Can Snorting Benztropine And Ativan Cause Permanent Vision Damage Or Other Lasting Effects?

Hello, Benztropine can have strong anticholinergic effects, especially when snorted, and one of the most common symptoms is blurred vision. Ativan added to it provides dizziness, confusion, and a visual fuzziness. What you are feeling right now isn t unusual after using these medicines the wrong way. Most of the time, the vision changes from benztropine are temporary, not permanent. The drug impacts the muscles that help the eyes to focus; in particular, it does so when taken in a high or fast-absorbed dose, as with snorting. For your focusing ability to completely return to normal, it will take several hours to days. You have not destroyed your eyes permanently based on what you described, but you have put yourself at real risk of serious problems if this continues. What troubles me most is that snorting may cause harm to the nasal passages. - Over dosage with benztropine may cause confusion, rapid heart rate, overheating, and even dangerous agitation - Ativan combined with benztropine may make breathing difficult and impair judgment. Therefore, even though your vision problem is likely to get better, the overall risk is serious. Immediately discontinue both drugs in this manner. - Give your body time - Vision usually improves once the medication washes out - Drink fluids, rest your eyes, avoid driving - If your vision does not start improving in 24-48 hours, or if you develop eye pain, severe headache, confusion, or trouble breathing, you need urgent evaluation. My honest medical advice You should see a doctor soon, not because I think you are permanently damaged, but your body is clearly reacting to using medicines in this way, which, besides that, is risky. An eye doctor will quickly confirm that this blurriness is from the medication effect and not something else. You did the right thing in asking; now just make sure you get checked if things do not settle. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further query I will be happy to help. Wish you good health. Regards, Dr. Usaid Yousuf, General and Family Physician