Anti anxiety meds with glaucoma

I have chronic anxiety, ansthma annd chronic migraines and have just been told by optician that I have open angle glaucoma. I’m trying to get my head around all the changes I will need to make. Does anyone know of any specific anti anxiety med that is ok to take with glaucoma? I currently take a low dose of duloxetine and know that this does affect my sight. I’ve looked online and i can only find bubropion , however this is for depression and is not for anxiety. Previously I have tried all the other SNRIs and SRIs which don’t suit me and wouldn’t be appropriate to take with glaucoma anyway. My gp is not at all knowledgeable where other co morbidities and medication side effects are concerned. I have asked our pharmacy but they say just look at the leaflets online. Anyone got any experience of this?

[buzzbee2]

Hi, I take sertraline and my consultant said that is fine, it shouldn’t have any effect on my eyes. Have you been referred to the hospital for the glaucoma?

[Hidden in reply to buzzbee2]

I’m having another pressure test on Wednesday and if the pressure is the same then she’s referring me to local Eye hospital. There’s a 6 month waiting list so I’m going to find out how much it would be for a private consultation ( probably too expensive)

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner in reply to Hidden]

Hello,

Only a glaucoma consultant or registrar can diagnose a person with glaucoma.

Your optometrist may suspect glaucoma, but that's all. If they were 100% sure they shouldn't have asked you back for a second reading, and should have started the referral at the first appointment.

If, after your appointment at the eye clinic, Primary Open Angle is diagnosed, there is not usually a problem with carrying on taking anti-depressants.

It is very important that you mention to them any prescribed medication you are taking.

A ball park figure to see someone privately is normally around £200.

[Hidden in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Thanks x

[Crystalclearj]

hi, I too had a diagnosis of the same; open angle glaucoma back in April 2023 however, I was not convinced as this came as a shock to me and the person diagnosing was not a glaucoma specialist and he had only seen me once with no baseline to go on. I wrote to him explaining why I was not satisfied with this diagnosis and asked for a second opinion on the nhs which was granted, you are entitled to ask for a second opinion with a Opthalmologist. If there were suspicions at the opticians they should then refer you under nhs to see consultant. The point I make is that a second opinion is always good and it may alleviate concerns you have relating to the other issues as well and you can make a list of questions to take with you when you see the consultant. What helped me was deciding not to panic ( after initial week or so of panic) and to find out as much as possible about my own specific situation and to take control of my own health as much as I can. I take specific supplements and incorporate lots of things into my overall Mediterranean diet. Something is working as my IOP has reduced from 26 and 24 to then 23 and 22 and today it was 19 and 20. Although I have been offered treatment, I have decided to monitor my situation and they are going to offer me appointments every 3 months. I personally do not want to automatically take medications at the moment but would prefer to see how things go and maybe make a decision at a later date if my pressure increases and I find it difficult to bring it down myself.