[NolaMae]

I've been taking meds for bipolar for 13 years. I've always had slightly dry eyes, but in the last several months it has progressed to the point that it's almost unbearable at times. I'm putting drops in my eyes 7-8 times a day and before I go to bed. I never really thought of the connection between my meds and dry eye but I looked them up and every single one is known to cause dry eye. I take Lamictal, Wellbutrin, Trazodone and Klonopin. My eye doctor wanted to prescribe Restasis, but my insurance won't pay for it and it costs about $800 a month.

I honestly don't know what to do. My eyes are very, very dry. Enough so that my eye doctor is concerned.

So what am I supposed to do? Live with this horrible eye condition and possible damage to my sight or live without bipolar drugs? I don't know which is worse but I do know one thing -- if there's a chance of this severely affecting my eyesight I will live with bipolar without meds.

This is hell. Sometimes you're just damned if you do and damned if you don't.

[Skeezyks]

[kecanoe]

My eye dr suggested a gel that you can use for dry eyes. TheraTears eye gel. It is available OTC and it really helps. The gel took a little getting used to. She said there are OTC ointments also, though you may want to use them just at night.

She also said that running a humidifier might help.

[*Laurie*]

I have dry eyes, too- most likely from meds. My sister's optometrist recommend Refresh otc drops for her dry eye problem. The drops are bit pricey, but she says they really help.

[Stronger]

I'm sorry friend. That sounds awful.
I've had dry eyes with meds, but never that bad.

I hope you and your doctors are able to find a way to keep your eyesight and your meds.

Good luck!