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Can a person with macular degeneration take Trazodone?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I want to learn about Trazodone. Is there any evidence that someone with macular degeneration should not take Trazodone?

Please suggest.

Answered by Dr. Aditi Dubey

Education:

PGD Ophthalmology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Aditi Dubey is an accomplished Ophthalmologist with nine years of clinical experience. She obtained her MBBS degree from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik in 2014 and completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology from Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior in 2017. Fluent in English, Dr. Dubey specializes in providing exceptional eye and vision care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

There is no direct link between Trazodone and macular degeneration, but some evidence suggests a potential increased risk of other eye conditions with Trazodone and other anticholinergic medications.

Trazodone can cause blurred vision and has been linked to angle-closure glaucoma, which is an emergency.

While one study suggests a link between some antidepressants, including Trazodone, and a reduced risk of macular degeneration, this finding needs more research, and the primary risk is associated with other conditions like glaucoma.

Some known eye risks of Trazodone include:

  1. Angle-closure glaucoma with Trazodone can cause a sudden increase in eye pressure that may lead to vision loss. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

  2. Blurred vision is a listed side effect of Trazodone.

  3. While Trazodone is not considered a strong anticholinergic, some anticholinergic effects, like dry mouth, can occur. However, some studies suggest that the use of anticholinergic drugs may increase the risk of late age-related macular degeneration.

A few considerations for macular degeneration. There is no direct link between Trazodone and macular degeneration. The link is based on the anticholinergic properties of certain other drugs; however, further research is needed.

Some studies have shown that certain antidepressants may be associated with a reduced risk of macular degeneration. However, these are preliminary findings, and more research is needed.

While Trazodone does not cause macular degeneration, it may increase the risk of other eye conditions, such as angle-closure glaucoma.

I hope this helps.

For more queries, follow up with me anytime.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At March 23, 2026
Reviewed At March 23, 2026

Education:

PGD Ophthalmology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Aditi Dubey is an accomplished Ophthalmologist with nine years of clinical experience. She obtained her MBBS degree from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik in 2014 and completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology from Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior in 2017. Fluent in English, Dr. Dubey specializes in providing exceptional eye and vision care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Companion

Trazodone and Macular Degeneration: Medication Safety Companion

How it works

Trazodone is an antidepressant that can have various effects, including some on eye health. Here's what you should know, especially if you have macular degeneration.

1

Trazodone
AMD Link

2

Angle-Closure
Glaucoma

3

Blurred
Vision

4

Anticholinergic
Effects

5

AMD
Protection

6

Recognizing
Eye

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.

Education:

PGD Ophthalmology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Aditi Dubey is an accomplished Ophthalmologist with nine years of clinical experience. She obtained her MBBS degree from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik in 2014 and completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology from Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior in 2017. Fluent in English, Dr. Dubey specializes in providing exceptional eye and vision care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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