Are Tinnitus, Vertigo And Mood Swings Withdrawal Symptoms Of Hydrocodone And Xanax?

Posted on Sat, 22 Jul 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 22 Jul 2017 Answered on

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I am 62, have suffered with panic attacks, anxiousness for over 40 years.With the chronic back pain (lumbar region),I was perscribed hydrocodone @ 10mg/325mg at 360 pills a month. (since 1999 until march 2017) I was also on Xanax @3mg a day, (1mg - 3x daily) Iwas taken off those meds at the end of march, cold turkey. No warning, my Drs just said "No more refills" just like that.I knew what would happen nex, and it did, with a vengence!I still have problems and it's mid July now. Should I not be "clean" by now? Or as my sister quaintly told me,You should be Rebooted by now". I still have LOUD tinnitis, virtigo, erratic muscular functions,and I've become a moody little bastard. The meds worked for me, why would they be pulled, thus throwing me under the bus ? I don't get it thank you XXXX

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
This could be due to protracted withdrawal.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking

I can understand your concern. If you were regular in visit to your doctor and were compliant to drug therapy then I don't know why they stopped prescribing the drugs abruptly. Stopping Hydrocodone or Xanax both of which are psychoactive drugs abruptly is known to result in withdrawal. But fortunately you have passed the acute phase of withdrawal and now the mild symptoms you're having are due to long term or protracted withdrawal. Tinnitus, vertigo, mood swings etc could be due to withdrawal. Most of these symptoms are managed with behavioural modifications and no specific treatment is needed.

For vertigo tablet Betahistine can be used on SOS basis. If the symptoms persist then Pregabalin or Gabapenitne can be used. You can talk with your doctor for these drugs and these drugs will reduce your symptoms.

Thanks and Take care

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana