Anxiety Attacks Anyone? Imbruvica!

[Tchapman]

I've been on imbruvica for two months now and have started having nasty panic attacks! I went to the emergency room because it got so bad I thought something was wrong like maybe covid or infection maybe. Nope everything is okay a little low iron my other numbers are on the low normal. I can't have this everyday I can't function at all 3 days in a row now. Just curious if anyone else has and advice for me.

[Davidcara]

Are you sure the attacks are directly related to ibrutinib. I had some anxiety when I started ibrutinib. I think starting the medication, made my CLL real, if that makes sense. Plus starting the medication during a pandemic compounded the issue. My MD prescribed low dose Ativan. I ended up taking about 30 doses over a three month period, and the anxiety resolved.

[shazie]

Did they check your potassium? In my case, Imbruvica has caused low potassium and iron. Low potassium would cause irregular heart beat. Imbruvica can also give you heart palpitations. Eventually it will elevate your blood pressure too.

[Tchapman in reply to shazie]

What are you doing for your low iron? Yes they checked potassium a bit low got pills for it. This just hit me out of the blue as well I've been on it for two months and was doing okay till now. Someone mentioned that maybe I need a lower dose for right now. I'm going to ask my doctor when he gets back from vacation.

[shazie in reply to Tchapman]

I received two iron infusions and that fixed the problem. For low potassium I take prescription potassium pills and that problem is resolved. For hypertension I take 10 mg Amlodipine and that is under control. It is a lot of work but believe me you get used to it. I had to live with anxiety and panic attacks since I turned 30 and I always carry a pill with me in case if I need it. I was very anxious at the beginning of Imbruvica but over time I got used to it so I am not sure if it can cause anxiety but who knows? Try to Take it easy and ask your doctor about reducing the dosage for the start and maybe ask for an anxiety pill in case you need to take it.

[LeoPa in reply to Tchapman]

Banana and potato contains a lot of potassium if I recall correctly. Animal livers contain lots of iron.

[MV29]

Started Ibrutinib in March as a positive upbeat person. Slowly but surely have developed some daily anxiety. Already had some hypertension, but that developed into palpitations and higher blood pressure even though on Lasix. Have been switched to Amlodipine, but no change yet. All other blood numbers now good though. Last infusion of Obinituzumab this week. Treatment has definitely worked, although the blood pressure and weight gain still a problem.