Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
07:22
Quantitative Fundus Autofluorescence for the Evaluation of Retinal Diseases
Published on: March 11, 2016
Ocular Adverse Events Associated With Antidepressants: A Large-Scale Data Analysis From the FAERS Database
Yiming Peng1, Yichen Cao1, Hanhan Liu2
1Center of Clinical Pharmacology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics
|June 17, 2026
Summary
Antidepressant use is linked to eye problems, especially with Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDDIs) and Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs can cause neuromuscular eye disorders, requiring careful monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacovigilance
- Ophthalmology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Global antidepressant use has increased significantly.
- Concerns exist regarding potential ocular adverse effects of antidepressants.
- Comprehensive large-scale assessments of these ocular side effects are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive assessment of ocular side effects associated with various antidepressant classes.
- To identify specific antidepressant classes and drugs linked to ocular adverse events.
- To investigate the association between antidepressants and ocular neuromuscular disorders.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective pharmacovigilance analysis using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) from Q1 2015 to Q4 2024.
- Systematic extraction of antidepressant-associated reports.
- Disproportionality analyses to identify associations with ocular adverse events (AEs).
Main Results:
- 62,020 ocular AE reports were identified in 13,348 patients.
- Norepinephrine-dopamine disinhibitors (NDDIs) showed the strongest association with eye disorders (IC 3.84).
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) had the most positive associations with ocular AEs. 33 of 36 antidepressants analyzed were linked to ocular neuromuscular disorders like mydriasis and miosis.
Conclusions:
- This study highlights the ocular risks associated with antidepressants, particularly NDDIs and SSRIs.
- A widespread association exists between antidepressants and ocular neuromuscular disorders.
- Vigilant monitoring and early intervention are crucial for the safe clinical use of antidepressants.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Antidepressant Drugs: Overview
Antidepressant drugs are a class of medications primarily used for treating various mood disorders, including major depression, anxiety disorders, and other related conditions. These medicines work by modulating the neurotransmitter balance within the brain, alleviating depressive symptoms. Antidepressants can be broadly categorized into several groups according to their mechanism of action and chemical structure: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-Norepinephrine...
01:23Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
Atypical antidepressants, including bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), trazodone (Desyrel), and vilazodone (Viibryd), offer unique mechanisms of action. Bupropion weakly inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, aiding depression treatment and smoking cessation, with a low risk of sexual dysfunction. Mirtazapine enhances serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmission, leading to sedation, increased appetite, and weight gain. As a result, it helps treat...
01:19Pharmacovigilance
Post-marketing surveillance is a critical component of pharmaceutical regulation, often uncovering unanticipated adverse drug reactions (ADRs) once a drug is widely used over an extended period.
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
01:28Antidepressant Drugs: Tricyclics, SSRIs, and SNRIs
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), including Desipramine (Norpramin), Imipramine (Tofranil), Clomipramine (Anafranil), and Amitriptyline (Elavil), inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and also block other receptors. They are used for depression, pain conditions, and insomnia. Common adverse effects include anticholinergic effects, sedation, orthostatic hypotension, and weight gain. They have a narrow therapeutic window and so require plasma-level monitoring. Abrupt discontinuation can...
01:24Drug Toxicity: Risk factors
Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are potential complications that arise during pharmacotherapy, influenced by multiple risk factors. Age plays a significant role; both neonates and the elderly are at heightened risk due to their respective immature and diminished metabolic and elimination processes. Gender also impacts ADRs, with females experiencing a 1.5 to 1.7-fold greater risk than males, which may be linked to pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and hormonal differences. Notably, neonates, the...
01:26Anxiolytic Drugs: Overview
Anxiolytic drugs are vital in managing anxiety disorders by effectively alleviating symptoms such as excessive fear, tachycardia, and tremors. There are several classes of anxiolytic medications, each with unique mechanisms of action and potential side effects.
Primary Types of Anxiolytic Drugs
1. Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, enhancing GABA's interaction. This action reduces neurotransmission, effectively blocking anxiety-associated limbic circuitry.
Primary Types of Anxiolytic Drugs
1. Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, enhancing GABA's interaction. This action reduces neurotransmission, effectively blocking anxiety-associated limbic circuitry.