What medications should someone with glaucoma avoid?

If you have glaucoma, especially narrow-angle glaucoma, you should avoid drugs that can dilate pupils or increase eye pressure, including anticholinergics (like some allergy/cold meds, overactive bladder drugs, anti-nausea meds, certain antidepressants) and corticosteroids (pills, nasal sprays). Also risky are sulfonamides, ephedrine/phenylephrine (decongestants), certain antidepressants (tricyclics, some SSRIs), and anticoagulants, so always consult your eye doctor and pharmacist about your medication list.

What medications worsen glaucoma?

Several medication classes can worsen glaucoma, primarily by raising eye pressure or triggering acute angle-closure attacks, with Corticosteroids (all forms), Anticholinergics (in cold meds, bladder drugs, some antidepressants), and certain Sulfa-containing drugs (like Topamax, Bactrim) being major culprits, alongside some decongestants, antihistamines, and psychiatric meds. Always discuss your full medication list with your eye doctor to find safe alternatives. 

What medications should you not take if you have glaucoma?

Anticholinergics, corticosteroids, and sulfa-containing medications can all increase intraocular pressure (IOP) and cause or worsen glaucoma symptoms. Decongestants, blood thinners, and Botox injections are also risky.

Does amitriptyline increase eye pressure?

have an eye condition called glaucoma – amitriptyline can increase the pressure in your eye. have thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life.

Which of the following drugs is contraindicated for a patient with glaucoma?

Steroids can be harmful for people with open-angle glaucoma

“Steroids are the main medicine that can raise eye pressure for patients with open-angle glaucoma,” Dr. McKinney says. Taking steroid drugs in any form – orally, topically, through an inhaler or IV – can worsen glaucoma for these patients.

WARNING! Avoid These Medications if You Have Glaucoma | Eye Surgeon Explains #draudreytai

What irritates glaucoma?

Glaucoma worsens with factors like uncontrolled high eye pressure (IOP), poor blood flow (due to high/low blood pressure or atherosclerosis), certain medications (steroids, some antihistamines/decongestants), excessive caffeine/alcohol, smoking, high salt/saturated/trans fats in diet, stress, intense activities (weightlifting, yoga inversions, bungee jumping), and untreated food allergies, all impacting optic nerve health or fluid drainage.
 

What is the drug of choice for glaucoma patients?

Prescription eye drop medicines include: Prostaglandins. These increase the outflow of the fluid in the eye, helping to reduce eye pressure. Medicines in this category include latanoprost (Xalatan), travoprost (Travatan Z), tafluprost (Zioptan), bimatoprost (Lumigan) and latanoprostene bunod (Vyzulta).

Which antidepressant can worsen glaucoma?

Tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines and topiramate should be avoided in patients diagnosed with glaucoma or at risk.

Why is amitriptyline not recommended for seniors?

Dear G.L.D.: Amitriptyline is on the list of drugs to be avoided in older people. It has strong anticholinergic properties, meaning that it can cause dry mouth, vision changes, difficulty urinating, confusion and memory impairment.

What causes glaucoma to worsen?

Glaucoma worsens due to factors that increase eye pressure or reduce blood flow to the optic nerve, including untreated high eye pressure, using corticosteroids, certain activities (like inverted yoga or heavy lifting), smoking, poor diet, uncontrolled blood pressure/diabetes, and eye injuries, all of which stress the optic nerve, leading to irreversible vision loss if not managed with consistent treatment and lifestyle changes.
 

What habits worsen glaucoma?

Heavy caffeine intake should be advised against due to its transient elevations in IOP, especially in genetically predisposed patients or those with a positive family history of glaucoma. Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to many systemic complications and increased risk of glaucoma.

Does gabapentin increase eye pressure?

While gabapentin often reduces the spike in eye pressure (IOP) from procedures like intubation, some evidence, particularly a recent large study, links it to an increased risk of developing primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) over time, with one case report suggesting it could trigger acute angle-closure glaucoma in susceptible individuals. It generally doesn't raise IOP in healthy eyes, but its effect can vary, especially in those with pre-existing eye conditions. 

How to keep glaucoma from worsening?

To keep glaucoma from worsening, consistently use prescribed eye drops/medication, attend all eye doctor appointments for monitoring, maintain a healthy diet rich in antioxidants (leafy greens, fish, berries), exercise regularly but avoid inversions/heavy lifting, protect eyes from UV light, limit caffeine/alcohol, and manage overall health (blood pressure, sleep apnea). Sticking to your doctor's plan is key, as glaucoma is progressive but manageable. 

What medicines not to take if you have glaucoma?

If you have glaucoma, especially narrow-angle glaucoma, you should avoid drugs that can dilate pupils or increase eye pressure, including anticholinergics (like some allergy/cold meds, overactive bladder drugs, anti-nausea meds, certain antidepressants) and corticosteroids (pills, nasal sprays). Also risky are sulfonamides, ephedrine/phenylephrine (decongestants), certain antidepressants (tricyclics, some SSRIs), and anticoagulants, so always consult your eye doctor and pharmacist about your medication list. 

Which medication worsens uncontrolled angle-closure glaucoma when used?

Sulfa-containing drugs

Drugs like sulfamethoxazole, an antibiotic used for many infections, acetazolamide (Diamox), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) can cause swelling of the eye structures, leading to angle-closure glaucoma.

Which drug induced glaucoma?

Such drugs include: trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, topiramate, acetazolamide, hydrochlorothiazide and cotrimoxazole. These medications don't dilate the pupil but they still cause closed-angle glaucoma. They swell the structures in the back of the eye.

What are 5 drugs to avoid in the elderly?

For seniors, it's crucial to avoid certain risky drugs like some Benzodiazepines (e.g., Ambien, Xanax) for sleep/anxiety, strong NSAIDs like Indomethacin, certain diabetes meds like Glyburide, potent Anticholinergics (e.g., Amitriptyline, some cold meds), and certain strong opioids like Meperidine, due to high risks of confusion, falls, fractures, kidney issues, and sedation as bodies process drugs slower with age. Always check with a doctor or pharmacist, as the {American Geriatrics Society's Beers Criteria list}} provides comprehensive guidance.
 

Is amitriptyline linked to dementia?

There may be an increased risk of confusion and possibly dementia in people taking medicines like amitriptyline but more research needs to be done. If you're worried about this, talk to your doctor.

Can taking Tylenol PM every night harm you?

Yes, taking Tylenol PM (acetaminophen/diphenhydramine) every night can harm you, as it's meant for short-term use (up to 14 days) and prolonged use risks liver damage from acetaminophen and increased side effects (like confusion, constipation, or worsening sleep) from diphenhydramine, potentially masking underlying issues. For chronic sleep problems, consulting a doctor for options like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) or addressing pain with other treatments is recommended. 

What drugs make glaucoma worse?

Several medication classes can worsen glaucoma, primarily by raising eye pressure or triggering acute angle-closure attacks, with Corticosteroids (all forms), Anticholinergics (in cold meds, bladder drugs, some antidepressants), and certain Sulfa-containing drugs (like Topamax, Bactrim) being major culprits, alongside some decongestants, antihistamines, and psychiatric meds. Always discuss your full medication list with your eye doctor to find safe alternatives. 

Is Zoloft ok with glaucoma?

SSRIs (applies to Zoloft) glaucoma

This effect can potentially narrow the eye angle resulting in increased intraocular pressure and angle closure glaucoma, especially in predisposed patients. These drugs should be used with caution in patients with angle-closure glaucoma or history of glaucoma.

Can you take Lexapro if you have glaucoma?

Escitalopram may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen narrow-angle glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of glaucoma. Abnormal Bleeding.

How close are we to a cure for glaucoma?

We are not yet at a cure for glaucoma, as vision loss isn't reversible, but research is advancing rapidly with promising new avenues like stem cell therapy, gene therapy, AI diagnostics, and novel drug delivery to prevent progression and restore function, with significant breakthroughs expected in the next decade to revolutionize treatment beyond just lowering eye pressure. 

What medication is not indicated to treat glaucoma?

Anticholinergics, corticosteroids, and sulfa-containing medications can all increase intraocular pressure (IOP) and cause or worsen glaucoma symptoms. Decongestants, blood thinners, and Botox injections are also risky.

What not to do with high eye pressure?

With high eye pressure (glaucoma), avoid activities that put your head below your heart (headstands, certain yoga poses), strenuous lifting, holding your breath during exertion (Valsalva maneuver), tight neckwear, and activities with jarring head movements, while also being cautious with caffeine, sugar, saturated/trans fats, and smoking, as these can increase pressure or worsen overall eye health. Always consult your doctor before starting or changing exercise or diet.