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).