Antiglaucoma medication and clinical depression

  1. Isaac Schweitzer,
  2. Kay Maguire,
  3. Virginia Tuckwell

Article first published online: 28 JUN 2008

DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1614.2001.00929.x

Issue

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry

Volume 35, Issue 5, pages 569–571, October 2001

Additional Information

How to Cite

Schweitzer, I., Maguire, K. and Tuckwell, V. (2001), Antiglaucoma medication and clinical depression. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 35: 569–571. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-1614.2001.00929.x

Author Information

* IsaacSchweitzer, Healthscope Chair of Psychiatry (Correspondence); K. Maguire, Research Fellow; V. Tuckwell, Research Fellow

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 28 JUN 2008
  2. Article first published online: 28 JUN 2008

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Keywords:

  • beta-blockers;
  • betaxolol;
  • depression;
  • topical

Objective: The aim of this paper is to alert the medical community to the potential risk of clinical depression following the use of antiglaucoma medication.

Method: The available literature concerning systemic side-effects of topical antiglaucoma medication and the association of these agents with clinical depression were reviewed. In addition, two cases are reported of the occurrence of clinical depression following use of topical betaxolol which only resolved completely after switching glaucoma medication.

Results/Conclusions: The case reports presented here add to the increasing body of literature linking topical ophthalmic β-adrenoceptor antagonists with depression. While these cases are uncommon, this phenomenon continues to be poorly recognized by the medical profession, psychiatrists, ophthalmologists and general practitioners alike.

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