[Tsunamisurfer]

I've had tinnitus (ringing sounds in my ears) for a long time, but lately it has become so bad that it feels like I have blocked Eustachian tubes and fluid in my ears, along with intense pain every time someone drops a knife on their plate at dinner, laughs, even the sound of my car's engine while I'm driving is deafeningly loud to me.

I searched the web and came across some vague mention of various substances that are "ototoxic" and Lithium Carbonate is supposed to be one that can cause tinnitus.

Does anyone else here have that problem with Lithium, and does it go away with use, or is it permanent or even cumulative?

Ta,

Peter

[oof987654321]

I'm very sensitive to sounds and sometimes when I'm really manic or depressed I hear things, like radios and buzzing noises and children laughing. I don't know if that is because of the lithium. My friends call me Tweak, because shadows, sometimes the loud tone of people's voices, or basically any noise that startles me, makes me scream.
I'm not very helpful. Just a bored insomniac.

[Moose72]

I am sensitive to sounds too. Especially when mixed or manic. The ringing though just happens randomly. Haven't really noticed an increase since going on lithium over a year ago, (forget how long might be 2 years now)

[Topher]

No tinnitus in 30 years of lithium use. I have a slight hand tremor within the last couple years though.

[Kymaro]

Originally Posted by Tsunamisurfer

I've had tinnitus (ringing sounds in my ears) for a long time, but lately it has become so bad that it feels like I have blocked Eustachian tubes and fluid in my ears, along with intense pain every time someone drops a knife on their plate at dinner, laughs, even the sound of my car's engine while I'm driving is deafeningly loud to me.

I searched the web and came across some vague mention of various substances that are "ototoxic" and Lithium Carbonate is supposed to be one that can cause tinnitus.

Does anyone else here have that problem with Lithium, and does it go away with use, or is it permanent or even cumulative?

Ta,

Peter

Yes, Lithium Carbonate can cause ototoxicity in some people. It's not a common side effect but it does happen. As I researched it goes away when the drug is stoped. Ototoxicity can cause perminent damage to the ears. Best to contact the Pdoc and let him know you are having this side effect. This may not be the best drug of choice for you.