Anxiety is defined as apprehension, dread, or fear of danger or disaster with or without rational provocation. Anxiety is a common side-effect of many types of medications (steroids, antipsychotics, anticholinergics, antihistamines, diet pills, sympathomimetics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs], asthma, cold medications, etc) and substances (caffeine, alcohol, lead poisoning, etc). It may also be caused by drug interactions.

Drug-induced anxiety may present as edginess, worrisome thoughts, agitation, restlessness, sleep disruption, or lack of focus. Other common signs and symptoms include rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, increased blood pressure, and excessive sweating.

Management depends on identifying and discontinuing the causative medication or substance, which may provide relief, given time. Substituting other medications calls for watchfulness to find the most effective replacement medication without further adverse effects.

Related Topics: Depressive disorders, Generalized anxiety disorder