Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology · 1987 · 51 citations · 0 references
MedicinePharmacologyPsychiatryNeuropharmacologyOcular PharmacologyPsychopharmacologyPsychiatric Effects Of MedicationsTopical Ophthalmic MedicationsAdverse Ocular EffectsBeta-adrenergic Blocker UseDrug-induced Ocular Adverse EffectsMedication-induced Neuropsychiatric EffectsMental Status ChangesNeuropsychiatric Adverse Drug ReactionsPsychiatric ManifestationsTopical Ophthalmic Adverse Effects
Neuropsychiatric side effects have been reported with various systemic betablockers. Data submitted to the National Registry of Drug-Induced Ocular Side Effects appear to indicate similar adverse reactions secondary to topical ophthalmic timolol. One hundred sixty-three of 369 central nervous system cases (44%) reported depression, psychosis, confusion, and hallucinations following topical ophthalmic timolol administration. The psychiatric community should be aware that sudden changes in mental status or onset of common psychiatric conditions, such as depression, may be due to topical ocular timolol. Withdrawal of the drug usually results in disappearance of these effects in 1 to 7 days.