Which drug dilates pupils

Did you know that certain drugs can cause dilated pupils? Pupils are the black circle in the center of your eye. Pupils shrink constrict and grow dilate in response to varying light levels. Their function is to let light in and direct that light to your retina, which are the nerves at the back of your eye, allowing you to see. Pupils constrict and dilate through muscles in your eye that are located in the iris. The iris is the colored ring of your eye. The iris is what people will look at to determine what color eyes you have.

For example, people with a blue iris have blue eyes and people with a brown iris have brown eyes. Each iris contains the muscles necessary to manipulate the pupils. Under normal conditions, pupils are usually the same size. According to healthline , a normal pupil measures approximately 4 to 8 millimeters when fully dilated and 2 to 4 millimeters when constricted.

There are a variety of reasons why pupils dilate or appear to be different sizes that go beyond changes in light levels. These range from everyday occurrences to mental conditions and even substance use. A variety of drugs have the power to affect pupil size because drug interactions in the body often affect neurotransmitters in your brain.

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in your body. The interactions between neurotransmitters help control your bodily functions and enact proper functions. Some of the drugs can be purchased at your local pharmacy and taken regularly, whereas others are prohibited and dangerous substances. Pupil dilation, as you can see, is a common side effect when using any type of drug. While the symptom itself is most likely not dangerous, dilation can point to or be a sign of a more serious issue.

If your pupils are dilated due to drug use, they should un-dilate on their own as you come down from the other side effects. Those who are struggling with pupil dilation are encouraged to purchase special contacts or lenses, wear strong sunglasses, and steer clear from bright lights.

To learn more about pupil dilation and its possible drug-related causes, contact our medical and substance abuse professionals. Give us a call at or visit us here for more information. Tags: Dilated Pupils. Possible Causes of Dilated Pupils There are many possible causes of dilated pupils that are not drug related. Pupils dilate expand in dim light. This allows more light to reach the retina, making it easier to see. Other external factors, such as color and distance, also affect pupil dilation.

You might have heard that looking at someone you love makes your pupils dilate. Drugs can affect the muscles that shrink or expand the pupils.

Here are some prescription, over-the-counter, and commonly misused drugs that cause pupils to dilate. Neurotransmitters play a role in pupil size. As a result, taking some of these medications can cause pupil dilation as a side effect.

Dilated pupils are sometimes a sign of drug misuse. Commonly misused drugs that dilate the pupils include:. Opioids , including oxycodone, heroin, and fentanyl, are commonly misused drugs that have the opposite effect, causing pupils to constrict miosis. Pinpoint pupils are pupils that do not respond to changes in lighting. This is a sign of an opioid overdose, which is a medical emergency.

However, it depends on the drug. For opioids such as heroin, pupil dilation is a common sign of withdrawal. However, a single case is not enough to draw any conclusions about the long-term effects of drug use on the eyes.

As a result, your eyes will be more sensitive to bright light. If dilated pupils are a regular occurrence, there are a few ways that you can protect your eyes from the sun. These include:. If your pupils dilate after taking prescription medication, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Both prescription and nonprescription medication can lead to pupil dilation. Most of the time, dilated pupils return to their normal size once the effects of the drug have worn off.