Sushil Bhatt, Jagmahender Singh Sehrawat*
Tropicamide, a widely used mydriatic agent in ophthalmology for over half a century, has recently emerged as an unexpected contributor to the escalating opioid crisis. While traditionally considered a benign medication, tropicamide has increasingly been abused for its euphoric and hallucinogenic effects. This article sheds light on the trends concerning tropicamide misuse, emphasizing its alarming prevalence in the general population and its particular impact on the ophthalmology community. Drawing from a comprehensive review of academic literature, clinical reports, and epidemiological data, this article elucidates the mechanisms underlying tropicamide's addictive potential, emphasizing its interactions with the central nervous system and its psychoactive properties. It also explores the socio-demographic factors that have driven its abuse, shedding light on the broader context of substance misuse.
Published Date: 2025-01-31; Received Date: 2023-11-27
