Antidepressants are sometimes prescribed for patients seeking tinnitus relief. There have been some studies that show antidepressants can treat ringing ears or help people cope better their tinnitus symptoms. Unfortunately, the kind of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) that have been shown to be effective for tinnitus sufferers can have dangerous side effects. This article explains the risks inherent in using TCAs in the medical treatment of tinnitus and discuss the use of a natural tinnitus cure instead.

In a systematic review of the research into treating tinnitus symptoms with antidepressants, two of four studies showed benefits from the treatment. However, TCAs like those involved in these studies have several possible side effects. These side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation.

In addition, powerful drugs like these are typically only prescribed for a period of weeks, as they can be addictive. That means even when TCAs do help, they are typically only a temporary treatment for ringing ears .

Scarier still is the fact that antidepressants of all kinds can sometimes cause people, particularly those under the age of 18, to think of doing harm to themselves or even consider suicide.

So while tricyclic antidepressants have a place in the medical treatment of tinnitus, surely it is sensible to look for more natural alternatives to these powerful medications. A safe natural cure for tinnitus would be ideal. Such a tinnitus cure would need to be at least as effective as TCAs, without the risk of major side effects. It would also need to be something that could be continued indefinitely, providing a long-term cure for tinnitus, not the short-term relief of TCAs.