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- ADHD Medication Side Effects: Blurry Vision in 45-Year-Old Woman
ADHD Medication Side Effects: Blurry Vision in 45-Year-Old Woman
Hello, 45 year old woman, diagnosed with ADHD at 42, on Elvanse 30 mg for the past year after initially on Medikinet 30 mg which had to be switched off due to high anxiety and mood swings side effects kicked in. I have been experiencing quite a lot of blurry vision and realize my eyesight is deteriorating (mainly in reading and close range, which I didn't have before) in the past 6 months. I consulted an ophthalmologist who said it might be the side effects of the medication and that I don't need to change my glasses but do optometry exercises to support my eye focus capacity. Would any other specialist have a view on this being something they've encountered? Any suggestions on how to know what the right approach is? Thank you
9 specialists answered
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'Accodomation disorders' are classic (although rather rare) side effects of stimulants like the ones you mention. Discuss it with a psychiatrist.
Wietse Wiels 9.8Neurologist | Dilbeek
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you could consult a psychotherapist - and see what happens
New Partner |
Psychologist - Psychoanalyst | Ghent
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Hello you have to get an advice from a / several doctors (psychiatrists). I am available for therapy sessions it might help for anxiety. Best regards
Inès Lacour 9.8Psychologist | Uccle
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Hello. I think you should contact a neurologist or a psychiatrist.
Neuropsychologist | Laeken
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if you have a lot of side effects, consult an homépathic doctor, a lot of ADHD are satisfied
Psychologist | Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
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Hello,
Thank you for your message and for the trust you have placed in me.
The visual difficulties you describe (blurred vision, fatigue or reduced accommodation when focusing on close objects) are indeed sometimes reported in people undergoing stimulant treatment for ADHD, although this varies from person to person. It is reassuring that the ophthalmological examination did not reveal any changes requiring a change in correction.
In my practice, I sometimes encounter adults with ADHD who complain of functional visual problems associated with sustained concentration, cognitive fatigue and/or side effects of treatmen...t. In such cases, optometric or orthoptic treatment focusing on accommodation, convergence and visual endurance may indeed be appropriate.
In this context, optometry or orthoptics treatment focusing on accommodation, convergence and visual endurance may indeed be relevant.
As a speech therapist, I can also address issues related to attention, cognitive load and compensatory strategies (organising reading, taking breaks, adapting materials, managing fatigue), which can indirectly relieve visual strain.
I would therefore recommend a multidisciplinary approach:
- continue with ophthalmological monitoring,
- consider an assessment and/or exercises with an optometrist or orthoptist,
and, if you wish, let us think together about adjustments and strategies adapted to your attention span.
Please do not hesitate to let me know if you would like to discuss this in more detail or consider support. Read more
Elodie Godart 9.5Speech therapist | Uccle
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Hellon thank you for your question. It can indeed, be a side effect of the medication. I think you shoudl ask the person who prescribed it for you : GP or psychiatristr or neurologist ? They might be able to see if another molcule might suit you better. Good luck!
Amélie Ribesse 9.9Neuropsychologist | Woluwe-Saint-Pierre
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You should contact a psychiatrist or neurologist for these questions: this is something clinicians do encounter with stimulant medication, and your ophthalmologist’s explanation is plausible, but ask the experts in that matter. Sometimes another medication can stop the symptoms.
https://spiritworks.be/therapie/?utm_source=answers&utm_medium=doctoranytime&utm_campaign=02-2026
New Partner |
Psychotherapist | Heist-Op-Den-Berg
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Hello, thanks for your message. As I'm not a medical doctor but a clinical psychologist what you describe seems to be out of my field. I recommend you to visit a neurologist instead, this is a specialisation of medicine focused on the nervous system.
New Partner |
Psychologist | Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
The content provided is strictly informational and should not be considered a replacement for professional advice from doctors or healthcare providers.
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