Drugs and Medications That Can Cause Symptoms Similar to Agoraphobia

Certain medications or withdrawal from medications can cause anxiety symptoms similar to agoraphobia. These medications include:

• amphetamines
• asthma and antispasmodic medications
• antidepressants (although some anti-depressants are prescribed for panic attacks, some people experience anxiety symptoms as side effects).
• benzodiazepines (withdrawal from many tranquilizers and sleeping pills including Xanax, Valium, and Ativan can cause the same types of anxiety symptoms they are prescribed for)
• blood pressure medications
• cold medications
• diet pills
• steroids
• thyroid medications (when used in high doses)

Also the following drugs can produce symptoms of anxiety:

• alcohol
• caffeine
• marijuana

You have substance-induced anxiety disorder if your anxiety symptoms are a direct physiological consequence of drug abuse, exposure to toxins, or the side effect of a medication. It’s highly advisable to rule out medications and other drugs as potential causes of anxiety symptoms before seeking psychological treatment for agoraphobia.

Article Source: http://www.agoraphobia.net

Stephen Price is a recovered agoraphobic with a master’s degree in psychology. His informational website on agoraphobia featuring a free newsletter can be found at: www.agoraphobia.ws

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