We are frequently asked what the best drugs for tinnitus are. Finding a good treatment can be daunting, regardless of how long you’ve been experiencing that ringing sound. If you’ve Googled your symptoms—and who hasn’t, really?—you’ve undoubtedly come across a variety of supplements, patches, and pills that promise to help.
Through our telehealth initiatives, we audiologists at Treble Health have assisted thousands of tinnitus patients worldwide. “What medications can I take for tinnitus?” is one of the most frequent questions we receive. Let’s explore what works, what doesn’t, and what might be useful for you based on your circumstances.
Why It’s So Hard to Find the “Best Drug for Tinnitus”
Let’s be clear before we dive into the list: tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease in and of itself. There is no one-size-fits-all medication because of this. Tinnitus can be brought on by stress, high blood pressure, hearing loss, or even medications that a person is currently taking.
"As a recent graduate who’s achieved stage four habituation, I cannot thank Treble Health enough for getting me to the finish line."
"As a recent graduate who’s achieved stage four habituation, I cannot thank Treble Health enough for getting me to the finish line."
– Louis
Book a free consultation to learn which Treble Health solution is right for you. Join Louis and thousands more who have found lasting tinnitus relief.
Generally speaking, no medication “cures” tinnitus. But some drugs can help control the underlying causes of tinnitus or lessen the distress it causes.
Which Are The Best Drugs for Tinnitus?
Here is a summary of some of the top drugs that could help. Although they can be a part of a successful tinnitus management plan, these are not miracle cures. It’s important to talk to a physician to determine whether any of these options are appropriate for your specific situation.
1. Benzodiazepines and Other Low-Dose Anti-Anxiety Drugs
When your sleep or mental health is being negatively impacted by tinnitus, this class of medications may be helpful. Sometimes, very low doses of clonazepam are prescribed for a brief period in order to relax the central nervous system. For certain patients, it can lessen the perceived severity of their tinnitus. Important note: Because of the possibility of dependency and adverse effects like drowsiness or cognitive fog, long-term use of benzodiazepines is not advised. Talk to your healthcare provider about risks when taking the best drugs for tinnitus.
2. TCAs, or Tricyclic Antidepressants
TCAs were first used to treat depression, but they have also been shown to help those whose tinnitus is associated with stress, anxiety, or insomnia. According to some studies and anecdotal evidence, these medications may reduce the perception of tinnitus by altering the neurotransmitter systems in the brain. Moreover, these medications are typically not the first line of treatment, but in certain situations—particularly when anxiety or depression are present—they may be part of a comprehensive management strategy.
3. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
When the emotional toll of tinnitus, particularly anxiety or depression, becomes too great, SSRIs may be prescribed to help manage tinnitus. By raising serotonin levels in the brain, these drugs can elevate mood and make tinnitus less bothersome. However, SSRIs can have both positive and negative effects. In certain instances, they might exacerbate the symptoms of tinnitus. They should always be used with caution and under careful supervision.
4. NHPN-1010: A Potential Neuroprotective Substance
It’s worth knowing about, even if you haven’t heard of it yet. HPN-07 and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), two antioxidants that are well-known for their capacity to lower inflammation and safeguard brain nerve cells, are combined in the medication NHPN-1010. It was created by a business called Neurologix and is presently undergoing clinical trials as a possible remedy for acute tinnitus brought on by blast injuries or noise trauma. In our blog post on NHPN-1010, we describe how this medication may help prevent chronic tinnitus by lowering oxidative damage in the early stages following inner ear trauma. In summary, it is one of the more promising pharmaceutical advancements in the field of tinnitus today despite not yet receiving FDA approval.
5. SPI-1005: Addressing Inflammation in the Inner Ear
Sound Pharmaceuticals’ SPI-1005 is another intriguing medication currently under development. Ebselen, a substance found in this oral drug, functions as a synthetic form of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase. It is being researched for its potential to lessen oxidative stress and inflammation in the cochlea, the area of the inner ear that is in charge of hearing. SPI-1005 was initially created to treat Ménière’s disease, but it is currently being tested on patients who have tinnitus and sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
It’s actually among the first experimental medications specifically designed to treat inner ear disorders. In our comprehensive article post about SPI-1005, we go into detail about why this might be revolutionary for some forms of tinnitus, particularly those involving hearing loss. The SPI-1005 has a lot of promise and may be among the first medications approved, especially for tinnitus-related conditions, even though it isn’t yet on the market.
6. Melatonin for Relaxation and Sleep
At night, when everything is quiet, tinnitus frequently makes falling to sleep more difficult and melatonin can help with that. Even if you have tinnitus, this natural hormone can help you fall and stay asleep by regulating your sleep. According to some research, it may even lessen the volume of tinnitus. At Treble Health, we frequently advise patients who have trouble falling asleep to take melatonin before bed. It is generally safe and does not form habits.
What About Over-the-Counter “Tinnitus Pills”?
Ads for “miracle tinnitus cures” like TinniClear or RingAway are likely familiar to you. The majority of these products are nothing more than marketing gimmicks, vitamins, and herb combinations. Clinical evidence is typically scant or nonexistent, and they are not FDA-approved. What do we advise? Anything that promises a cure in a bottle should be regarded with suspicion. If something seems too good to be true, it most likely is.
Does Treble Health Recommend Drugs
The truth is, we don’t typically recommend medications unless they are truly necessary. In some cases, we may suggest having a conversation with your physician to explore whether medication could play a role in your care.
At Treble Health, we believe a multifaceted approach is often the most effective path forward. This may include:
- Sound therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
- Lifestyle modifications such as physical activity, stress management, and improved sleep habits
Questions to Ask Your Physician
Here are some questions to ask at your next appointment if you’re thinking about taking medication for tinnitus:
- Does my hearing loss or anxiety have anything to do with my tinnitus?
- Is it getting worse because of any of my current medications?
- Should I start with any non-drug alternatives?
- Which medications do you recommend, and what are the risks and side effects?
Honest Talk: What Doesn’t Work?
You may still be wondering, but what is the best medication for tinnitus, and the truth is that the best tinnitus medications are those that give you a sense of control over your condition, whether that control is improved by better sleep, reduced anxiety, or fewer spikes. That could mean mindfulness and melatonin for one individual. Another might benefit from a brief course of CBT and clonazepam. Medication can help you along the way, but it’s not the whole picture.
Medications Can Help, But They’re Not the Whole Solution
Other tools outside of medications can help you feel better, sleep better, and regain your life.
With a tailored combination of treatments, Treble Health has assisted thousands of patients in lessening the effects of tinnitus. We can help if you’re prepared to stop allowing tinnitus to take over your life. We offer personalized hearing solutions and expert guidance. To get started, book a 20-minute telehealth consultation on us!
Next Step: Book Free Consultation
- 75% of patients reduced their tinnitus within three months after following our recommendations.
- "I feel like Treble Health literally gave me my life back." - Randy S. (verified customer)
- Join thousands of people who have reduced their tinnitus after scheduling a free consultation.
