PLEASE HELP : Citalopram tinnitus/ear pulsating

[Sophiey11]

hi all. I am currently taking Citalopram for anxiety. I was prescribed 10mg but due to health anxiety I started taking 5mg and working my way up. Tonight is the first time I have taken 10mg and in the last hour I have developed a whooshing sound in sync with my heart in my ear. Assuming this is tinnitus. It’s really scaring me and I just want to know has anyone else experienced this and did it go away?

I’d suggest it’s anxiety.
My DH has been on it for 20+ years and has never had that symptom. And he started on 40mg at that time.

Noting to worry about just another side effects as ur brain gets used to the medication drink plenty of water cut down caffeine

I also get this as I’ve been on them 3 weeks I used to take them for 7 years worked wonders life was good again I thought I was well and came of them 1 year later I’m now back on them all that u feel over the next 1-8 week will be side effects my advice drink plenty limit caffeine eat before taking the med and get some fresh air I find listen to music using ear phones takes my mind off the ringing ears and yes that will ease and go too … don’t be surprised if u feel heightened anxiety on and of for a couple of weeks this is normal too ur brain is getting used to the medication … take the good days as a win and the bad as blips its all recovery progress u may find u might not get as many side effects but it is possible so bear that in mind but honestly I no these meds work wonders dont rush to come of them either u wouldnt stop taking insulin if u were diabetic or any other medication if u needed it to live ur days will become brighter trust me take care take time x

I also had tinnitus while on citalopram 5 years ago (must be a side effect?). It lasted a month, then dissapeared. I tried not to stress about it and thennit was gone. Citalopram did wonders for my anxiety (10 mg), I took it for a year then weed myself of with no issues. I put on weight :-(

Thanks all for your messages. I went to my GP today as the tinnitus put me in a full blown panic attack. They suggested I come off the citalopram and go onto sertraline. I really don’t know what to do. I’m really struggling with the tinnitus it’s just constantly pulsating in my ear.

It entirely ur choice I will advise that swapping and changing meds can some times worsen or take longer to work if it was me I’d stick with the cit a bit longer and see how u go side effects do go

@Kellbell14 thank you! Last night I took just the 5mg again and the ringing in my ears isn’t as bad this morning. My side effects are still there so I’m hoping the 5mg is enough for now

If I was u I’d bump up to 10 even 10
is a low dose and does work for some im
currently on 10mg for nearly 2 weeks I’ve had side effects but they have been manageable I think I need to increase again as 20mg is the therapeutic dose but every one is different