DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a female who used Timoptic eye drops for glaucoma about 20 years ago. The beta blocker caused me many side effects, most of which went away when I discontinued the medicine. However, I still have shortness of breath and difficult urination. Is there anything that can be done to relieve these side effects?
DEAR READER: Even today, Timoptic is contraindicated for patients with a history of chronic bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and a number of cardiac conditions. I cannot tie in your shortness of breath 20 years following usage, but I wonder whether you had an existing [Read more...]