Congential Nystagmus/ Wellbutrin

Question

I have congenital Nystagmus and it is a source of major anxiety for me, because the world moves to fast and people make me nervous because I can't look in their eyes. I was prescribed bupropion xl 300 mg. for my anxiety, I suspect it is causing blurred vision possibly convergence insufficiency. (One eye seems to stay still while the other moves) This is the worst thing for someone who already has Nystagmus. I was wondering if there was an alternative to this medication without blurred vision or sexual side effects. While it is reported that Bupropion is the least likely anti depressant to cause sexual side effects, in my case it does. (On a side note I was taking gabapentin for my Nystagmus earlier in the year, and experienced a decrease in vision, hard time converging.) Gabapentin was said to help people with Nystagmus but the doctor's suspected the bupropion may have played a part in this. My question is, if bupropion causes blurred vision and sexual side effects, is there an alternative for me? Thanks

anuragsrivastava · Answer

Thank you for your question. Electrical stimulation helps in stimulating somato-sensory receptors in skin therefore suppress the activity of cranial nerve that is responsible for nystagmus and improves visual acuity. I would suggest consulting your neurologist in this regard. Hope this helps.

Todd_Packer · Answer

Thank you for your time and knowledge. I've heard of all of these treatments except for electrical stimulation. Could you please elaborate if you have time?

anuragsrivastava · Answer

Thank you for your question. Although without being able to examine you I can not offer you the specific advice on diagnosis and treatment that you need, but I would try to provide you some relevant information about your health concern.

Usually, medical treatments like gabapentin and baclofen that can suppress nystagmus are useful. Additionally, injection of botulinum toxin, contact lenses, electrical stimulation over the forehead, and acupuncture to the neck muscles has been reported to reduce nystagmus and improve vision in some patients. However, your treating doctor will be best judge to provide the appropriate treatment after examining you. Hope this helps.