Current Validated Medical Treatments: Pharmacologic Interventions

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2020 Aug;53(4):617-626. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2020.03.009. Epub 2020 Apr 23.

Abstract

The search for an effective medication that will eliminate tinnitus has a long history. Currently, no drugs exist that universally cure tinnitus. Pharmacologic interventions that have been investigated can be divided into those that attempt to eliminate the perception of tinnitus, and those that are designed to treat the negative comorbidities associated with tinnitus, thereby mitigating tinnitus' negative impact on quality of life. A third category of drugs can also be considered that addresses an identified pathologic condition that has tinnitus as an associated symptom (for example, Meniere's disease, otosclerosis, migraine-associated vertigo). This third category is not addressed.

Keywords: Anxiety; Clinical trials; Depression; Neurotransmitters; Pharmacology; Psychoacoustic; Tinnitus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety / etiology
  • Depression / etiology
  • Humans
  • Meniere Disease / physiopathology
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / therapeutic use
  • Otosclerosis / physiopathology
  • Psychoacoustics
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Tinnitus / drug therapy*
  • Tinnitus / psychology
  • Vertigo / physiopathology

Substances

  • Neurotransmitter Agents