ask: Is ringing in the ears a side-effect of Pristiq (50 mg)? And, if so, can it cause permanent damage?
My mom is 66 years old, healthy, and active. She began taking Pristiq (50 mg) last week and started having a persistant ringing in her ears. Many years ago, another medication caused this condition and it was discontinued, but now the ringing has returned with the use of Pristiq. She does not know whether to discontinue the medication, as the pharmacist says ringing in the ears is not a side-effect of Pristiq. Can you help clarify whether or not it may be related?
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Hi ajlewis - Thanks for your question on behalf of your mom, and looking out for her health.
The pharmacist is correct in that tinnitus, the clinical term for ringing in the ears, is not a common side effect of Pristiq. However, in reviewing the side-effects information for professionals, I found that tinnitus did occur as a side effect in a very small number of patients during the clinical trials for this drug.
Tinnitus can be aggravated by a number of things, including aspirin, high blood pressure and excessive salt intake. Taking a look at what causes this condition would likely help in figuring out why it's active again with the new prescription.
I would bring this up with her doctor and would consider asking for a referral to an ear specialist too. You can find information on treatment of tinnitus on the following page: http://www.empowher.com/condition/ringing-ears/treatments
You can find detailed information on causes and treatment on this page: http://www.medicinenet.com/tinnitus/article.htm#1whatis
Let us know if this helps, and good luck to both of you. Pat
July 3, 2010 - 2:35pmThis Comment
Thank you, Pat, for your input. I will certainly pass on the information to her to discuss with her doctor once he is back in office! I appreciate you taking time to respond to my question.
July 3, 2010 - 3:40pmI am having the same problem. The ringing seems to be increasing daily. It's enough to drive a person mad!!!
March 29, 2011 - 11:08pmHI, I know your post is old, but wondering if you are still taking Pristiq and have the ringing ? I have it and been on the meds 9 weeks, I think I had a little before I started the meds, but now all the time and it will not go away. The meds are working on my emotions, but don't like the ringing and wondering if it is worth switching mediations.
November 30, 2011 - 11:42amThanks for your help.
Su
I had the same problem when taking Pristiq. I have been off the med for 4 months. Ringing not as intense but still an irritation. Seems to be improving with time.
November 30, 2011 - 6:46pmHow long were you on Pristiq ? Did you take another med currently ?
December 1, 2011 - 11:28amI hope someone has an answer for me. I had had very mild tinnitis for about a year (1-2 out of 10) but after 1 50 mg. of Prestique, I developed severe tinnitis (5-6 out of 10). I thought it was a coincidence, fluid, etc. so tried only one more pill and then discontinued it. I have now at tinnitis for 1 month and it is not decreasing. Has anyone else had this problem?? Did it go away?
January 7, 2012 - 9:08pmI have been on prisitq for about 14 weeks. I have had tinnnitis the whole time. I have been to 2 ent and they both think this may be the cause. One Ent said if it is it would take 6 to 8 weeks to have it go away. I have just gotten off and starting paxil today. So not sure what will happen. I am sorry you got it with just a few pills. I would love to know is is does go away with time. good luck.
January 14, 2012 - 8:23am