Help and advise please

[JoelD3]

Hello. I feel like I am going crazy (literally). I started getting anxious about 2 months ago because I learned that I had tinnitus (ringing in ears). Now I think I figured it was actually a result of my anxiety... being overly sensitive. For the last 3 days I feel like I have actually got concrete in my head. I am freaking out because I feel like I can't think straight, there is pressure in my head.. My hearing is frazzled (I have OK hearing)... Just losing it mentally. Doc prescribed me medication, but I am afraid to take it because I have heard it can make tinnitus worse. Does anyone know what on earth is going on with my head here? Is it anxiety? Is it something else? Is it common for people to have really foggy minds and focus on it continually. I am usually not too bad during the day, but night time is a lot worse. I really need some relief here it is taking over my life. Thanks!

[Ken1]

Hi JoelD3,

This sounds so terrible! I can't imagine the torment.

Can I clarify, you think you were anxious before you learned about your tinnitus? Why do you think you have anxiety? Being overly sensitive can be a factor but generally isn't a cause.

Does your Doctor know how bad this is - how much it's affecting you? If they do then I would suggest taking the medication, even if there's a chance of it making you worse because there's also a chance of it making you better and doing nothing may not make it go away. It's you're call though, I'm assuming you can go off the meds at any time though if you feel like you're getting worse?

I wouldn't have the first clue what would cause it I'm so sorry. Best I can offer is research, see Doctors and maybe a Psychiatrist if you feel to to find potential links to anxiety.

It's definitely common for people to focus on their extra foggy minds - I can relate to that! And when you say it's worse at nighttime is that just when you're trying to sleep, or night in general?

Sorry for so many questions - answer whatever you wish. Hope you find some relief for this terrible thing in your head.

Bonnie

[MsPurple]

Hi JoelD and sorry to hear about your hearing problems and anxiety. I know how terrible it is for anxiety to cause physical problems (although I wouldn't be sure if this is caused by anxiety as I am not a doctor).

I think Bonnie (Ken1) has some valid points. I think if you have any concerns you should definately ask your doctor. It is ok to ask questions. I have learnt to ask more questions and to tell them all of my concerns. Since this I have found that my treatment works for me and now we are on the right track. It is also ok to switch GP if you don't feel comfortable with your current one. I got a new doctor this year (I did move states) and I have found this doctor is amazing. I have switched doctors in the past due to me not feeling like I can be open with them.

Now with the medication I want to emphasis I am not a doctor and take a doctors advice over any users advice. I am not sure if you are on anxiety/anti-depressant medication but from your message I am assuming this because you read it can make tinnitus worse. If the doctor knew this was a risk maybe they believe the benefits out way the side effects/risks. If you actually read the panadol side effects it actually says headaches, yet that is the main purpose of taking the medication. They must list all risks even if they are slim. If you have any questions regarding it I suggest you make an appointment to discuss it further with your doctor. It is also important that you should not drastically stop taking medication (of any kind) without discussing it with your doctor first. e.g if you don't take the whole course of antibiotics you will probably get the infection back and that antibiotic will no longer work as your body will be immune to it now (sorry terribly written). I can't tell you whether or not you should take the medication, but I think you should trust your doctor and if you don't maybe find one you think you will be able to trust.

Hope this helps.

[BballJ]

Hi JoelD3,

Firstly, welcome to the forums.

I haven't had much dealings with Tinnitus however it does sound very tough - I have suffered from anxiety for around 10 years and one thing my anxiety has done is make my physical health symptoms exaggerated - for example, I used to have anxiety about getting headaches and them being something more serious so I was so worried about getting headaches and later worked out the worry was my anxiety about it - this caused me to get headaches very frequently due to my constant worry about it. The mind is one of those powerful things that the more you think and fester on something, the more it seems to be worse. I know it may be different to what I had but I am just saying I can understand how it would be making you feel, especially at night which is when my anxiety flares up and does for many sufferers, I do like Ken1's advice about possibly seeing a psychologist to discuss these anxiety symptoms and see if it relates. Regarding the medication, have you raised it with you doctor than it can make your condition worse as a side effect?

My best,

Jay

[azarrah]

Hi Joel, I'm sorry you're experiencing this.

The foggy head, head pressure/head feeling heavy, and pounding/ringing in the ears can all be caused by anxiety. Personally I get extremely mentally foggy, which is quite terrifying because it makes me wonder whether it's really anxiety, or something else, and then I just get more anxious. Rest assured that these symptoms can totally be caused by anxiety, you're not going crazy!

It's awesome that you've been a doctor already. Did you discuss any other health concerns? If not, you may want to check for certain deficiencies. Many of my physical symptoms have been caused by anxiety and depression combining with other things (vitamin D, iron, and thyroid deficiencies, though we're still trying to work out why those three things don't work...), which makes it worse. If you have severe physical symptoms, you may possibly have a similar issue. Probably not, but worth running it by a medical opinion just in case!

Lastly, if the doctor has prescribed you medication, I'd recommend you take it. If it makes your tinnitus worse, you can just stop taking it and book an appointment with your doctor to discuss the results. Remember that not everyone gets every side effect, so there is every chance you will be fine 🙂

Good luck!