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AnxietyAnxiety Is a Surprisingly Common Side Effect of Many Medicines
Home > Conditions & Treatments > Anxiety > Anxiety Is a Surprisingly Common Side Effect of Many Medicines

Anxiety Is a Surprisingly Common Side Effect of Many Medicines

Anxiety Is a Surprisingly Common Side Effect of Many Medicines

Emma Yasinski
January 11, 2021
1 Comments
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Anxiety Is a Surprisingly Common Side Effect of Many Medicines

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    Feeling anxious? Check your medicine cabinet.

    There are millions of reasons why you might be feeling more anxious than usual, from big life changes to small triggers, dehydration to medical conditions — not to mention COVID-19 and the current political upheaval. If you’ve recently started experiencing anxiety that’s disrupting your life, it could also be a side effect of a medicine you take. Many drugs — even those that seemingly have nothing to do with the brain — list anxiety as a possible side effect.

    Each drug affects every person differently and can interact with other drugs, supplements, conditions or even food to produce side effects, including symptoms of anxiety. If you think drugs may be causing your anxiety, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about how to manage it or whether it’s time to taper off, switch or stop the medication. Nearly every medicine has an alternative drug that might affect you less. Even better, incorporate frequent exercise and healthy, whole-food eating habits and you may be able to use fewer drugs.

    Anxiety as a Side Effect of Medicine

    While the list, below, is not exhaustive, it covers some of the main drugs prescribed for common afflictions.

    Acne Medicine

    Accutane may no longer be on the market, but its generic counterpart, isotretinoin, still is. The drug was linked to a variety of psychiatric side effects, including anxiety. However, having acne can also lead to anxiety.

    Antibiotics

    “I nicknamed myself Frankenwoman,” one woman wrote for MedShadow, explaining how she suffered from a host of conditions after taking the antibiotic Levaquin. The drug caused dramatic side effects like tendon ruptures, along with psychiatric ones like anxiety. While Levaquin is a particularly powerful antibiotic associated with serious side effects, many antibiotics can interfere with our gut microbiota, which is known to impact our brain function through the gut-brain axis.

    B12

    It’s important to get enough vitamin B12 in your diet to keep your immune system strong. If food isn’t providing it and you take a B12 supplement, you may experience anxiety.

    Bronchodilators

    Used to treat asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), some bronchodilators like albuterol can cause nervousness and rapid heart rate.

    Caffeinated Medicines

    Many drugs that treat pain, migraines and respiratory issues contain caffeine, which increases heart rate and can make you feel anxious. Check the ingredients on your drug’s label. Some examples are Excedrin and Midol Complete.

    Corticosteroids

    Corticosteroids can cause mood changes, which may be severe in some patients. See: Prednisone: The Steroid That Can Make You Feel Crazy

    Diuretics

    Drugs that increase urination can cause dehydration, which may lead to feelings of anxiety. This includes medications designed to reduce swelling and fluid retention, such as furosemide (Lasix) and hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide), as well as drugs used to treat diabetes — canagliflozin (Invokana) and empagliflozin (Jardiance).

    Mefloquine (Lariam)

    Mefloquine is an antimalarial drug, often prescribed as a prophylaxis before traveling to a place where malaria is endemic. It can cause anxiety and nervousness, among other symptoms. In 2013, The FDA applied a black box warning to its label due to a serious risk of psychiatric and neurological side effects. The FDA updated the information on the label to warn that neurologic side effects may persist or become permanent.

    Opioids

    A 2020 study in JAMA Psychiatry suggested that opioid use can increase the risk of both anxiety and major depression.

    Ritalin

    Ritalin and other stimulants that treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) can cause anxiety and rapid heartbeat.

    Want to Share Your Story?

    If you’ve experienced side effects or medication issues related to this topic, we want to hear from you.

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    DISCLAIMER: MedShadow provides information and resources related to medications, their effects, and potential side effects. However, it is important to note that we are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content on our site is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Individuals dealing with medical conditions or symptoms should seek guidance from a licensed healthcare professional, such as a physician or pharmacist, who can provide personalized medical advice tailored to their specific circumstances.

    While we strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented on MedShadow, we cannot guarantee its completeness or suitability for any particular individual’s medical needs. Therefore, we strongly encourage users to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any health-related concerns or decisions. By accessing and using MedShadow, you acknowledge and agree that the information provided on the site is not a substitute for professional medical advice and that you should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

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      Article HTML
      <!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Feeling anxious? Check your medicine cabinet.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>There are millions of reasons why you might be feeling more anxious than usual, from big life changes to small triggers, dehydration to medical conditions — not to mention COVID-19 and the current political upheaval. If you’ve recently started experiencing anxiety that’s disrupting your life, it could also be a side effect of a medicine you take. Many drugs — even those that seemingly have nothing to do with the brain — list anxiety as a possible side effect.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Each drug affects every person differently and can interact with other drugs, supplements, conditions or even food to produce side effects, including <a href="https://medshadow.org/anti-anxiety-meds-options-side-effects-alternatives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">symptoms of </a><a href="https://medshadow.org/anti-anxiety-meds-options-side-effects-alternatives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anxiety</a>. If you think drugs may be causing your anxiety, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about how to manage it or whether it’s time to taper off, switch or stop the medication. Nearly every medicine has an alternative drug that might affect you less. Even better, <a href="https://medshadow.org/therapy-meditation-sleep-and-exercise-can-help-lessen-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">incorporate frequent </a><a href="https://medshadow.org/therapy-meditation-sleep-and-exercise-can-help-lessen-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exercise</a> and <a href="https://medshadow.org/the-link-between-gut-health-anxiety-and-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy, whole-food eating habits</a> and you may be able to use fewer drugs.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Anxiety as a Side Effect of Medicine</h2>
<!-- /wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>While the list, below, is not exhaustive, it covers some of the main drugs prescribed for common afflictions.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Acne Medicine</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Accutane may no longer be on the market, but its generic counterpart, isotretinoin, still is. The drug was linked to a variety of <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/2737332" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychiatric side effects</a>, including anxiety. However, having acne can also lead to anxiety.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Antibiotics</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>“I nicknamed myself Frankenwoman,” one woman wrote for MedShadow, explaining how she suffered from a host of conditions <a href="https://medshadow.org/levaquin-fluoroquinolones-frankenwoman/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">after taking the antibiotic Levaquin</a>. The drug caused dramatic side effects like tendon ruptures, along with psychiatric ones like anxiety. While Levaquin is a particularly powerful antibiotic <a href="https://www.drugwatch.com/cipro-levaquin-avelox/side-effects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">associated with serious side effects</a>, many antibiotics can interfere with our gut microbiota, which is known to impact our <a href="https://medshadow.org/the-link-between-gut-health-anxiety-and-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain function through the</a><a href="https://medshadow.org/the-link-between-gut-health-anxiety-and-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> gut-brain axis</a>.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>B12</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>It’s important to get enough <a href="https://medshadow.org/need-to-know-b-vitamins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vitamin B12</a><a href="https://medshadow.org/need-to-know-b-vitamins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> in your diet</a> to keep your immune system strong. If food isn’t providing it and you take a B12 supplement, you may experience<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-b12/art-20363663" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> anxiety</a>.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Bronchodilators</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Used to <a href="https://medshadow.org/lifestyle-changes-and-asthma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treat</a><a href="https://medshadow.org/lifestyle-changes-and-asthma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> asthma</a><a href="https://medshadow.org/lifestyle-changes-and-asthma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> and COPD</a> (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), some bronchodilators like <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma-attack/expert-answers/albuterol-side-effects/faq-20058088" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">albuterol</a> can cause nervousness and rapid heart rate.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Caffeinated Medicines</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Many drugs that treat pain, migraines and respiratory issues contain caffeine, which increases heart rate and can make you feel anxious. Check the ingredients on your drug’s label. <a href="https://www.drugs.com/ingredient/caffeine.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Some examples</a> are Excedrin and Midol Complete.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Corticosteroids</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Corticosteroids can cause mood changes, which may be severe in some patients. See: <a href="https://medshadow.org/prednisone-psychiatric-side-effects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prednisone: The Steroid That Can Make You Feel Crazy</a></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Diuretics</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><a href="https://medshadow.org/feeling-anxious-depressed-check-your-meds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drugs that </a><a href="https://medshadow.org/feeling-anxious-depressed-check-your-meds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increase urination</a> can cause dehydration, which may lead to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6147771/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feelings of anxiety</a>. This includes medications designed to reduce swelling and fluid retention, such as furosemide (Lasix) and hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide), as well as drugs used to treat diabetes — canagliflozin (Invokana) and empagliflozin (Jardiance).</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mefloquine (Lariam)</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Mefloquine is an antimalarial drug, often prescribed as a prophylaxis before traveling to a place where malaria is endemic. It can cause <a href="https://medshadow.org/antimalarial-drugs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anxiety and nervousness</a>, among other symptoms. In 2013, The FDA applied a black box warning to its label due to a serious risk of psychiatric and neurological side effects. The FDA <a href="https://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/UCM362232.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">updated the information on the label</a> to warn that neurologic side effects may persist or become permanent.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Opioids</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>A 2020 study in <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2772881" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Psychiatry</a> suggested that opioid use can increase the risk of both anxiety and major depression.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ritalin</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Ritalin and other stimulants that treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) can <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325333#side-effects" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cause anxiety</a> and rapid heartbeat.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->                    
      

      
  
      
  
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                        SherryMarch 20, 2021 6:31 AM
      As for the Fluoroquinolone drugs causing anxiety, this is certainly not RARE as the FDA states in their warnings. I took several different ones in the 90s and have been on Xanax for panic attacks that I never had before ingesting these poisons. My dad, 93, sharp as a tack was given Levaquin IV in 2011 for pneumonia he never had and he hallucinated badly for 6 weeks and then died when his aortic aneurysm ruptured, another side effect that was discovered in 2015 in research papers. It took the FDA another 3 years to add that warning.
      
Yes all drugs have side effects, but this group of antibiotics are given out like candy and the candy man, the doctor, hasn’t done his research on how much he is harming his patients.