by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. © Sep, 2009 A lady explained: Because of high blood pressure, some previous mini-strokes and a family history of high cholesterol, I have been taking Lipitor [Atorvastatin]. My doctor feels my cholesterol needs to be under better control and has switched me to Crestor. I cannot find Crestor in your Ototoxic […]
Ototoxic Drugs
Prozac (Fluoxetine) and Hearing Loss
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A concerned daughter wrote: My dad is 74 years old, in great physical condition, slim and active. Within the past 5 months he has developed a loss of hearing, ringing in his ears and balance impairment. He has been taking Prozac for the past 20 years. He adjusts the dose to […]
Which Is the Least Ototoxic Antidepressant?
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A lady asked: Do you have an opinion on which antidepressants are the safest for our ears—e.g. Pamelor, Desipramine, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa, etc. Is there one that is significantly less ototoxic than the others? For my money, I wouldn’t use any of the above. Why? Because there is a much safer […]
Can Restasis (Cyclosporine) Eye Drops Cause Tinnitus and Hearing Loss?
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A lady wrote: I have a question regarding Restasis (for dry eyes). I have dry eyes and used to use Restasis, which was very successful. When my tinnitus increased a year and a half ago, I stopped everything that I was using including Restasis because I was not sure what was […]
Can a Single Dose of Paroxetine (Paxil) Cause Sudden Hearing Loss?
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A man explained: A year ago, I took a single dose of Paxil, obtained from a friend; I (foolishly) wanted to see what effect it would have on me. Two days later, while sitting at my desk at work, I suddenly went deaf in one ear, and my hearing never recovered. […]
Can Adalimumab (Humira) Cause Tinnitus?
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A man explained: I have had rheumatoid arthritis for 35 years. About a year ago I was put on 40 mg shots of Adalimumab (brand name Humira) every two weeks. My tinnitus was bad during the last few years and I attributed it to stress. This past Saturday I took a […]