title: The use of benzodiazepines for tinnitus: systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the effectiveness of benzodiazepine use for subjective tinnitus and to consider this in the context of the concomitant side effects.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic search of several databases using the terms 'tinnitus' and 'benzodiazepines' was conducted to find clinical trials of benzodiazepines and comparators in tinnitus patients. These studies were then assessed for risk of bias.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Six clinical trials were included. Clonazepam was found to be effective in three studies, but these studies had limitations regarding adequate blinding. The effectiveness of alprazolam was equivocal. Diazepam was not effective in two studies and oxazepam was effective in one study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Benzodiazepine use for subjective tinnitus does not have a robust evidence base. Clonazepam has the most evidence to support its use and is relatively less likely to lead to abuse because of its longer half-life, but caution is still needed given the other serious side effects.
authors: Kolling Deafness Research Centre,University of Sydney and Macquarie University,NSW,Australia.
authors: N E
authors: NE
authors: Jufas
authors: Sydney Local Health District,Sydney Medical School,University of Sydney,NSW,Australia.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Wood
mesh_terms: D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018757:GABA Modulators / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D018757:GABA Modulators; D001569:Benzodiazepines
keywords: Benzodiazepines; Review; Tinnitus