Though not typical, some people experience significant anxiety for the first time in their lives as adults. Other folks have had previous bouts with anxiety, but suddenly feel an intense new wave of anxious feelings for no clear reason. Is it possible, as an adult, to end up with an anxiety disorder, panic, or worry that you’ve never had before or that you can’t figure out where it’s coming from? Absolutely. And a good therapist may help you put your finger on what’s causing your problem.But, before you run to a shrink, we suggest you consider the possibility that medications (whether prescription or over the counter) as well as various medical conditions may be causing the problem. Here are just a few of the most widely prescribed types of medications that have side effects which can, at times, mimic anxiety:
Many more examples of medications causing anxiety like symptoms can be found, and as you can see, even medication for treating anxiety sometimes causes these symptoms. Over the counter medications can do the same thing. Bronchodilators, decongestants, caffeine, and cold remedies are some prime culprits. Even the astonishingly popular energy drinks crowding convenience store shelves can easily trigger a cascade of anxiety like symptoms such as flushing, palpitations, jitteriness, and dizziness.
In fact, though I sort of hate to admit it, a few years ago I began to experience an unusually rapid pulse and tightness in my chest while seeing a client in my office. For a moment I wondered if I was having a panic attack though I’d never had one before and I couldn’t for the life of me figure out what would have triggered such an attack right then. After I thought about it a little longer, I realized that I’d probably taken a little too much of a cold medication to combat a serious cold and cough I’d been having. I was trying to get through my sessions without a hacking cough interfering with the process. Good idea to control the cough, but I used lousy methodology by exceeding the recommended dosage. I suggest you don’t follow my example.
Medical conditions can mimic anxiety too. These include:
Here’s the bottom line. If you are experiencing significant signs of anxiety, actually whether you’re an adult or a child, it’s a good idea to: a.) review all medications you or your child have been taking, and b.) see a physician to rule out physical causes. Once you’ve eliminated these possibilities, your therapist can help you see what’s going on in your life that may be causing your anxiety and then treat it with therapies known to work for these problems.
One final thought. If you or someone you know has experienced a wave of anxiety due to some substance (e.g., food, medication, supplement, etc.) or medical condition I haven’t noted above, feel free to share your experience with us.
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PsychCentral (May 9, 2009)
Dave Turo-Shields (May 10, 2009)
I experienced severe depression for 20 years. I had a goiter, cold hands, cold feet, low blood pressure, but always tested within normal thyroid ranges. One day it was determined I was hypothyroid and put on synthroid. I literally have not slept since. I have since gone off of synthroid, my goiter is gone, but my body does not sleep and I have experienced unbelievable anxiety. I have gone literally 24 hours without sleep and still my body will not shut down. I have since started taking both anxiety medication and sleeping pills. I can’t sleep unless I take both and then I can’t get out of bed.
I experienced an unusual and sudden bout with agoraphobia. It lasted about 2 months for no apparent reason. It wasn’t until a year later when it happened again AND I was doing taxes from the previous year that I realized how real and bad it was. My driving record showed I didn’t drive in October. The first year it happened was filled with stress and deaths in the family. Yet an itchy feeling after taking antidepressants caused me to abruptly discontinue meds just before the holidays. It was after discontinuing that I felt happier and could return outside. It turns out my subconscious (amegdala) was telling me it was too dangerous to go outside because of allergies. I would get so tired it was unsafe for me to drive. Once the weather cooled down and dried some, my agoraphobia went away.
I have found that when I take anti-histamines such as claratin it can trigger a panic attack. Now that I am aware of it, I am more able to control it. I have spoken to numerous other allergy sufferers who say the same thing.
@Joni: It sounds like a good idea for you to check with your doctor again. And consider a second opinion if need be. After that, it’s possible a therapist could help you deal with your remaining symptoms.
@Ruth & Kia: Your stories show how valuable careful observation can be. When you keep records or logs of your anxiety symptoms, sometimes you can connect the dots in ways that help you with the problem.
Starting Prozac, (and this will pass) Ritalin, cortisone, or prednisone, chocolate, (chocolate can be really bad, and not reliably a problem, either, and it can do what alcohol does, and wake you up in the middle of the night with sweating and anxiety/panic)
Tamoxifen and Arimedix, which are hormonal agents for estrogen positive breast cancers….they can get so bad, the symptoms of depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, hot flashes, joint pain, etc, etc…you may actually prefer to die. (worst, ‘they’, (many) will keep this from you, and deny this to be true, your oncologists and other doctors. I am not sure if this is done out of ignorance or otherwise.
Also ‘hyperglycemia’ can cause severe agitation vs. more anxiety with ‘hypoglycemia’.
…..just to mention a few.
I have mild mitral valve prolapse. Then i had a series of panic attacks months later after diagnosis last december . All the while hbving had shortness of breath (air hunger) for the last two years and arithmeya last december.
Could i be experiencing mvp syndrome? Is all this possible from mild mvp? I also have intrusive thoughts, maybe ocd, with anxiety for no reason.
Any thoughts? Please help..
@Madiha mk: Ask your doctor to what extent mvp may be causing your symptoms. Your issues likely have both psychological and medical underpinnings. Check also with a therapist who has experience with anxiety and panic attacks and who is willing to stay in close touch with your doctor.
Though i know you mentioned hormonal fluxes…there is a key element: ovulation. All you need to do is try a websearch for Panic and Ovulation and you will come up with scores of commentary. I started having out of the blue panic attacks, having my first one last June. It took me keeping a symptoms diary to note that it was happening not only every four to four and a half weeks but during the time I should be ovulating. I have made a lot of dietary changes, added exercise, and cut out caffeine. It has not totally eliminated them, but they are much more manageable and predictable.
@Lannie: Keeping a diary/record of symptoms is a great way to figure out what’s going on with anxiety and panic. Sometimes people discover a certain day of the week causes problems due to certain work tasks is problematic. Other times, self monitoring reveals physical causes, medications, etc. that trigger anxiety. Thanks.
Also, psychostimulants, used to treat ADHD (Adderall, Ritalin,etc) also have the common side effect of anxiety and panic attacks. Although anxiety often goes along with having ADHD.
@EF: Good point.
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