Do you sometimes feel very scared, anxious, or restless for no apparent reason? Do you have a racing heart , sweating, or difficulty breathing? This is what we simply call anxiety . But did you know that sometimes even a medication you take for another health condition can cause these symptoms? Some medications may be causing your anxiety to worsen or even cause you to start experiencing these symptoms for the first time. Not all medications affect everyone the same, but some medications affect the same parts of our bodies that cause anxiety. Let's take a look at what they are.
Medicines containing caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant. Like drinking a cup of coffee, it stimulates our nervous system, which can increase our heart rate and blood pressure. This can make us feel jittery, restless, and jittery. If you already have anxiety, caffeine can make it worse. Some medications for headaches and migraines contain caffeine.
| Type of medication (example) | Use cases |
|---|---|
| Aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine (e.g. Excedrin Migraine) | For migraines and headaches |
| Aspirin and caffeine (e.g. Anacin) | For headaches and pain |
| Ergotamine and caffeine | To treat migraines |
Corticosteroids
These are medications that work like certain hormones that our bodies produce. We use them to treat conditions like asthma, allergies, arthritis, and bronchitis. Doctors aren't sure why, but some people can feel restless, irritable, and anxious when they take these medications.
| Type of medication (example) |
|---|
| Cortisone (Cortone) |
| Dexamethasone (Decadron) |
| Prednisone (Deltasone) |
Medications for ADHD
Many medications for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) fall into the category of stimulants. This means they 'rev up' our brains, or increase their activity . They also change the way our nerve cells send messages. Both of these things can cause restlessness and anxiety, especially if the dosage is too high .
| Type of medication (example) |
|---|
| Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall) |
| Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin) |
| Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) |
| Methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) |
Medicines used for asthma
Some medications used to control asthma, especially bronchodilators, which open the airways in the lungs, can cause new anxiety, even if you didn't have it before. They can also worsen existing mental health problems.
Imagine, when you use some inhalers, you may feel your hands shaking and your heart beating fast. This is exactly the same as the symptoms of a panic attack, so you may be scared.
| Type of medicine | Possible impact |
|---|---|
| Albuterol (Proventil) | Shaking hands, rapid heartbeat. These can feel like symptoms of a panic attack. |
| Salmeterol (Serevent Diskus) | Restlessness, sweating, increased heart rate, and anxiety. |
| Theophylline (Elixophyllin) | Although this is an old medicine, it can cause anxiety (currently less used). |
Medications for other illnesses and anxiety
Thyroid hormone medication
When our bodies don't produce enough thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism), we can experience fatigue, weight gain, and difficulty concentrating. The thyroid pills that are prescribed to treat this condition can sometimes have the opposite effect, such as anxiety, tremors, and hyperactivity . This often happens if the dosage is too high. So , never change your thyroid medication dosage on your own. Get regular blood tests and only use the dosage your doctor prescribes.
Medicines for epilepsy or seizures
Medications such as phenytoin, which are used to control electrical activity in the brain in conditions such as epilepsy, are sometimes also used to control irregular heartbeats. However, these medications can cause restlessness, restlessness, and anxiety as side effects.
Medications for Parkinson's disease
The combination of Levodopa and Carbidopa , a medication used to treat Parkinson's disease, especially its extended-release capsule form, can cause anxiety.
So what do you do about this?
After reading this article, you may be thinking, "Oh my, the medication I take is on this list, so should I stop taking it now?"
Most importantly: Do not stop taking your medication or reduce the dosage at will, for any reason !
Doing so could worsen your original condition, which could pose a serious health risk. So the best thing you can do is talk to your doctor about this openly.
Be clear about the symptoms you are experiencing (anxiety, insomnia, heart palpitations). The doctor may adjust the dosage slightly or switch you to a different medication that is less likely to cause anxiety. He or she will make the decision.
Take-Home Message
- Anxiety is a common condition, but sometimes it can be caused or worsened by medication you take for another condition.
- Medications prescribed for headaches, asthma, allergies, ADHD, and many other conditions can cause anxiety.
- If you suspect that a medication you are taking is causing these symptoms, never stop taking the medication or change the dosage on your own.
- See your doctor immediately and discuss your concerns . He or she can provide you with the best solution.
- It is very important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking (whether from other doctors or vitamins).
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