Do Antidepressants Increase the Risk of Cataracts?
June 11, 2010
According to MedPage Today, a recent large study found that use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants may be associated with cataract risk among older adults.
With an estimated 10% of the American population taking antidepressants, researchers estimated that roughly 22,000 cataract cases in the U.S. each year could be attributed to antidepressant use.
Among the common antidepressants, the risk of cataracts was most elevated among those on fluvoxamine (Luvox) (coming in at 39% elevation). Close behind it was Effexor with a 33% elevated relative risk of cataract. Citalopram (Celexa) and fluoxetine (Prozac) showed a 13% elevation in cataract risk with current use and paroxetine (Paxil), a tendency toward a 7% elevation.
Read more on MedPage Today.
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One Response to “Do Antidepressants Increase the Risk of Cataracts?”
If it has been found that antidepressant medications may contribute to cataracts what alternatives are there for someone with depression who requires medication?
