Antidepressants Cause Cataracts in Seniors?

[ronr]

Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Seniors who take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants may be more likely to develop cataracts. The risk appears to increase by about 15-percent, which in the United States, would translate to 22,000 cataract cases attributable to antidepressant use.

he effect was strongest for three SSRIs: Luvox (fluvoxamine) increased risk by 39-percent, Effexor (venlafaxine) by 33-percent and Paxil (paroxetine) by 23-percent. The apparent increased risk was associated only with current, not past, drug use.

Full article at: http://www.ivanhoe.com/channels/p_channelstory.cfm?storyid=24453

[foxgrove]

and as our rwilli can attest to.. cataracts aren't much fun!!  That's bad news.  I hope the effects are reversable by discontinuing the drug and finding an alternative.

[countryboy]

Now I know.

Was on Effexor for 5 years then in 08 I had both eyes operated on for cataracts just 6 weeks apart.  My GP took me off the Effexor that fall and put me on Wellbutrin (sp) and that only lasted 2 months as I turned out to be allergic to something in that med.  Now I am back on Effexor.

After the surgery I had 20/20 vision in both eyes.  But I had to have glasses for close up seeing.  Couldn't see a damn thing within 3 feet.  In April my eye site had dropped to 20/50 in both eyes and the Eye Dr. was very concerned about such a drop in 1 and 1/2 years. Maybe I will let him know of these findings.  Also will talk to the GP about this.  Maybe I will just go off the Effexor slowly by my self.

My wife had one eye done 2 months ago.  They put in a tri-focal lens so she won't have to need glasses even for up close vision.  She will have the other one done the first part of Sept.  Good thing she isn't on any anitdepressants.


Countryboy

[rwilli]

   Actually Paul, the cataract surgery was very easy. I have been taking antidepressants for years now. One eye is done, the next one is next week I think.

    As we all get older most people seem to need the surgery. I spent 3yrs, lifeguarding at a large pool that had a very strong glare. The boss would not let us use sunglasses because he was afraid people would think we were asleep.

    That was many years ago. Our eyes were sore/tired after being there 12 hrs a day.   rwilli

[foxgrove]

Well that\s good news to hear!!! Thank you bro.  IF it comes, at least I know it's something that is doeable!!