Has anyone found that certain drugs make anxiety worse?

[greywarden00]

For example, I took a Circadin (melatonin) and now I'm really anxious and nervous. Is this normal? What other drugs cause this?

[Michael1969]

I don't know who your GP is but I would change immediately. If you are genuinely suffering from anxiety then a very very weak sleep aid simply won't do the trick!

Be honest with your GP and if you need more ASK for more

I remember going to my GP in the depths of phsycosis/depression and telling half a story. I was prescribed Benadryl to help me sleep...WTF!!!!!!!

You have to be honest and be persistent. GP's will always prescribe the safest, lowest dose that they possibly can.

Be honest. Ask for what you really need and keep regularly in touch.....Once a week if needed

Good luck

Michael

[Abittooanxious]

Hi there! I've been suffering from a mixture of physical symptoms and anxiety for best part of 9 months. Docs discovered high IgE level (to do with allergy/immune system and also linked with asthma) back in Oct and saw immunology guy in Dec. Started on low dose of fexofenadine (anti-histamine) and dose raised in Jan. It wasn't until I stopped taking them that I realised that they were responsible for significantly higher anxiety levels and generally feeling weird. Once stopped, felt better. Also had small starter dose (10mg) of citalopram a month or so ago. The tablets made me feel worse even 4 weeks later (v short of breath, waking in night and unable to sleep etc...) so gave them up. We are all different though and nothing wrong with medication - I know a number of people who have really benefited from tanking citalopram and similar for 6/12 months or so.

Although I was dubious at first about CBT, mindfulness, reflexology, acupuncture, hypnotherapy etc, I would recommend them. I went on a bit of an alternative therapy journey and things like mindfulness, CBT, hypnotherapy all seem to follow the same principles - learn to relax and accept your position and strangely your body will get better (anxiety is nervous response - anxiety triggers the chemicals in your body that make you feel that way - the more you worry, the worse you feel...) continue to try to fight anxiety and you will go in circles. I also listened to a couple of audio books recommended on this site (hard copies also available!) from Dr Claire Weeks - v good and same principles - don't fight anxiety but (and v difficult i know) 1. Loosen your mind/body (ie relax and let your body sink with all muscles relaxed rather than remain tense) and 2. Accept your situation and anxiety. More to it than that but well worth a look / listen.

Diet and exercise also important when it comes to anxiety - avoid caffeine, alcohol etc (although I only gave up coffee, not tea! ) and generally be mindful of what might be making you feel worse. Be careful not to turn life upside down in paranoid manner though - needs to be some fun/enjoyment - question of trying to find balance.

Hope this helps...

[1979ukmale]

SSRI's can have really ranging effects and make you feel suicidal in the first few days,

they only balance your seratonin after 1-3 months of use,

then you start to feel uplifted

It depends on the drug, isn't melatonin a very mild herbal one?