Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D.
A lady explained,
I’ve been diagnosed with S.A.D—Seasonal Affective Disorder, a depression/chemical imbalance related to the seasons and environment, and also related to serotonin imbalance. I’m still discovering what this is about and getting counseling. I have been recommended a low grade serotonin anti- depressant and wonder if this will in any way disturb or cause vertigo as I have a history of vertigo and vestibular imbalances.
Generally, the SSRIs as a class are not good for our ears. They are all quite ototoxic in my opinion. I’d definitely stay away from SSRIs such as from Citalopram, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, Paroxetine and Sertraline if you value your ears.
All of the above can cause ataxia, dizziness and vertigo plus most can cause hyperacusis, hearing loss, ear pain and tinnitus. Not the kind of drug I’d want to take, and probably not a drug you’d want to take if you are already predisposed to vertigo.
Personally, I wouldn’t take a prescription “low-grade” antidepressant in the first place. There are alternatives that are not damaging to your ears. However, if you really do need an antidepressant, why not consider the herbal St. John’s Wort. Numerous studies have shown it works as well as the prescription antidepressants for mild and moderate depression yet doesn’t have any ototoxic side effects. This is what my wife takes when she needs some help and it definitely works for her. You might want to check it out for yourself.
You can get St. John’s Wort in most drug stores and health food stores. Just check that it is “standardized to 0.3% hypericin”, then follow the directions that come with it.
Note: if you are on other prescription drugs, run this by your doctor or pharmacist before you take it to be sure there are no unwanted interactions between the St. John’s Wort and your other medications.
You can check out the ototoxic side effects of the SSRIs and any other drugs before you take them in “Ototoxic Drugs Exposed“. This book contains information on the ototoxicity of 763 drugs known to damage ears.
March 3rd, 2008 at 1:14 pm
For those who must take SSRI’s, they will not always cause these effects … they just have the ability to. There are some drugs that will cause hearing loss, etc no matter what if they are administered in a certain way. Please always remember to weigh the risks and the benefits! I have been on high dose paroxetine for over 10 years with no unpleasant results. That is not to say that using St Johns Wort is the wrong way to go if you have recurrent mild to moderate bouts of depression.
September 20th, 2008 at 10:06 am
You should get the same results with St John’s wort as mentioned before.I was also prescribed anti depressants, but before I took them,I did some research and I found out about some possible side effects. With St John’s its all natural. Now I’ve changed to “Same” which is a similar product, but might be better. I’m in Australia, and got it from America.
But you have to take it with vitamin B. You have the internet at your disposal, so do a lot of research.
Also I came across some possible magnesium deficiency,but instead of oral you can get oil which goes on your skin and works better and faster.
Doctors don’t tell you everything! And I don’t think you can take anti depressants and St John’s or Same together.
May 13th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
My wife took a SSRI drug called Luvox prior to and during pregnancy Our son was born with 3 defect,heart skull and otosclerosis. This drug make sutures in skull and bones fuse early in devel. so I believe there is a link in SSRi and hearing issues Stay away from SSRI unless it’s life or death!!!!!!!!
July 16th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Please dont assume that St Johns Wort has no side effects just because they are not common. I have had to stop taking it because it definitely does trigger lasting problems with vertigo whenever I take it.
I have taken to exercise as a way of combatting depression instead – much healthier.