Medicines That Can Cause Anxiety
Many medicines can cause anxiety or make anxiety worse.
Discuss your medicines with your doctor if you think that a medicine may be
adding to your anxiety.
Prescription medicines that may cause
anxiety include:
- Asthma medicines, such as albuterol, salmeterol,
and theophylline.
- Blood pressure medicines, such as
methyldopa.
- Hormones, such as oral
contraceptives.
- Medicines that contain amphetamines, such as
Benzedrine, Dexedrine, and Ritalin.
- Steroids, such as cortisone,
dexamethasone, and prednisone.
- Thyroid
medicines.
- Other medicines, such as phenytoin, levodopa, quinidine,
and some antidepressants.
Nonprescription medicines that may cause anxiety
include:
- Medicines that contain caffeine, such as Anacin,
Empirin, Excedrin, No-Doz, and cough medicines.
- Decongestants, such as phenylephrine,
including Sudafed PE.
- Illegal
drugs, such as cocaine, crack, or speed (amphetamines).
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Revised | October 23, 2012 |