Tinnitus and alprazolam | British Tinnitus Association

Name of treatment

Alprazolam (Alprax, Niravam, Tranax, Xanax, Xanax XR, Xycalm)

Type of treatment

Pharmaceutical. Alprazolam is a member of the benzodiazepine family of anti-anxiety and sedatives.

Claims for treatment

Reduces/eliminates the tinnitus percept. 

How treatment is delivered

Tablet is taken orally

Potential negative consequences

Drowsiness/sedation, fatigue and tiredness, impaired coordination, memory impairment, and irritability.

Alprazolam can be habit-forming – this can lead to addiction, overdose or death.

The sedative effects of alprazolam may last longer in older adults and accidental falls are common in older patients who take this drug.[1]

Evidence offered:

Papers available

10

Conclusions drawn

The effectiveness of alprazolam was judged equivocal in one systematic review [2], and unknown in another.[3]

Quality of evidence[4]

A

Does the BTA recommend this treatment?

No.

BTA opinion on this treatment:

We do not recommend alprazolam as a treatment for tinnitus.

Anti-anxiety medication may be useful to reduce anxiety associated with tinnitus. There are, however, low evidence levels for the administration of such medication for reducing tinnitus distress.

We suggest talking to your doctor about the potential effects and side effects.

Would the BTA support further studies into this treatment?

Yes, provided the study is of high quality and fully independent

Verdict: Safety – is this treatment harmful?

   Evidence of harm

Verdict: Efficacy – does this treatment work?

   No evidence that it is effective