[LouHart]

I currently take Wellbutrin XL 150mg and Adderall XR 20mg for ADD and depression and it seems to be working well other than my eyes are getting dry and red. Has anyone else experienced this? It creates a problem when I wear my contacts. Any suggestions other than using rewetting drops? It is getting aggravating!

[kaliope]

never had the problem with wellbutrin but never been on adderal. maybe talk to your dr. welcome to psych central. you will find we have several forums where you can post about your concerns and receive feedback from other members. you will get a lot of support here. again, welcome

Hi Lou. Pretty much any medication that causes dry mouth will also cause dry eyes. I wore contact lenses for 20 years but had to give them up because of dry eyes (don't worry, it was more from an autoimmune disorder than from antidepressants.)

First, if you have a good optometrist, I would contact them to see what they recommend.

Most of the eye drops for severely dry eyes are designed to adhere to your eyes longer than rewetting drops. They may say on the label whether they are okay to use with contact lenses.

You can research the different brands available. One brand I like is Genteal because they come in different "dryness ratings" and you can get what you need.

I'm assuming that you're not sleeping in your contact lenses? If you are, not doing that and using a good dry eye treatment should help.

I don't know exactly how antidepressant meds (or Adderall) cause dry eyes. I know that tears have a lipid (fatty) layer and a liquid layer. If the meds are just taking away the liquid layer, it's easier to fix than if the lipid layer is gone, too.

Sometimes you can get higher moisture content contact lenses, too.

I'm noticing that you're in Colorado. I live in mountains (shorter ones) and I have lots more problems with my eyes in the wintertime because of dry air.

[CANDC]

Welcome to Psych Central LouHart. Sorry to hear you are suffering from dry red eyes.

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[sideblinded]

Welcome to PC. I have been on both of those meds and neither caused dry red eyes for me. It could be something else but I agree that your doctor or prescriber should know. Best wishes here at PC.