Can meds cause stress and anxiety?

Hi Sandy,

First and foremost:   If you think that your meds are causing symptoms of anxiety, please contact your physician ASAP.  Read on to see why I say that.

1. Try taking Health Central's "Stress Test" to evaluate what stressfull events you've experienced recently that might be contributing to how you've been feeling lately.

2. As far as your meds go, here is what is listed on the Health Central and other Websites:

Ambien: Common side effects are Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, upset stomach, diarrhea, and dry mouth

Mood changes such as anxiety are listed as uncommon but serious for Ambien.  Contact your doctor immediately if you have any suspicion that Ambien is causing anxiety.

MS Contin:  Anxiety was listed as a "less serious" side effect that might occur.

Nortriptyline:  I did not find anxiety listed at all as a potential side effect on any websites I searched.

Effexor:  The advice is to contact your physican immediately if you see a worsening of anxiety with this medication.

I hope that helps!

Regards,

Jennifer L. Fee, Psy.D.

The Stress Masters

*Jennifer Fee, Psy.D. is a Psychologist, not a Psychiatrist. Psychiatrists prescribe medications, Psychologists study them, but the majority of Psychologists are not authorized to prescribe meds. or give you specific advice about them. Dr. Fee's answers are not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental disorder. Any information given in a post about medication is for educational purposes only, and primarily to aid you in having an informed discussion with your own Psychiatrist/Physician.