Since I have been taking my medication for ADHD, I have noticed a difficulty in wearing my contacts. I can't wear them long before they really start bothering my eyes (extremely itchy, feels like a piece of dirt is under my eyelid). I have tried deep cleansing, putting new ones in, and taking a break and wearing glasses for awhile. None of this helps.

Has anyone else had this problem or is this just a new reaction to allergies that Ive never had before?

Hi Shelle,

Two years ago I went through a time where I had problems wearing my contacts. My eyes felt dry, irritated, itchy--exactly like you described. Also, my vision sometimes was slightly cloudy, no matter how new or clean my lenses were.

I went to my eye doctor for a checkup but my eyes were so irritated that he could not get an accurate reading. I had to go home and not wear contacts for a week to give my eyes a break, then go back for the eye exam.

At the time I was taking Wellbutrin (400 mg/day) plus Adderall XR (40 mg/day). I was also having problems with insomnia, and was spending many hours every day (and night, since I couldn't sleep!) at my computer. And sometimes I slept with my contacts in all night (although they were supposed to be the kind you can sleep in). So I wasn't sure exactly which of these factors to blame for the problems.

I really don't think it was the Wellbutrin, because I had taken that med for over ten years prior to starting Adderall, and had no problems with my eyes/contacts.

Also, I don't think I had the eye/contacts problems when I was on 20 mg Adderall; I think that occurred after my dosage was raised to 40 mg.

My doctor's theory was that it was a combination of the Adderall's dehydrating effect, plus too many hours at the computer (which he said can also dry out the eyes because we don't blink as much when we're staring at a screen).

For months after that, I had to give up wearing contacts completely. I invested in a trendy new pair of glasses for daily wear and only wore the contacts for special occasions.

A little update: I recently went back on both Wellbutrin and Adderall XR (20 mg) after being off meds for a year. I have been taking the Adderall for about six weeks now, and so far have had no problems with my contacts... I'm hoping that continues to be the case.

Good luck to you,
Gigi

My eyes get dry really easily (though it's not 'cause of Adderall). I have phantom vessels in my retina (they're dried up blood vessels), from blood vessels trying to get oxygen to my eyes.

Anyway. . .
because of my dry eyes, I got new contacts called O2 Optix. They're breathable contact lenses. I love them!

Also, using "Complete Moisture Plus" contact solution, by Avo, helps moisturize the contacts.
Using "dry eye therapy" eye drops at night is also part of my regiment.

Best wishes!

That also happened to me, when I switched brands of contacts, a while back.

I didn't realize that was the cause at the time, and went bonkers trying to figure out why my wearing contacts was such a hassle suddenly.

But I got the same brand I was used to, and everything was back to normal.

Nova (0:

Thanks guys, I will try those suggestions!

I wear contacts and they are the kind you wear for 30 days and throw away. I have had no problems so far with them even while and adderall. I sleep in them too(not supposed to) and I'm fine.