Tinnitus treatment with memantine.
Author(s): Figueiredo RR, Langguth B, Mello de Oliveira P, Aparecida de Azevedo A
Affiliation(s): OTOSUL-Otorrinolaringologia Sul-Fluminense, Volta Redonda and Valenca, Brazil; Valenca Medical School, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Publication date & source: 2008-04, Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg., 138(4):492-6.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy and safety of memantine in the treatment of tinnitus. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blind crossover study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 60 patients with tinnitus were randomized into a double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective crossover study. Patients each received up to 20 mg memantine and placebo for 90 days, separated by a 30-day washout period. Treatment effects were assessed by using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). A total of 43 patients completed the trial. RESULTS: There was no significant improvement of THI score after memantine treatment compared with placebo. A possible tendency for delayed effects of memantine was observed. The incidence of side effects during memantine treatment was 9.4 percent, leading to interruption of treatment in all cases. CONCLUSION: This study does not provide evidence to recommend memantine for the treatment of tinnitus. A possible late effect of the drug should be evaluated in further studies with longer observation periods.
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