Can Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) affect vision?

Adderall's Effects on Vision

Yes, Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) can affect vision, causing difficulties with accommodation and blurring of vision as stated in the FDA drug label. 1

Visual Side Effects of Adderall

Adderall can affect vision in several ways:

1. Accommodation difficulties and blurred vision

   • The FDA drug label specifically mentions that "difficulties with accommodation and blurring of vision have been reported with stimulant treatment" 1
   • These visual changes are typically transient but can be bothersome for patients

2. Pupillary dilation (mydriasis)

   • Central nervous system stimulants like amphetamines can cause dilation of the pupils 2
   • This can potentially affect light sensitivity and visual comfort

3. Risk in susceptible individuals

   • Pupillary dilation from stimulants may precipitate angle-closure glaucoma in anatomically predisposed patients 3

4. Rare but serious effects

   • In rare cases, stimulants have been associated with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), a condition causing fluid accumulation under the retina 4

Monitoring and Management

If you're taking Adderall and experiencing visual changes:

• Report symptoms promptly: Any changes in visual acuity, blurred vision, or visual disturbances should be reported to your healthcare provider
• Regular eye exams: Consider regular ophthalmologic evaluations, especially if you have pre-existing eye conditions
• Angle assessment: If you have a history of narrow angles, an ophthalmologic evaluation before starting Adderall may be warranted
• Medication adjustment: Your provider may need to adjust your dosage or consider alternative medications if visual side effects are problematic

Risk Factors and Special Considerations

Certain factors may increase the risk of visual side effects:

• Pre-existing eye conditions: Patients with narrow anterior chamber angles may be at higher risk for angle-closure glaucoma
• Concurrent medications: Using Adderall with other medications that affect pupil size or accommodation may increase visual side effects
• Dose-related effects: Higher doses may increase the likelihood of visual disturbances

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden decrease in vision
• Eye pain
• Seeing halos around lights
• Redness of the eye with visual changes
• Persistent blurring of vision

These could indicate serious conditions like angle-closure glaucoma that require prompt medical intervention.

While visual side effects from Adderall are generally not among the most common adverse effects, they are documented in the FDA drug label and medical literature, and patients should be aware of these potential effects when taking this medication.