Anti-Depressants Linked to Cataracts, Now That's Depressing!

from  http://newzar.wordpress.com/2009/01/

A recent study, soon to be published in Ophthalmology, found that taking certain anti-depressants increased one's risk of developing cataracts.

The study was based on a database of more than 200,000 Quebec residents aged 65 and older.  The University of British Columbia (Vancouver) study showed a relationship between a diagnosis of cataracts or cataract surgery and the use of a class of anti-depressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).  Patients taking SSRIs were 15% more likely overall to be diagnosed with cataracts or to have cataract surgery.

The study also showed a relationship between cataracts and specific SSRI Class drugs.   Taking fluvoxamine (Luvox) led to a 51% higher chance of having cataract surgery, and venlafaxine (Effexor) carried a 34% higher risk. No connection could be made between fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and sertraline (Zoloft) and having cataract surgery.

Comments

[Cheap Computers Canada]

This sure is depressing enough.

[Catarcts]

Wow. Yeah that is scary. I have been taking effexor for a couple of months now and I had no idea that there was any risk of cataracts associated with it. Is there any supplement or other antidepressant that does not have the risk of cataracts?

[cheap computer]

This must be shocking news for those who are anti depressants and now will have another problem cataract diagnose. This is horrible and some solution should be find out to decrease this problem.