[Melvey]

As you know from earlier posts, I am really really struggling.
I took effexor 4 years ago and it caused an abrupt hearing loss in my right ear.
Then I went on remeron, which helped for 3 years, until I experienced an emotional event a few months ago which made me worse.
I then tried lexipro, but it too damaged my hearing. I then tried welbutrin and that all but made me deaf in my right ear.
There are many posts on the internet that document the fact that most antidepressants may cause hearing loss , and I am afraid that I am one of the lucky ones. All antidepressants are suspect ; the ssri's, maio's, tircyclics.
So now I am suffering, its like I am not on any antidepressants at all.
My pdoc will no longer treat me since I told him about the hearing loss (he doesn't believe me), and that I am reluctant to try any other antidepressant in fear of going completely deaf.
I am still on the remeron 45 mg and am thinking of maybe going to 60 mg. And maybe try adding abilify again. Anyone have any suggestions on what else I might try. I am on a slippery slope here and fading fast.
I love you all and think of you all every day.
'Melvey' (Rick)

This post has been edited by Melvey: 22 August 2009 - 12:23 PM

[Shelsea]

Hey Rick :hugs:

Sorry about the rough time you are having and it's really hard when you have a pdoc that doesn't have trust in his patient. I started antidepressents 3 years ago and too, noticed some hearing loss. I finally had my hearing checked two weeks ago and found out I'm on the bottom of the "Bell" curve. That means I'm slightly above the level where I would need hearing aids, so yes I believe you about your hearing loss. I'm sorry.

Wish I could help you with the meds question but I can't. I'm also a diabetic and take 14 meds for that and then my pdoc has me on four. I no longer know which med is making me feel good or bad. I hope you find some answer!

Take Care,

Shelsea

[victoria]

What a terrible experience to not have your doctor believe you! Did your doc didn't at least do a consult w/ an audiologist, or are you able to get an appointment for a hearing test?

You deserve better. i hope that you can find the compassionate treatment you need and deserve.

[Melvey]

Victoria,
I went to 2 ENT's and they both said that antidepressants cannot cause hearing loss.
What a bunch of close minded , arrogant sob's !
Every year I loose a little more faith in the medical profession.

[today]

I can imagine your frustration.

I find that most docs just don't know all that much. Even if they did.. and I don't know where you go.. if you have an HMO... but HMO administration and insurance issues don't allow them the time nor one of those little numbers on the form that they can code "antidepressant-related hearing loss" under.

At HMOs, I know the docs are under pressure to not give too many referrals. They get reprimanded and sometimes fired for that. Would it be possible to get a referral to an audiologist from someone else? Or a free clinic? I've had basic hearing tests in a college health clinic before.

Also, if you can find medical journal articles or case letters on the topic, it may be good to contact the doctors who wrote them. I know you can call and talk to someone briefly at a university research hospital sometimes... For example, I've called people at UCLA's Neuropsychiatric Institute to ask questions. While the actual evaluation is expensive, you can sometimes email or chat to find out what is done to treat such a thing.

This post has been edited by today: 23 August 2009 - 06:11 AM

[phoenix-rising]

Rick I'm so sorry to hear of the uphill battle that you are facing. I know you have tried 2 docs, but it sounds like you need to try for a 3rd. It's quite interesting how side effects are only limited to the pamphlet that comes with the meds...isn't that just nuts!?! Victoria offered some great advice on seeking out an audiologist, I do hope you consider that. Don't give up...please seek someone who gives you the support you deserve.
Best wishes,
PR

[cudney]

I would definitely try for a third doctor. The deafness side effect is on the internet information. Sometimes if you print out the info they believe it if they see it in black and white. They are "academic types" and like research and documentation. I found this "Special senses—Frequent: abnormality of accommodation, abnormal vision; Infrequent: cataract, conjunctivitis, corneal lesion, diplopia, dry eyes, eye pain, hyperacusis, otitis media, parosmia, photophobia, taste loss, visual field defect; Rare: blepharitis, chromatopsia, conjunctival edema, deafness...." here: http://www.drugs.com...effects.html#t2

Sure it says it's rare but it also says it does happen. I would even mail a printout to the other two clowns who didn't believe you and i would consider getting legal counsel.

[CP]

I have been on all of the same meds you have talked about for my depression and PTSD. None worked for me but seem to make me worse. So my pdoc tried a mood stabilizer ( Depakote ) and it has helped some. As far as Abilify I took that as well for over 2 years at different dosages and it helped alittle as well till I asked to try something different but along the same lines. So my pdoc switched me to Rispedal and it seems to be working better than the Abilify. My hearing loss occured before I started on meds. I went to a ENT doctor and they sent me to have an MRI and found nothing. They have said that it was caused by a passing blood clot in the nerves. I now wear a hearing aid in that ear. I have a yearly hearing test dane to make sure the hearing loss does not worsen. I agree with what the others have said look into a 3rd pdoc and have your hearing checked by an audiologist. It can't hurt right. Best of luck and hope this helped some.

My Regards,
CP