|
||||||||
|
||||||||
Posted by Mike
In Reply to: Xanax (Alprazolam) is of the same category posted by Jeff and Mary Berk
Jeff,
Actually, Alprazalom is in a class of drugs known as Benzoadiepenes
(spelling is probably incorrect) whose primary purpose is to depress the
nervous system. It is usually used for people who have seizures and people
with high anxiety to slow down the firings in the brain. Unfortunately,
since it is a depressant, depressed people can get even more depressed on a
drug like this.
I am on Klonipin for muscle spasms which is another benzo. Ironically, it
has actually helped my mood (and my tinnitus) quite a bit. Apperently, it
is being investigated for possible use as an antidepressant as well (it has
been shown to increase seratonin levels) although it is still considered
dangerous at this time to give to depressed people.
Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that is not an SSRI and might be another
choice, but I do not know about its effects on tinnitus. Another classic is
Elavil or a tricyclic antidepressant, but they have alot of side effects and
are used usually now only for pain management. I do not know their effect
on tinnitus. Another class of antidepressants is MAO inhibitors, but with
those you can't eat certain foods or take certain drugs because thay can
cause deadly reactions. I would probably stay away from those.
If tinnitus is bothersome with an SSRI, the best antidepressant option is
therapy! No tinnitus there, and it usually deals with the cause of the
depression instead of masking it.
Thanks,
Mike
