Many individuals deal with high anxiety levels in their daily lives. Some can get it under control and live more or less normally. However, others take various drugs that can exacerbate this condition.
Let’s look at some drugs, both legal and illegal, that can make an anxious person feel even more on edge than they usually would.
#1. Methamphetamine
Meth effects on having anxiety are immediate and noticeable. Meth is a drug that can make even the most even-keeled and well-balanced person seem edgy. Because of this, it makes sense that someone who is naturally anxious would become worse if they chose to use this particular drug.
#2. Drugs that Contain Caffeine
Many drugs contain caffeine. For instance, acetaminophen or aspirin can contain it. If you’re taking these drugs for headaches or similar ailments, and you’re already naturally nervous, you may feel much more so without understanding why. The caffeine in these over-the-counter meds is probably what is doing it to you.
#3. ADHD Drugs
Individuals with ADHD often get medication prescribed to them that is meant to put them on a more even keel. They might ingest a baseline of these drugs every day to help them find the motivation to go to work or do the responsible things that make up their day.
These drugs can also make these individuals more anxious if that is already a problem for them, though. Many times, such people can talk to their doctor about getting on a different drug or changing the dosage if it becomes a problem.
#4. Corticosteroids
If you have bronchitis, asthma, arthritis, or allergies, you may be given corticosteroids to help keep those conditions under control. If you are naturally anxious, though, you might feel that ratcheted up without knowing why.
In most cases, you will not need to take corticosteroids all the time. You can also talk to a knowledgeable doctor about other options if this is a major problem.
#5. Marijuana
You never know how marijuana is going to impact someone, whether they smoke it or ingest it in some other way. It makes some people mellow, but it makes others nervous or paranoid.
If you find that using it makes you more nervous, the easiest thing to do is stop your consumption. Some people don’t react well to marijuana because of their unique physiology, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
#6. Seizure Drugs
It might surprise you to know that some seizure drugs can make you more anxious. Phenytoin, in particular, is known to have this effect. Again, you will want to speak to a doctor if you feel agitation, worry, or fear when taking these drugs.
#7. Thyroid Drugs
Thyroid drugs like NP Thyroid or Nature-Throid can make you more nervous or anxious. They can also cause you to feel shaky or hyperactive in some instances.
Your doctor is always your friend if you find that a legal drug is making you feel more nervous. Stopping the use of an illegal one is also always within your power.
Beth is Cloudmineinc’s senior health editor and a certified personal trainer. She has over 10 years experience as a science journalist and is the author of two books. She deadlifts over 315 lbs.