Does Effexor cause tinnitus? (3+ factors)
By
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira is a Pharmacist and Doctor of Philosophy in Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP). She has experience in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Milena’s Highlights:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration in the areas of Pharmacometrics and Population Pharmacokinetics, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
“Science can be translated, and it is essential that everyone has access to quality information to make informed decisions” – Dr Milena Oliveira, PhD.
Professional Experience:
With a decade-long career as a researcher, Dr Milena has amassed extensive experience in conducting research projects in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics.
Her expertise also extends to the preparation of technical and scientific reports, literature reviews, data analysis, and scientific communication, both oral and written.
Dr Milena has served as a Clinical Pharmacist, providing expert supervision and guidance to teams during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the ICUs of two reference hospitals for patient hospitalization.
In her most recent role, Dr Milena worked on the implementation of the deliberatives of the São Paulo State Government Pharmaceutical Assistance Coordination. These decisions were aimed at ensuring medication access within the Unified Health System.
A widely multidisciplinary background enabled Dr Milena to become a professional capable of integrating scientific knowledge into private initiatives, education, and healthcare, delivering consistent services in patient safety and population health.
Professional Memberships & Affiliations:
Dr Milena Oliveira is a member of the Regional Council of Pharmacy of the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Education:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
Relevant Published Work & Citations:
Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, Nardotto GHB, Pippa LF, Simões BP, Lanchote VL. Analysis of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in plasma and urine with application in the evaluation of total, renal and metabolic formation clearances in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. Nov 2020. 191:113-124.
Abstracts. CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology. 2020 Nov; 9 (S1).
Pippa LF, Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, de Andrade JM, Lanchote VL. Total, renal and hepatic clearances of doxorubicin and formation clearance of doxorubicinol in patients with breast cancer: Estimation of doxorubicin hepatic extraction ratio. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 2020 Jun 5; 185:113-231.
Godoy ALPC, De Jesus C, De Oliveira ML, Rocha A, Pereira MPM, Larangeira DF, Lanchote VL, Barrouin-Melo SM. Determination of Allopurinol and Oxypurinol in Dogs Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with an Ultraviolet Detector: Application for Pharmacokinetic Studies. J Chromatogr Sep Tech. 2017; 8 (4).
Clímaco EC, Oliveira ML de, Pitondo-Silva A, Oliveira MG, Medeiros M, Lincopan N, et al. Clonal complexes 104, 109 and 113 playing a major role in the dissemination of OXA-carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Southeast Brazil. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2013 Oct;19:127–33.
Conference Papers:
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B.; PIPPA, L. F.; ROCHA, A.; SIMOES, B. P.; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Daunorubicin metabolism and urinary excretion in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 84th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT) and the 20th Annual Meeting of the Association of the Clinical Pharmacology Germany (VKliPha), 2018, Göttingen. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Arch Pharmacol, 2018. v. 391. p. S76-S76.
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . The low contribution of urinary excretion in the elimination of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 49th Brazilian Congress of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics., 2017, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2017. p. 64-64.
Oliveira, M. L.; PIPPA, L. F. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Quantification of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in human plasma by LC-MS/MS. In: I International Meeting of Environmental Health and Toxicology (IMEHTOX), 2016, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2016.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. . PFGE typing of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from different University Hospitals. In: V International Postgraduate and Research Symposium, 2012.
Clímaco, E.C. ; SILVA, A. P. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. Relação clonal entre linhagens de Acinetobacter baumannii produtoras de carbapenemases da família OXA em quatro hospitais no Brasil. In: XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012, Santos. XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Dissemintion of OXA carbapenemases genes in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in University Hospital of Juiz de Fora, MG. In: 8th CIFARP – International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011, Ribeirão Preto.
Clímaco, E.C. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Avaliação do sequenciamento parcial do gene rpoB e de seus flanqueadores para identificação de espécies de Acinetobacter na rotina laroratorial. In: 2° International Symposium on Clinical Microbiology, 2010, Florianópolis.
You can view some of Dr Milena’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dra-milena-locci-de-oliveira-28986042/?locale=en_US
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Milena-Oliveira-6
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/5394254/milena-locci-de-oliveira
Lattes: https://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/busca.do
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57199779361
Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=list_works&hl=pt-BR&user=1YUBDIQAAAAJ
In this article, we will discuss whether Effexor can cause tinnitus. We will also discuss the incidence of this side effect and what one should do if this side effect occurs.
Does Effexor cause tinnitus?
Yes, Effexor may cause tinnitus, although it is a rare side effect associated with this commonly prescribed antidepressant. Tinnitus, characterized by a ringing sound in the ear, can be stressful for many patients.
It is essential to be aware of this potential side effect, but also remember that individual responses to medications vary and not everyone taking Effexor experiences this side effect.
Additionally, people could have underlying factors that may make them more susceptible to certain side effects associated with antidepressants including tinnitus.
Effexor a brand for Venlafaxine works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, increasing their levels to help regulate mood and emotions in individuals (1). If you notice any unusual symptoms like tinnitus while taking Effexor, it is crucial to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
What does research suggest?
The available research data is limited in supporting tinnitus as a potential side effect of Effexor, and there are low chances of patients using Effexor experiencing tinnitus. However, tinnitus can be experienced by patients after discontinuation of Effexor as withdrawal symptoms (2).
Tinnitus does not affect everyone, as people respond differently to medications. However, some studies have indicated that Effexor and other antidepressants can actually be used to manage tinnitus triggered by anxiety or depression (3).
Hence, although Effexor has a low likelihood of causing tinnitus, it may only be used in a few patients to treat tinnitus due to variations in individual medication responses. Other antidepressants including Sertraline, Citalopram, etc may also cause this side effect.
What are the factors influencing Effexor-induced tinnitus?
The development of tinnitus as a side effect of Effexor can be influenced by several factors, including:
Dosage: Higher doses of Effexor may be more likely to cause tinnitus.
Individual susceptibility: Some individuals may be more sensitive to the medication and prone to experiencing tinnitus.
Duration of use: Tinnitus may develop after prolonged use of Effexor.
Underlying medical conditions: Pre-existing ear or hearing issues may increase the risk of tinnitus with Effexor.
Interaction with other medications: Concomitant use of drugs that affect hearing or interact with Effexor can increase the risk of tinnitus.
What to do if Effexor causes tinnitus?
If you experience tinnitus while taking Effexor, it is important to discuss it with your healthcare provider. They may first consider reducing your dosage to see if the tinnitus improves.
However, if dose reduction does not work your doctor may discontinue your medication gradually or may switch to another antidepressant with fewer side effects. When medication is discontinued the tinnitus symptoms usually subside over time.
Do not discontinue the medication on your own as it may lead to withdrawal symptoms further worsening your condition (4).
In the meantime, if tinnitus is becoming bothersome, your doctor may consider noise-reducing devices or other strategies for symptomatic relief.
Sometimes lifestyle adjustments can help you cope with tinnitus such as removing excess earwax and practising stress reduction techniques like yoga and meditation.
Reduce your alcohol and caffeine intake as excessive consumption can trigger tinnitus in some individuals. A few therapies can also ease your symptoms with tinnitus such as tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Conclusion
I suggest patients who believe that their tinnitus, a rare side effect, is mainly caused by Effexor and have no other risks or underlying health conditions should seek continuous monitoring and guidance from their doctor.
Effexor is a widely prescribed antidepressant that is well-tolerated by many patients. However, it can not be suitable for all the patients using Effexor, as some may experience both benefits and adverse reactions.
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References
2.-
Clewes J. A case report of onset of tinnitus following discontinuation of antidepressant and a review of the literature. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2012;14(1):PCC.11br01218. doi: 10.4088/PCC.11br01218. Epub 2012 Feb 16. PMID: 22690352; PMCID: PMC3357564.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3357564/
3.-
Robinson, S. (2007). Antidepressants for treatment of tinnitus. Progress in Brain Research, 263–271. doi:10.1016/s0079-6123(07)66024-5https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0079612307660245
4.-
Gabriel M, Sharma V. Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. CMAJ. 2017 May 29;189(21):E747. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.160991. PMID: 28554948; PMCID: PMC5449237.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5449237/#:~:text=The%20mnemonic%20FINISH%20summarizes%20the,disturbances%20(%E2%80%9Cburning%2C%E2%80%9D%20%E2%80%9C
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