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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dragon Black on April 9, 2008, at 18:26:45
Hi All,
So I went onto Lexapro 8 days ago, 5 mg for the first two days, then 10. By day 6 I was a complete zombie and realized I had to go down, but I didn't want to go off, as it has helped for certain things, especially anxiety. Also my eyes were dilating like crazy, which I find problematic. So I went to 5, then 2.5 mg today. And my eyes were completely dilated today, too, on 2.5 mg! I can't decide if this matters enough to be a deal-breaker or not. For example, any cop who encountered someone with widely dilated pupils would assume that they were on some sort of drug. Lots of people might think this, especially anyone who's ever used drugs which dilate your pupils, which is basically most of the good ones. I know this is what I would think. But I can't have people thinking or wondering if I'm on something - just lost my job and need to be able to interview asap.
Anyone have any experience with the dilated pupils thing?
Posted by Phillipa on April 9, 2008, at 21:43:16
In reply to Lexapro-)dilated pupils--)look like I'm on 'drugs', posted by Dragon Black on April 9, 2008, at 18:26:45
What a strange reaction. Is it helping the anxiety? Maybe a call to your pdoc would explain it. Or google for side effects and sorry about the job. Love Phillipa
Posted by stargazer2 on April 9, 2008, at 22:19:18
In reply to Re: Lexapro-)dilated pupils--)look like I'm on 'drugs' » Dragon Black, posted by Phillipa on April 9, 2008, at 21:43:16
I had the same reaction many years ago when on Elavil. I couldn't stand the way it looked. I too thought it looked like I was a druggie, not good if you are looking for a job.
Anytime this happened I was usually on too much of the med as I can oly tolerate very small doses when taking most meds for depression.
You did the right thing by reducing the dose. Ask your doc if the dose is enough. The pupils thing should go away. If it doesn't I wouldn't feel comfortable with that side effect as others would always notice it and suspect drug use.
Stargazer2
Posted by undopaminergic on April 10, 2008, at 5:40:15
In reply to Lexapro-)dilated pupils--)look like I'm on 'drugs', posted by Dragon Black on April 9, 2008, at 18:26:45
> Hi All,
>
> So I went onto Lexapro 8 days ago, 5 mg for the first two days, then 10. By day 6 I was a complete zombie and realized I had to go down, but I didn't want to go off, as it has helped for certain things, especially anxiety. Also my eyes were dilating like crazy, which I find problematic. So I went to 5, then 2.5 mg today. And my eyes were completely dilated today, too, on 2.5 mg! I can't decide if this matters enough to be a deal-breaker or not. For example, any cop who encountered someone with widely dilated pupils would assume that they were on some sort of drug. Lots of people might think this, especially anyone who's ever used drugs which dilate your pupils, which is basically most of the good ones. I know this is what I would think. But I can't have people thinking or wondering if I'm on something - just lost my job and need to be able to interview asap.
>
> Anyone have any experience with the dilated pupils thing?
>Yes, I tend have such a response to serotonergic drugs (such as sertraline and dextromethorphan). I think it's pretty cool, especially since my pupils are normally excessively constricted.
Try pilocarpine eyedrops if you don't like it - perhaps on an as-needed basis, such as before an interview.
Posted by llurpsienoodle on April 11, 2008, at 17:11:32
In reply to Re: Lexapro-)dilated pupils--)look like I'm on 'drugs', posted by undopaminergic on April 10, 2008, at 5:40:15
last year I asked my then-pdoc about the dilated pupils I had while on cymbalta- he said that pretty much any drug that affects norepinephrine has a chance of causing the pupil dilation. But serotonin is a new one for me...
I was on zoloft for mos and no dilated pupils, but ever since I started wellbutrin a month ago, my pupils have been bigger.
it used to be a sign of beauty "belladonna"
-Ll
Posted by undopaminergic on April 11, 2008, at 18:06:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro-)dilated pupils--)look like I'm on 'dr, posted by llurpsienoodle on April 11, 2008, at 17:11:32
> last year I asked my then-pdoc about the dilated pupils I had while on cymbalta- he said that pretty much any drug that affects norepinephrine has a chance of causing the pupil dilation. But serotonin is a new one for me...
>Pupil size regulation is a rather complex matter. Some factors play more direct roles, and others act more indirectly, by affecting other factors. Furthermore, some factors play a local role and others act centrally (via the brain). So, for example, the local effect of adrenaline - as eye-drops - is to dilate the pupil, but some centrally acting adrenergic drugs can constrict the pupil. There are also differences between species, and between individuals.
> I was on zoloft for mos and no dilated pupils, but ever since I started wellbutrin a month ago, my pupils have been bigger.
>My experience is the opposite: methylphenidate does little to my pupils but Zoloft dilates them.
> it used to be a sign of beauty "belladonna"
>
> -LlBelladonna (deadly nightshade), or more precisely, its active principles (atropine and related alkaloids) is an example of a local and direct acting drug, blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. I've confirmed the effects using Brugmansia (Angel's trumpet) - a close relative of the Belladonna. Datura (Thorn-apple or Jimsonweed) should work too.
This is the end of the thread.
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