Tinnitus, Deafness and Ear Problems Support Group
This group is for those coping with Tinnitus (ringing ears or ear noise), hearing loss, and all ear issues. Join to find support and get advice from others.
I just wanted everyone to know that Im having success treating my tinnitus with Klonopin and Gabapentin. Ive been playing around with different doses and here is what Ive noticed. Ill rate my T on a scale of 0 to 10 with 10 being the screaming tea pot.
I also want to mention that I've only been on this now for about 3 weeks so this isn't a long term study.
Gabapentin by itself - no effect.
Klonopin .5MG by itself Spiky results. Ill usually get an hour of 1-4 and then a spike to 8 -10 followed by some 1-6.
Klonopin .5MG and Gabapentin 600MG. Gives me 3.5 hours of 1-3. After that it slowly goes up to a 2-6
Klonopin .25MG and Gabapentin 600MG Gives me 2 hours of 1-3. After that it slowly goes up to a 2-6
Right now Im taking Klonopin .25MG and Gabapentin 600MG about 4 times during the day and Im getting some pretty good relief. Im usually in the 1 to 3 range with spikes of 6 between doses.
A few days a go I was taking Klonopin .5MG and Gabapentin 600MG 4 times a day and I was between 0-1 most the day. At that dosage its almost a cure. There were times where I couldnt hear it even when I tried. Its clear that the Gabapentin somehow magnifies the effects of the Klonopin. Ive read a new study about Pregabalin which is the new more powerful Gabapentin and it claimed that it also magnifies the affect of Klonopin.
Hear are my concerns. We all know Klonopin is bad. The body will become physically addicted and eventually it will take more and more to get the same affect. By year two I will probably need to double my dose. By year 5 it probably wont work at all. It also makes you stupid. Temporarily I hope. This is why Im trying to figure out the minimum amount I can take and still be comfortable.
I really hate taking all these pills all day long but it absolutely works for me so I'm going to keep doing it as long as my doctor allows it.
Here is a link describing a small study done with Klonopin and Gabapentin. Id like to point out that the study refers to central tinnitus and not cochlea tinnitus. I have no idea what the difference is but Ive seen reference to both in other studies.
http://www.tinnitusformula.com/infocenter/articles/studies/brain.aspx
I also want to mention that I've only been on this now for about 3 weeks so this isn't a long term study.
Gabapentin by itself - no effect.
Klonopin .5MG by itself Spiky results. Ill usually get an hour of 1-4 and then a spike to 8 -10 followed by some 1-6.
Klonopin .5MG and Gabapentin 600MG. Gives me 3.5 hours of 1-3. After that it slowly goes up to a 2-6
Klonopin .25MG and Gabapentin 600MG Gives me 2 hours of 1-3. After that it slowly goes up to a 2-6
Right now Im taking Klonopin .25MG and Gabapentin 600MG about 4 times during the day and Im getting some pretty good relief. Im usually in the 1 to 3 range with spikes of 6 between doses.
A few days a go I was taking Klonopin .5MG and Gabapentin 600MG 4 times a day and I was between 0-1 most the day. At that dosage its almost a cure. There were times where I couldnt hear it even when I tried. Its clear that the Gabapentin somehow magnifies the effects of the Klonopin. Ive read a new study about Pregabalin which is the new more powerful Gabapentin and it claimed that it also magnifies the affect of Klonopin.
Hear are my concerns. We all know Klonopin is bad. The body will become physically addicted and eventually it will take more and more to get the same affect. By year two I will probably need to double my dose. By year 5 it probably wont work at all. It also makes you stupid. Temporarily I hope. This is why Im trying to figure out the minimum amount I can take and still be comfortable.
I really hate taking all these pills all day long but it absolutely works for me so I'm going to keep doing it as long as my doctor allows it.
Here is a link describing a small study done with Klonopin and Gabapentin. Id like to point out that the study refers to central tinnitus and not cochlea tinnitus. I have no idea what the difference is but Ive seen reference to both in other studies.
http://www.tinnitusformula.com/infocenter/articles/studies/brain.aspx
I know your psych said believes you, but maybe he should read this study:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11771024
Even Kevin Hogan writes this in his book:
"There are two categories of anti-depressants that seem to have a positive effect with tinnitus sufferers.
1. Tricyclic antidepressants: Nortriptyline (Brand name: Pamelor) has been shown to be quite effective in volume reduction. (The author had great success with Pamelor.) Other studies show Elavil (Amitryptiline) to be useful though not quite as beneficial as Pamelor.
2. Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors. SSRI's: work slightly differently than tricyclics and tend to have fewer side effects. They may also be somewhat less efective in helping the tinnitus sufferer reduce volume."
So, yay for tricyclics--oldies but goodies in many people's opinion
. : )
Bob, that has been my experience with Nortryp and T, too! Maybe after 15 hours my 75MG tataken bedtime wears off, so I often take a 25MG one in the late afternoon. Quite often my T gets better (lower) soon very after.
I found that the Gaba/Klono combo had a pretty short duration in my system. .25 Klonopin might only last 2 hours at the most.
I decided to stop taking Klonopin as I didnt want to be on it for long periods of time. If youve done some research youve probably seen the risks associated with it. It was a personal choice for me and I still will take it if needed. I always have some in my pocket.
Are you still seeing the positive effects on your T using the Gabapentin alone?
I post my status in different threads but I've been really bad about updating my journal. I'll try to get something in there soon.
I am not sure if it has been helping my t as yet, as I take Gabapentin, with Neurontin too. 300mgs of Neurontin, and now .05mg of the Klonopin. I was up to 5mgs nightly. I have to be off of the Klonopin due to new meds for my heart which is very sedating. I can not be on all of these or I will sleep my life away.
It will be interesting to see where I am at on the level of t. that I end up with when this is over. It will take several months and I am having a terrible time sleeping through the night.
I wish you all the luck in the world. I hope these work for you.
Kasandra