tinnitus distress. We suggest talking to your doctor about the potential effects and side effects of antidepressants. Would the BTA support further studies into this treatment? Yes, if a high-quality study Verdict: Safety. Is this treatment harmful? Limited potential for harm Verdict: Efficacy. Does this treatment work? No evidence of an effect [1] Baldo P, Doree C, Molin P, McFerran D, Cecco S. Antidepressants for patients with tinnitus. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2012, Issue 9. Art. No.: CD003853. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003853.pub3 [2] A = Systematic review/meta-analysis. B = Randomised control studies. C = Cohort studies. D = Case-control studies. E = case studies/reports. +/- to be used to indicate quality within bands Download this information: Tinnitus_and_antidepressants_April_2019.pdf Updated 15 April 2019 Background photo created by freepik - www.freepik.com