Does anyone have any successful experience of using SRI type anti depressants when they have open angle glaucoma? My husband has been prescribed Sertraline then Citalopram then Escitalopram but has not carried on taking any of them after reading the patient leaflet, which in all those cases cautions against taking them with glaucoma. But does that just mean they are dangerous for closed angle glaucoma?
thanks
Joeyis7
Hi!
I really would really contact your glaucoma consultant’s secretary or whoever is looking after your condition and ask the question.
I have been prescribed a medicine that was contraindicated for glaucoma but my consultant has said that the contraindication is only for closed angle not open angle so I should be fine.
I phoned the secretary, had a call back and then emailed the gp surgery all within 5 days.
Don’t go without medicine you need due to lack of accurate information. The internet is very useful but sometimes not that accurate. Don’t suffer unnecessarily. 👍🏻
sorry just to add I see you read the patient leaflet but the warning in there is just a prompt to get more specialised advice for your husband’s condition. The medicine I was described says the same thing don’t take if you have glaucoma. In my case it’s a tricyclic antidepressant for severe nerve pain, so your husband may get a positive reply from his consultant too but best to ask your consultant about this specific medicine and your husbands specific condition. Hope that helps!
Hello,
I think I may have already replied to an email from you on our Helpline, but just in case. If your Husband has Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, there isn't normally a problem with taking anti-depressants or any other over the counter medication,
The warning is mainly for people with Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma or narrow drainage angles. This is because, with any medication that is a form of relaxant, the eye can dilate slightly and push the iris forward affecting the drainage system. If a person already has narrow angles this may cause it to become even narrower and affect the eye pressure. This isn't the case if you have open angles. There is normally enough room for it not to affect the drainage system
I have open angle glaucoma and take a SNRI and as far as I know it hasn't impacted my glaucoma and my ophthalmologist is aware of it and it's not an issue. I would also rather feel good and be able to function in the short term rather than worrying about potential long-term consequences/affects to the glaucoma.
hi I have the same problem, I was on Sertraline when diagnosed with closed angles and told it was due to the antidepressants. I was tapered off them but 3 months on am suffering greatly with depression. I’ve researched all different antidepressants they all seem to have an adverse effect on the eyes. I don’t know what to do either.
Same here.x
Hi Joeyis7,Perhaps SSRIs are even protective!!
See this link: moorfieldseyecharity.org.uk...
Hi,
I think that these days we have to be our own health advocates and this can cause even more stress on us. I too am looking for an anti anxiety med which is ok to take with glaucoma. I will say that every single time that I’ve tried any form of SRI / SNRI or amitriptyline or Nortriptyline I’ve had trouble with my eyes and this is on half the starting doses.
Acute Closed Angle Glaucoma
Recently diagnosed with open angle glaucoma and really struggling
Acute Angle Glaucoma and statins
Narrow Angle Glaucoma 
