Medications

There are many types of medications that have anxiety as a side effect.​​ Listed below are the top seven73.

1.​​ Corticosteroids​​ are probably the medications best known to technologists that may cause irritability and anxiety, and no one knows​​ exactly​​ why.​​ Corticosteroids​​ are used to treat bronchitis, asthma, arthritis, and allergies. Some common corticosteroids and their brand/generic names are listed below:

  • Cortisone (Cortone)

  • Dexamethasone (Decadron)

  • Prednisone (Deltasone)

2.​​ Caffeinated medications. Some medications actually have caffeine as an active ingredient such as medications for headaches and migraines:

  • Aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine (Excedrin Migraine)

  • Aspirin and caffeine (Anacin)

  • Ergotamine and caffeine (Cafergot, Migergot), also called “ergots” and used to treat migraines

3. ADHD medications​​ often include stimulants that affect how nerve cells behave and can cause anxiety when taken in high doses:

  • Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall)

  • Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)

  • Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)

  • Methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin)

4. Asthma medications, also called “bronchodilators,” are used to open up the lung’s airways and have been known to cause anxiety in people who may not have previously had nervousness; these drugs also increase the heart rate:

  • Albuterol (Proventil). It is common for albuterol to cause trembling or shakiness and, less commonly, racing heartbeats, which can all seem like the signs of a panic attack.

  • Salmeterol (Serevent Diskus). Possible side effects include nervousness, sweating, fast heart rate, and anxiety.

  • Theophylline (Elixophyllin). This drug has been around for decades but few doctors prescribe it today.

5. Thyroid medications​​ are used to treat hypothyroidism. When your body does not produce enough thyroid hormones it may cause extreme tiredness, create concentration problems and promote weight gain. Medications prescribed for this condition can cause shakiness, anxiety, and hyperactivity:

  • Armour Thyroid, Nature-Thyroid, NP Thyroid

6. Seizure medications​​ are used to reduce the electrical activity in the brain, thus reducing the chances of having a seizure. These medications can cause panic attacks, anxiety, and agitation:

  • Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek)

7. Parkinson’s disease medications. Two medications, levodopa and carbidopa (Sinemet), are usually combined to reduce tremors, stiffness and mediations, and increase mobility. Although these medications have not been shown to cause anxiety, Rytary, the extended-release capsule form, can.

 

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