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Does Ativan Worsen Macular Degeneration?

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Posted on Thu, 8 Dec 2016
Question: I have dry AMD. does ativan make the progression worse. Since I started taking this drug, I've noticed a change in vision. In addition to possible blurring, can it affect the retina directly possibly accelerating the AMD.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Association has been found.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I assume that you mean Age-Related Macular Degeneration when you mention AMD. Macular degeneration is found among people who take Ativan. Whether Ativan is a culprit or whether it is just a concurrent factor (as aged persons often take ativan) is hard to comment upon. Going through the following link should help:
http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/ativan/macular%20degeneration/

If apprehensive, I would insist you to talk to your doctor for any other alternative.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 days later)
Can the drugs named be partly due to the drugs named and amd. Which drug is the worst if you possibly tell. Before I tool this medication my eyes were resonably stable.

The only answer I get is from the techs at the Ophthalmologist is they can sause blurry vission. Shall I try col turkey the drugs I'm on. I'm at a very low does already. I've been slowly cutting back

Can you give me any suggestions ? I want to delay central vision loss possible

Thanks you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (17 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Explanation provided.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. Let me deeply apologize for the inadvertent delay.

I have checked the list of medicines that you take. However, I doubt if there is a direct association between the medicines and the blurring of the vision that you have observed. It is possible that the deterioration of vision and the taking on the drugs are completely independent. Let me give an analogy: I might be travelling and my co-passenger fell ill. That I was present alongside does not mean that I am the cause of his/her illness.

Since the process is age related, not much can be done about it. However, periodic eye follow up with your ophthalmologist is advisable. The evaluation will help in understanding the progression, based on which suitable interventions may be designed.

Let me know if I could help further.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1954

Answered : 4467 Questions

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Does Ativan Worsen Macular Degeneration?

Brief Answer: Association has been found. Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. I assume that you mean Age-Related Macular Degeneration when you mention AMD. Macular degeneration is found among people who take Ativan. Whether Ativan is a culprit or whether it is just a concurrent factor (as aged persons often take ativan) is hard to comment upon. Going through the following link should help: http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/ativan/macular%20degeneration/ If apprehensive, I would insist you to talk to your doctor for any other alternative. Regards