Open Angle Glaucoma and Citalopram

[Francelover]

Has anyone with Open Angle Glaucoma been prescribed Citalopram for anxiety and depression? My husband has been prescribed this medication this week and after reading on the information leaflet that it shouldn’t be taken if you have glaucoma, is concerned about it worsening his glaucoma. His gp is saying that it is ok to take but to stop if he notices any worsening of his glaucoma.

He’s just confused now……

Many thanks

[Bellamolly60]

Hi There

I am the same I asked GP Doctors and Eye Hospital

They say that I am ok too use

Hope this helps

Take care

[Francelover in reply to Bellamolly60]

Thank you so much for your reassuring reply, Bellamolly60, much appreciated. It’s all a bit of a minefield at the moment but I’m sure we’ll get there!

[whitedog in reply to Francelover]

I was on Citalopram while having open angle glaucoma. A long time ago now, maybe 15 years or so ago but never any issue.

Maybe more so with narrow angle, not sure.

[Francelover in reply to whitedog]

Thank you for your helpful reply to my question, whitedog. It’s much appreciated.

[mkmn]

I'd been on Citalopram for years when I was diagnosed with open angle glaucoma (POAG) four years ago. I too was worried after reading the information leaflet so checked with my consultant who reassured me that citalopram is perfectly safe to take with POAG. It may be more problematic with other types of glaucoma. A GP of mine advised not to read what he called the 'misery sheets' that come with medications!!

Good luck, take care of yourself.

[Francelover in reply to mkmn]

Thank you for your message….

An update on my husband’s medication. He spoke with his consultant today about the safety of taking Citalopram with his glaucoma and his consultant has given him the go ahead and said it presents no problem.

Thank you everyone for your help.

[Bellamolly60]

excellent news 🇳🇱👍👁️

[KieranGlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hi. Citalopram for open angle glaucoma is usually fine. It is usually more of a problem with narrow angles/angle closure glaucoma, due to how it can cause the pupil to dilate. Best to still let his eye specialist know of any new medications that he is taking.

[Inchcock]

I found this online: What medicines should patients with Narrow Angle Glaucoma avoid? Patients with Narrow Angle Glaucoma should avoid cold remedies which contain Pseudoephedrine, Phenylephrine or Neo-Synephrine; anti-histaminics Chlorpheniramine, Diphenhydramine or Benadryl and overactive bladder remedies such as Detrol.

There is no mention of Citalopram. I hope things go well for you. 👍🏻