Will blurred vision on Lexapro go away?
By
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira is a Pharmacist and Doctor of Philosophy in Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP). She has experience in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Milena’s Highlights:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration in the areas of Pharmacometrics and Population Pharmacokinetics, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
“Science can be translated, and it is essential that everyone has access to quality information to make informed decisions” – Dr Milena Oliveira, PhD.
Professional Experience:
With a decade-long career as a researcher, Dr Milena has amassed extensive experience in conducting research projects in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics.
Her expertise also extends to the preparation of technical and scientific reports, literature reviews, data analysis, and scientific communication, both oral and written.
Dr Milena has served as a Clinical Pharmacist, providing expert supervision and guidance to teams during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the ICUs of two reference hospitals for patient hospitalization.
In her most recent role, Dr Milena worked on the implementation of the deliberatives of the São Paulo State Government Pharmaceutical Assistance Coordination. These decisions were aimed at ensuring medication access within the Unified Health System.
A widely multidisciplinary background enabled Dr Milena to become a professional capable of integrating scientific knowledge into private initiatives, education, and healthcare, delivering consistent services in patient safety and population health.
Professional Memberships & Affiliations:
Dr Milena Oliveira is a member of the Regional Council of Pharmacy of the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Education:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
Relevant Published Work & Citations:
Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, Nardotto GHB, Pippa LF, Simões BP, Lanchote VL. Analysis of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in plasma and urine with application in the evaluation of total, renal and metabolic formation clearances in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. Nov 2020. 191:113-124.
Abstracts. CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology. 2020 Nov; 9 (S1).
Pippa LF, Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, de Andrade JM, Lanchote VL. Total, renal and hepatic clearances of doxorubicin and formation clearance of doxorubicinol in patients with breast cancer: Estimation of doxorubicin hepatic extraction ratio. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 2020 Jun 5; 185:113-231.
Godoy ALPC, De Jesus C, De Oliveira ML, Rocha A, Pereira MPM, Larangeira DF, Lanchote VL, Barrouin-Melo SM. Determination of Allopurinol and Oxypurinol in Dogs Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with an Ultraviolet Detector: Application for Pharmacokinetic Studies. J Chromatogr Sep Tech. 2017; 8 (4).
Clímaco EC, Oliveira ML de, Pitondo-Silva A, Oliveira MG, Medeiros M, Lincopan N, et al. Clonal complexes 104, 109 and 113 playing a major role in the dissemination of OXA-carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Southeast Brazil. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2013 Oct;19:127–33.
Conference Papers:
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B.; PIPPA, L. F.; ROCHA, A.; SIMOES, B. P.; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Daunorubicin metabolism and urinary excretion in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 84th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT) and the 20th Annual Meeting of the Association of the Clinical Pharmacology Germany (VKliPha), 2018, Göttingen. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Arch Pharmacol, 2018. v. 391. p. S76-S76.
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . The low contribution of urinary excretion in the elimination of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 49th Brazilian Congress of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics., 2017, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2017. p. 64-64.
Oliveira, M. L.; PIPPA, L. F. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Quantification of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in human plasma by LC-MS/MS. In: I International Meeting of Environmental Health and Toxicology (IMEHTOX), 2016, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2016.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. . PFGE typing of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from different University Hospitals. In: V International Postgraduate and Research Symposium, 2012.
Clímaco, E.C. ; SILVA, A. P. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. Relação clonal entre linhagens de Acinetobacter baumannii produtoras de carbapenemases da família OXA em quatro hospitais no Brasil. In: XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012, Santos. XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Dissemintion of OXA carbapenemases genes in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in University Hospital of Juiz de Fora, MG. In: 8th CIFARP – International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011, Ribeirão Preto.
Clímaco, E.C. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Avaliação do sequenciamento parcial do gene rpoB e de seus flanqueadores para identificação de espécies de Acinetobacter na rotina laroratorial. In: 2° International Symposium on Clinical Microbiology, 2010, Florianópolis.
You can view some of Dr Milena’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dra-milena-locci-de-oliveira-28986042/?locale=en_US
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Milena-Oliveira-6
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/5394254/milena-locci-de-oliveira
Lattes: https://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/busca.do
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57199779361
Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=list_works&hl=pt-BR&user=1YUBDIQAAAAJ
Will blurred vision on Lexapro go away?
Blurred vision on Lexapro does go away if it’s the early side effect of this antidepressant. Lexapro is known for causing side effects during the early course of your treatment. If that’s when you find your vision a little blurry, it will surely subside on its own.
However, if you are a long-term user and you suddenly start having blurred vision, I recommend reaching out to your doctor right away.
Long-term treatment with Lexapro and other SSRIs can cause damage to your optic nerve, which can increase intraocular pressure and can cause a number of visual side effects.
What does research suggest?
A research review in a recent UK Journal has reported 5 cases of SSRI-Induced optic neuropathy upon long-term use. This side effect was not observed in new users or people on short-term Lexapro treatment (1).
Another research study found that antidepressants that inhibit the reuptake of serotonin can have negative effects on vision (2). These effects can sometimes persist even after stopping the medication.
However, the authors indicated that research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms, determine how common these effects are among individuals taking these medications, and identify any factors that may increase or decrease the risk of experiencing these effects.
Another research study indicated that SSRIs, in general, were found to potentially cause dry eyes and blurry vision, and increase the risk of developing cataracts (3).
The proposed mechanism behind this is the increased levels of serotonin in the tear film and aqueous humour, leading to inflammation and cell death in the corneal epithelium and lens fibres.
It is important to note that other antidepressants or non-SSRIs can also cause blurry vision as a side effect. A few such cases have also been reported with the use of Trazodone, Wellbutrin, etc.
How to get rid of Lexapro-induced blurred vision?
It’s important to discuss Lexapro-induced blurred vision with your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your condition and determine the best course of action.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend adjusting the dosage of Lexapro to minimize the side effects. They will carefully consider the benefits and potential risks before making any changes.
If the blurred vision persists or becomes bothersome, your doctor may explore other antidepressant options that have a lower likelihood of causing this side effect.
Either way, don’t stop taking your antidepressant without your doctor’s approval. Sudden withdrawal can be dangerous for long-term users (4). If Lexapro is causing damage to your eyes, you will have to taper this antidepressant down gradually to safely discontinue using it.
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References
1.-
Lochhead J. Keep an eye on the SSRI: help avoid possible sight-threatening adverse events. Br J Gen Pract. 2016 Feb;66(643):91. doi: 10.3399/bjgp16X683641. PMID: 26823253; PMCID: PMC4723200. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4723200/
2.-
Healy D, Mangin D, Lochhead J. Development and persistence of patient-reported visual problems associated with serotonin reuptake inhibiting antidepressants. Int J Risk Saf Med. 2022;33(1):37-47. doi: 10.3233/JRS-210018. PMID: 34366298. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34366298/
3.-
Constable PA, Al-Dasooqi D, Bruce R, Prem-Senthil M. A Review of Ocular Complications Associated with Medications Used for Anxiety, Depression, and Stress. Clin Optom (Auckl). 2022 Feb 24;14:13-25. doi: 10.2147/OPTO.S355091. PMID: 35237084; PMCID: PMC8884704. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8884704/
4.-
Yasui-Furukori N, Hashimoto K, Tsuchimine S, Tomita T, Sugawara N, Ishioka M, Nakamura K. Characteristics of Escitalopram Discontinuation Syndrome: A Preliminary Study. Clin Neuropharmacol. 2016 May-Jun;39(3):125-7. doi: 10.1097/WNF.0000000000000139. PMID: 27171568. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27171568/
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