b12 and Anxiety

[84withb12d]

Why does b12 injections make my anxiety worse for a few days?I have anemia. Have had 3 injections and have 5 more to go.

[Nackapan]

I think they fire up your nervous system .Especially at the start .

So body feels like it's racing .

When autonomic function affected it feels like anxiety .

Hope you continue to improve .

And the anxiety feelings decrease.

[84withb12d in reply to Nackapan]

Thank you for your reply.

[jade_s]

Also useful to check folate levels and supplement folic acid as necessary. B12 needs good folate levels to work.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

it may be something to do with the Catechol-O-methyltransferase process which is part of the regulation of neurotransmitters in the brain. B12 acts as a methyl donor in this process but it seems to be a balanced process that needs the right amount of B12 to be present - if there is too much or too little then it doesn't work properly and anxiety is a potential outcome.

it's quite a complicated area of biochemistry and I certainly wouldn't want to claim to understand it fully

[Dandelions]

I ‘m not having injections, but started takingB12 and B complex tablets/ liquid. I feel overwhelmed and anxious too. I’m all over the place. Not sure if it’s a coincidence. But giving it sometime to see if it will wear off.

[84withb12d in reply to Dandelions]

I’ve seen it can definitely increase anxiety.

[Babsy23 in reply to Dandelions]

if you have an absorption issue or pernicious anaemia you need injections. You’ll only absorb 1% passively through tablets. An tablets won’t help with neurological issues.

[84withb12d in reply to Babsy23]

Yes she has low iron and b12 . Tried b12 supplements but her levels did not change. So now she’s scheduled for 8 b12 injections. Once a week and has had three so far. Then they want to recheck her levels again.

[Dandelions in reply to Babsy23]

I don’t know if I have absorption issues or PA. I didn’t have parietal antibodies is all I know. My MMA was too high. B12 was low, but still within range for the doctor.

What would you advice to do next?

[Babsy23 in reply to Dandelions]

if you eat meat, eggs, fish and or dairy, and your levels were or are low and you’re symptomatic then you have an absorption issue and could have p.a.

[Purplegirl2]

It gives me poor sleep/insomnia which might be causing a bit of anxiety. I can tell I have more energy though when I take the injections ED or EOD. When I go too long between injections I crash and my fatigue turns back into exhaustion.

[Babsy23]

Anxiety is usually low folate or low b12. Are you getting enough folic acid to support your injection? An are you getting sufficient b12?

[84withb12d in reply to Babsy23]

It’s for my mom , But she has low iron and b12. She’s been taking iron supplements for 4 weeks now and she just had her third b12!injection just this passed Friday. Makes her anxiety terrible for 3 to 4 days then settles down some after that. She has severe anxiety and depression . Hopefully the low b12 and iron is some of the cause.

[Wwwdot]

Hi 84withb12d

Sounds like you and your mum both need a hug 🤗🤗

When you are B12D and you start injections you often get worse before you start to get better. I suffered terrible anxiety and insomnia at first.

I now inject every day and I no longer suffer anxiety and insomnia.

I am sure in the course of time your mum will also improve. Be mindful though that she may need more frequent injections than she is offered by the NHS. Be prepared to consider the self injection route. I know it sounds daunting but if your mum needs more B12, and she is given it, she will have a better quality of life. Is she also taking a modest folic acid dose around 400ug per day? B12 needs folic acid to work

I look after my mum who is also 84. It’s tough but rewarding. You will get through this 🤗🤗🤗

[84withb12d in reply to Wwwdot]

Thank you for the reply and your kind words. She doesn’t take folic acid now but plan on starting her on those this weekend. It not easy at times but it’s worth it! A lot of hope for better days looking at other people who have been through it.