Medicines that can cause anxiety

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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).

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Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
Last Updated	September 12, 2008

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Last updated:	September 12, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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