that the wellbutrin is creating. I feel all off right now. Have been on WB 100 sr for 6 weeks, depression lifted but now is getting worst. I can hardly handle noise, my head is pounding. Feeling irritable and negative. Psych doc gave me klonopin to take 1 mg 1/2 am 1/2 pm. He also added Lexapro 5 mg to help with the anxiety. I do not want to take a benzo just to be on the WB. Do I need to just take the Lex and see if that takes care of the anxiety? He has changed my meds three times in the last 4 weeks. Need help from the Community.
Can wellbutrin make your hearing sensitive? Or is it from the anxiety?
Question posted by janiebme on 19 March 2016
Last updated on 20 March 2016
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
4 Answers
Inactive
20 March 2016
Hi Janie! I just tried to post more info concerning hyperacusis caused by wellbutrin. It definitely does cause hearing sensitivity. I also looked up ototoxic drugs, of which there are many. These are drugs that adversely affect hearing. Ototoxic drugs include aspirin, benzos, many antidepressants, and on and on. But my answer couldn't post yet because the "post is pending approval" (sigh). Maybe it'll show up later. "G"
janiebme
20 March 2016
Thank you G! If it's not one thing it's another. :) I think that I am just a crabby irritable over sensitive mess right now ;0 I started a new post to you.
Inactive
20 March 2016
You are a helpful and kind person, and it's ok for all of us to get a little crabby once in a while. This whole mess gets frustrating. So I don't blame you. But we'll get through it, I promise!
Inactive
20 March 2016
Hi Janie! I looked up info on "sensitive hearing" and was given this definition: it's called "hyperacusis" which means "increased sensitivity to sound". It can be caused by chronic anxiety, so benzos are often prescribed to treat it. The bad news is that benzo withdrawal can make the condition worse than what you took it for in the first place. Many, but not all, people experience a worsening of their hyperacusis when they take benzos to treat it! If you are currently weaning off a particular benzo, it could be causing your hearing sensitivity. It also mentions headaches are also a result of benzo withdrawal. Since you seem to be sensitive to meds, this could apply to you maybe? But it definitely mentioned that chronic anxiety can be the cause of this condition in the first place. Maybe when you discontinue your current benzo and replace it with klonopin, you might get relief.
Maybe you won't even need the klonopin when your lexapro/wellbutrin combo starts to relieve your anxiety, and the problem will be resolved.Hope this helps a little. Fingers crossed! Your friend, "G"
WildcatVet
20 March 2016
Janie, I'mso sorry everything is so off for you right now! Did your doctor suggest or mention raising you to a maintenance dose of your WB?
Although it can auditory dysfunction and/or ringing in the ears there's no mention ~ at least in the literature ~ of hearing hypersensitivity. It sounds more like anxiety/depression.
Why not try the Lexapro? At worst it won't help and at best it will. You can always taper off and 5mg is a very small dose.
I wish I could give you advise from experience, but know I'm thinking of you and wishing you well.
janiebme
20 March 2016
Hi WCV-
I think you are right, it is the ramped up anxiety. He did not mention raising the WB, but I thought about it. Right now too afraid that it will make the anxiety worst. So will stay with the dose I have. I did start the Lexapro 5 mg today, will see how it goes. He also gave me klonopin but really afraid to use it due to dependency and withdrawal. The Lexapro years ago helped with the anxiety and with my sleep. So I hope it does again. Thank you for the wishes it helps :)
Delila
20 March 2016
Hi, there are incidences of hearing disturbance from taking Wellbutrin, but this has been confined to Tinnitus, buzzing or ringing in the ears, or 'hearing things'. Sensitivity to sound is not listed, but that doesn't mean it can't occur. I take psychotropic medications and i have very sensitive hearing, which i don't remember having before starting these meds. Ask your doctor/psychiatrist for advice...
janiebme
20 March 2016
Hi Delila-
Like WCV said I do think it is from my anxiety that I had before taking WB, but with it has made it increase. I have talked to my psych doc. He seems to be at a loss at times. I usually suggest a game plan. He told me that Klonopin was not addictive and he suggested I be on it for a year. Really? Good thing I am not young and believe all that docs tell you. I suggested we try Lexapro 5 mg to try to counter the WB anxiety. I am hoping it will do two things for me like it did before. Help the anxiety and sleep. Just started it today. Time will tell. I was not taking WB with it before.
Thank you it helps to hear from others :)
Related topics
lexapro, wellbutrin, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety
Further information
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.