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Medications that can worsen anxiety symptoms

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Medications that can worsen anxiety symptoms

17 years ago 0 +0 / -0 187

I am good at quiting but never long term. When I am with some friends I always foolishly light up thinking that it will be ok and I won't start again. I only started again last week Monday and then I quit over the weekend only to begin again on Tuesday. I will try to stop this weekend again. Funnily, I almost feel as if smoking is kind of like progress away from panic because a few months ago I wouldn't have been able to smoke due to all the negative health fears. Smoking is obviously extremely unhealthy but I am not suddenly at 25 going to fall over and die from a few weeks of smoking (please don't try to convinve me otherwise- I am fully aware of the hazards of smoking

). Those kinds of irrational thoughts used to play a much bigger part of life a couple of months ago.

BTW- I read an interesting article today about how some researchers found that if subjects were unaware of being given benzodiazepenes that they were completely ineffective at relieving anxiety. Just goes to sho how complex the mind is and how powerful the placebo effect is. I have found that the benzos that make you feel lightheaded and "out of it" work but when I don't experience these side effects from anti anxiety meds that they don't work. Perhaps I just associate the feeling with being calm?

17 years ago 0 +0 / -0 466

Aha, I know that feeling all too well, Dark. Great to be an individual though, no?

17 years ago 0 +0 / -0 150

I had a common cold about a month ago which gave me an ear infection.

One month on and the noise from my left ear is still quite dull, so I went to my doctor today who said it was just a blocked eustachian tube and so gave me some strong decongestians.

Pseudophedrine.

It actually makes me feel quite calm. Maybe slightly groggy. But it's doing the trick...

Strangely enough, I was told that it may make me feel anxious and make me have trouble sleeping....

I never do quite fit in to the norm!

17 years ago 0 +0 / -0 466

Thanks, Brenna. I'll be sure to stop by there. Went without cigarettes this morning, and it sent my stress levels through the roof! Oddly enough, it wasn't anxiety...

17 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1153

Members,

Quitting smoking is a process and it requires a good plan and lots of preparation. Take some time to visit our sister site (StopSmokingCenter.net) to learn about quitting smoking and taking the first small steps to quitting. Many people prepare for years before they are ready to quit.

Brenna, Bilingual Health Educator

17 years ago 0 +0 / -0 466

I can still relate to the cigarettes...anytime I want to quit I go through the cycles of anxiety. Part of the reason why I'm not thinking about quitting at the moment.

17 years ago 0 +0 / -0 150

I know that smoking really used to flare up my anxiety. It's a stimulant, which causes you to get excited, which anxiety sufferers relate to panic. I got trapped in the cycle of wanting a cigarette, but knowing it would make me panic, then the withdrawl symptoms making me panic - etc.

Another uncommon one that you should know: Dentists use anesthetic which contains adrenaline. You can ask for a non-adrenaline alternative.

17 years ago 0 +0 / -0 187

Wow. Good to know about salmeterol. I must really give up smoking then....

17 years ago 0 +0 / -0 823

Medications that can worsen anxiety symptoms

Members,

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:

Medications that contain amphetamines, such as Benzedrine, Dexedrine, and Ritalin.
Hormones, such as oral contraceptives and thyroid medications.
Steroids, such as cortisone, Hexadrol, and prednisone.
Respiratory medications, such as albuterol, salmeterol, and theophylline.
Other medications, such as phenytoin, levodopa, quinidine, and some antidepressants.

Nonprescription medications that may cause anxiety include:

Medications 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).

Faryal - Health Educator

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Medications that can worsen anxiety symptoms