Eye problem after taking citalopram

[dnw840]

After taking the antidepressant Citalopram for a week about 5 years ago, my eyes have been going funny in certain circumstances and environments ever since. It usually comes on after I've been watching moving and or bright images on a  screen or tablet for over 10 minutes or watching television for over 30 minutes. It can also come on after being in bright sunlight or conversely at dusk.
My symptoms are: my vision seems to become darker and more detailed, a bit like a negative photo. People's faces and features look darker particularly their eyes.  My eyes also do a thing where they lock on
to different objects. The only thing that helps to reset it is by wearing a black eye mask and taking a lorazepam tranquilizer.
I went to a neurologist who wasn't much help and said it was just psychological. However I know there must be a physical cause for this as I never had it before I took the citalopram.
Has anyone else experienced similar symptoms especially after taking or changing medications, or know of anyone else who has?
Thanks for your help with this.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

It is not at all likely your problem is due to citalopram. With Citalopram (Celexa), experts estimate that it can take up to 10-14 days for the drug to fully leave the body. So there has been none of that medicine for longer than 4.5 years. On the other hand, the indications for this medicine are in a population with high anxiety, hypocondria, and axiety greater than the general population. I would susggest you ask the neurologist to refer you to a neuro-ophthalmologist for evaluation. With symptoms for 5 years it is not at all likely due to a threat to your life or vision.