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Long-term bupropion use may be associated with reduced glaucoma risk
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Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey led researchers to conclude that extended bupropion use could be associated with a reduced risk of glaucoma, according to a study in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.
Participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) are interviewed regarding prescription medications taken in the month preceding the survey. Researchers included all patients older than 40 years who reported the use of bupropion for at least 1 year.
Out of 453 participants who self-reported a diagnosis of glaucoma, 108 subjects reported the use of bupropion, of which 3.24% claimed self-reported glaucoma.
In those who used bupropion for more than 1 year, self-reported glaucoma decreased compared with those not using bupropion or using it for less than a year, according to the study.
“Future prospective studies are needed to assess the role of bupropion in patients with glaucoma and to determine whether or not the use of this agent may be protective against glaucoma development," the researchers concluded. – by Abigail Sutton
Disclosure: The researchers reported no relevant financial disclosures.
Perspective
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Blair Lonsberry, OD, FAAO
Bupropion is a medication primarily used as an antidepressant and smoking cessation aid. It is unlike other commonly prescribed antidepressants, with an action that includes inhibition of dopamine and norepinephrine uptake (and possible TNF inhibition). The purpose of this cross sectional study was to assess patients older than 40 years taking bupropion with a self-reported history of glaucoma.
In those who used bupropion for more than 1 year, self-reported glaucoma decreased compared with those not using bupropion or using it for less than a year.
The potential correlation between bupropion and glaucoma protection is uncertain but may be related to some form of neuroprotective effect. There are several limitations to this study. Patients self-reported history of glaucoma with no assessment of severity or type, and there may have been patients who were unaware they had glaucoma and were taking bupropion. Cause and effect cannot be determined because timing of bupropion use and onset of glaucoma are separate variables.
The study does reinforce the systemic influences in glaucoma and the importance of taking into account all possible variables.
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