Tag: Anisocoria

A 2018 case report documented a 48-year-old woman who developed acute anisocoria, a condition of unequal pupil size, shortly after beginning treatment with the antidepressant citalopram. Though uncommon, the case highlights the important question: **can citalopram cause anisocoria** and how should this be addressed by healthcare providers and patients?.

Affecting up to 20% of the general population, benign physiological anisocoria is common [1.6.4]. However, it is crucial to ask: **can anxiety meds cause anisocoria** that is new or more pronounced? Certain medications can indeed be the cause [1.2.1].

While Lexapro (escitalopram) is a widely prescribed antidepressant, a 2015 case report documented a patient who developed anisocoria, a condition of unequal pupil size, following its use. This rare but documented adverse effect confirms that, under certain circumstances, **can Lexapro cause anisocoria**.

It is a documented phenomenon in medical literature that certain antidepressants can cause anisocoria, a condition of unequal pupil size. This occurs in rare cases and is often a side effect related to the medication's influence on neurotransmitters that control pupil muscles.

Affecting up to 20% of the population, a slight difference in pupil size, or physiologic anisocoria, is common and benign [1.5.3]. However, for others, the answer to **what drugs cause unequal pupils** is a critical diagnostic question when the change is sudden or significant.

While narcotics are primarily known for causing constricted, or "pinpoint," pupils (miosis), they can, in fact, cause anisocoria, the medical term for unequal pupil size. This unusual and often transient phenomenon can occur through several complex pharmacological mechanisms or be linked to withdrawal. In certain cases, pharmacologic anisocoria may also be caused by local drug exposure or other systemic factors.

While millions use antidepressants safely, a small number of people may experience unexpected side effects, including anisocoria. So, what antidepressants cause anisocoria, an uncommon but notable condition where one pupil is a different size from the other? This article delves into the specific types of antidepressants involved and the mechanisms behind this rare ocular side effect.

As documented in clinical studies, atropine, particularly in eye drop form, can induce side effects including anisocoria. This occurs due to its potent anticholinergic properties, which can affect the pupillary muscles unequally, resulting in a noticeable size difference between the pupils.