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Mirtazapine-induced acute angle closure.
Nilay Kahraman, Onur Durmaz1, Mehmet Murat Durna
1Department of Psychiatry, Balikesir Military Hospital, Balikesir Asker Hastanesi, 10000 Balikesir, Turkey.
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology
|August 13, 2015
Summary
Acute angle closure (AAC) is an emergency causing vision loss due to increased eye pressure. Mirtazapine, an antidepressant, can trigger AAC, necessitating close patient monitoring after initial dosage.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Acute angle closure (AAC) is an ocular emergency characterized by sudden intraocular pressure increase.
- Untreated AAC can result in irreversible optic neuropathy and blindness.
- Various medications, including antidepressants, are implicated in AAC development.
Observation:
- Mirtazapine, an atypical antidepressant, has a complex pharmacological profile.
- A case report details a patient experiencing AAC after a single dose of mirtazapine.
- The patient was undergoing treatment for major depressive disorder.
Findings:
- Mirtazapine can precipitate acute angle closure glaucoma.
- Early recognition and intervention are crucial for preventing vision loss.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of monitoring patients initiating antidepressant therapy, especially mirtazapine.
- Suggests a need for increased awareness among clinicians regarding drug-induced AAC.
- Emphasizes prompt ophthalmological evaluation for patients presenting with AAC symptoms.
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