Most common drugs that affect pupil size
Not all commonly abused drugs cause dilated pupils. In normal circumstances, eye pupils dilate (expand) due to darkness. This is so more available light can enter the pupil and enhance sight in low light. However, dilated pupils (mydriasis) are a common sign of illicit drug use.
Illicit drugs and pupil dilation
Pupil size is a normal reaction to changes in light, external factors, or fixation. Your autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls these involuntary reactions. Certain illicit drugs affect the ANS, resulting in pupil dilation even in well-lit conditions.
Some of the best examples of drugs, which affect the ANS are stimulants such as crack cocaine and methamphetamine. These substances inhibit the reuptake of a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine, which results in an increase in norepinephrine levels in the ANS. Higher levels of norepinephrine stimulates the part of the nervous system and increases pupil size.
Drugs like MDMA (ecstasy) and LSD, which are hallucinogens, affect a brain neurotransmitter known as serotonin, which also can effect pupil size. Other commonly abused drugs affect the pupil’s ability to constrict, resulting in dilation. Dilated pupils can impair vision in brightly lit environments. How much the pupils dilate depends on how much of the drug is used, individual reactions, and environmental circumstances.
Drugs which cause dilated pupils
As mentioned above, stimulant drugs like crack and meth, greatly effect the nervous system. Meth, in particular, increases brain dopamine levels, leading to euphoria, aggressive behaviors, and dilated pupils. Other drugs, which may lead to dilated pupils include:
Cocaine.
Cocaine in a powerful illegal drug with psychoactive effects. Its action of inhibiting norepinephrine uptake causes dilated pupils. It also inhibits the reuptake of other neurotransmitters of the brain. These affect the ANS as well, resulting in pupil dilation.
The drug’s effects on a user depends on the drug purity, dosage, and the individual’s body weight and other factors.
Opiates.
Examples of opiates include oxycodone, heroin, methadone, and morphine. Taking prescribed opiates per physician instructions isn’t likely to affect pupil size. On the other hand, abuse of opioids can cause tiny, pinpoint pupils rather than dilation.
Heroin
Heroin is a highly illegal, extremely powerful opioid drug. People using this drug typically inject it, resulting in an immediate, intense high. Once bound to opioid brain receptors, causing abnormal pupil contraction lasting hours and jerky eye movements.
Prescription Amphetamines.
Amphetamines are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. One of the most commonly prescribed drugs is Adderall. It’s also commonly abused because it results in a strong high. This drug, like many others, inhibits the release of neurotransmitters, causing increased alertness and pupil dilation.
Vyvanse and Desoyxn are examples of other prescription ADHD drugs. Examples of illegal amphetamine drugs are amphetamine sulfate and meth.
Psychoactives and Hallucinogenics.
Cannabinoids
THC is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana (cannabis). Its use leads to euphoria, red eyes, and altered mood. THC is fat soluble, so its effects can last much longer than those of water soluble drugs. Its effects on pupil size depends on how it’s taken and dosage.
MDMA (Ecstasy)
Ecstasy works through a similar mechanism to cocaine with some users reporting that its effects are more powerful. The drug’s action results in an increased amount of neurotransmitters, causing very noticeable pupil dilation. Though the drug is technically a stimulant, it also has hallucinogenic properties.
LSD (Acid)
Acid is typically distributed in the form of a small tab which dissolves on or under the tongue and results in powerful hallucinations. The drug’s mechanism acts by forcing the nervous system into a hyperaroused state, causing the pupils to dilate.
Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines.
Physicians often prescribe these drugs to treat panic disorder symptoms, insomnia, and anxiety. They’re highly addictive and meant for only short term use. When abused, these drugs cause euphoria and hyper-relaxation. In rare cases, they can affect pupil size, but it’s not likely unless abused in high dosages. These powerful drugs are dangerous when abused because overdose is common.
Outpatient Treatment for Substance Abuse and Addiction
Drugs which affect pupil size are dangerous because they can cause injury and disease of the eye, which are sometimes permanent. Many are also highly addictive and have a negative effect on quality of life.
At Edge Treatment, our individualized, intensive outpatient programs are designed to give each patient the therapy and support necessary to get clean and stay clean.
Learn how you or a loved one can overcome addiction and live life to the fullest once again by contacting Edge Treatment today to arrange a no-obligation consultation.
