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Aggravation of glaucoma with fluvoxamine
F J Jiménez-Jiménez1, M Ortí-Pareja, J M Zurdo
1Departamento de Medicina-Neurología, Hospital Príncipe de Asturias, Universidad de Alcalá, Carretera de Meco S/N, E-28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain. fjimenezj@meditex.es
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|January 17, 2002
Summary
Fluvoxamine may worsen narrow-angle glaucoma. A patient experienced increased eye pressure and pain after starting fluvoxamine, which resolved upon discontinuation, suggesting a link between this SSRI and glaucoma aggravation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed antidepressants.
- Narrow-angle glaucoma is a condition characterized by elevated intraocular pressure.
- Tricyclic antidepressants are known to exacerbate narrow-angle glaucoma.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old woman with pre-existing narrow-angle glaucoma was prescribed fluvoxamine for a tension-type headache.
- Following fluvoxamine initiation, the patient reported increased intraocular pressure, orbital pain, and blurred vision.
Findings:
- The patient's ocular symptoms and elevated intraocular pressure resolved within two days of discontinuing fluvoxamine.
- This clinical course suggests a causal relationship between fluvoxamine use and the aggravation of narrow-angle glaucoma.
Implications:
- Fluvoxamine, an SSRI, should be considered a potential trigger for acute glaucoma exacerbation.
- Clinicians should exercise caution when prescribing fluvoxamine to patients with narrow-angle glaucoma.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms by which fluvoxamine may affect intraocular pressure.