Topic Overview

Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can cause ringing in the ears (tinnitus). A few examples are:

• Aspirin, ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin), and naproxen (such as Aleve).
• Some blood pressure and heart medicines.
• Some antidepressants.
• Some cancer medicines.

If ringing in the ears occurs after you have taken a medicine:

• Call the doctor who prescribed the medicine to determine whether you should stop taking the medicine or take a different one. An appointment may not be needed.
• If you are taking a nonprescription medicine, stop taking it. Call your doctor if you feel you need to continue taking the medicine.