I need help. I started Timolol eye drops almost three weeks ago. The first week I only did half the dose and a week and a half ago I started doing the full dose (one drop in each eye twice per day). Ever since starting the Timolol I feel much worse (increased rocking, head pressure, brain fog, and a spinning vertigo attack which is incredibly rare for me). I feel like I keep feeling worse each day… I also started a very low dose of lexapro (2.5mg) 5 days ago. I don’t feel any side effects from the Timolol or the lexapro which is good but then it worries me because I wonder if the Timolol is even doing anything in my system. My Dr told me it’s normal to feel worse at the beginning of treatment and I’m just going to have to wait a bit but I’m really scared that the drugs are making me worse or I’m just worse in general and there’s something seriously wrong. Has anyone experienced a large worsening in symptoms the first 2-4 weeks of treatment and then got better?
Hi Anna!
Really sorry to hear you’re feeling rough at the moment. I’m experiencing an increase in symptoms (since Covid a few months ago). I tried to increase my preventative Notriptyline but it didn’t agree with me. Will be switching to Effexor soon.
On Timolol, from what I know, it’s not commonly prescribed in the UK so I don’t know of anyone who has used it personally. However, I have read that it can take a little while to “kick in” and is generally well tolerated aside from some eye stinging. As you say, it could be that which has caused your increase or the SSRI, or the combination of both at the same time. One way to know would be to stop one for a few days and see how you feel. Probably best to follow your doctor’s guidance though - they are the experts. Have you had any other triggers maybe?
Keep us posted! Keen to know if you stick with the timolol 