Buspirone, often known by its brand name Buspar, is a medication primarily prescribed to manage generalized anxiety disorder. It functions by influencing certain neurotransmitter systems within the brain, helping to alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Tinnitus, conversely, describes the perception of sounds like ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears when no external sound is present. This internal noise can vary in intensity and character, affecting one or both ears.
Buspirone and Tinnitus: The Connection
Buspirone has been associated with tinnitus in some patients. While it is not considered a universal side effect, official prescribing information lists tinnitus among the “frequent” adverse events observed during clinical trials. “Frequent” typically refers to side effects experienced by 1% to 10% of patients.
The exact biological process by which buspirone might lead to tinnitus remains unclear. Some theories suggest a potential ototoxic effect, meaning the drug could impact the auditory system. It is also important to consider that anxiety itself can sometimes trigger or worsen tinnitus symptoms, which can complicate determining the precise cause of the ringing sound.
How Medications Can Lead to Tinnitus
Pharmaceutical drugs can induce tinnitus through ototoxicity, which is the capacity of a substance to damage the ear, specifically structures like the cochlea or the auditory nerve. This damage can result in various auditory issues, including tinnitus, hearing loss, or problems with balance. Over 200 medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, are known to be ototoxic.
Several mechanisms explain how drugs can exert these toxic effects on the ear. Some medications can directly harm the delicate hair cells located within the inner ear, which are crucial for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals for the brain. Other drugs might interfere with neurotransmitters in the auditory pathway or alter blood flow to the inner ear, disrupting normal auditory processing. Common classes of ototoxic drugs include certain antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), chemotherapy agents, and diuretics.
Addressing Tinnitus While Taking Buspirone
If tinnitus develops or worsens while taking buspirone, consult a healthcare professional promptly. It is not advisable to self-adjust medication dosages or discontinue the drug without medical guidance. Abruptly stopping buspirone can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which might include increased anxiety, confusion, or other physical discomforts.
A doctor will evaluate the new symptoms, review the individual’s full medical history, and consider other potential causes of tinnitus. They may suggest adjustments to the buspirone dosage or explore alternative anxiety medications if the tinnitus is deemed to be drug-related. Managing tinnitus symptoms, regardless of the cause, often involves therapies like sound therapy, which uses external sounds to mask or distract from the internal noise. Counseling, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can also provide coping strategies to reduce the distress associated with tinnitus.