I have taken 2 shots already. One shot every two weeks.
Has anyone experienced extreme anger and mood swings while taking Humira?
Question posted by RAlife84 on 17 July 2012
Last updated on 1 July 2023
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
44 Answers Page 3
1tiggydog
19 Oct 2017
I've just been taken off work for a week because of my stress levels. I'm irritable and I have blow up at my pets, spouse, co-workers, Customers... after reading all of the responses here, I think I will stop the injections
jcm0322
3 July 2017
I just spent two miserable years dealing with my teenage daughter on Humira and 2 months on Sympony for treating psoriatic arthritis. This is a progression of autoimmune inflammation starting first in the skin and then showing up in the joints. After 15 ER visits and 1 major hospitalization for pancreatitis the last straw was the diagnosis of Borderline personality disorder (BPD). Panic attacks, anxiety, depression, mood swings, rage, etc. STOP this nonsense now. See a functional medicine practitioner. Change your diet now. See Microbiome Diet by Dr Raphael Kellman or GAPS or get a good Chinese Oriental Medicine practitioner. It all starts with your leaky gut due to eating a western diet. Thank goodness the insanity has stopped. Big Pharma is reaping billions off us unsuspecting victims while paying for elaborate doctor conferences all over the globe.
Purplej14
19 July 2017
Hi my daughter ( I think already has bpd) she's about to start humira to get her inflammation under control for crohns. She already had mood and anxiety issues. Dr says once her inflammation is in remission we can look at diet. I wanted to start with diet but he doesn't want to lose anymore time for growth potential. Have you had luck with such diets and her bpd?
Harout20
4 Aug 2017
I have been on Humira and now on remicade. I found remicade to be more helpful, less side effects then the crazy humira feeling I use to get.
Here is my best advice I can give for people suffering from crohns. First diet. Eat seafood and plant based diet. Once you are comfortable with that, go all vegan.
Most IBS and Crohns issues have faded for me. Colon cleared up (while still on remicade) and diet.
Wish you all the best
Pooh4874
28 March 2017
I had my first injection of humira today. 8 hours later I am feeling extremely depressed, but I do have bipolar disorder. I was searching to find out if any patients with my disorder used this medication. I don't want to go through any mood swings because I just came down from a 3 month long hypomania episode.
Harout20
28 March 2017
I been depressed/anxiety since I started humira. I had to stop literally after 3 months because I had an infection or/ depressed. I think humira messes up your head
socnancy
28 March 2017
My daughter's personality has definitely changed since she's been injecting Humira into herself (started this in May, 2016). She just turned 40. She is irrational. I hate to see how she'll be when she's in peri-menopause in the next 5 to 10 years. She is taking it for her RA. It's not helping, so I don't know why she continues it. It does mess with one's head, especially if a person is already vulnerable. Of course, many have complained about this here and didn't know why they were having issues. Doctors and their drugs. They don't know the answers. Big Pharma is getting rich and taking advantage of our diseases. Drugs only mask symptoms; the disease is still there. The root of the cause needs to be found.
len baruch
17 April 2017
Hi everyone,
My brother Jim started Humira injections in February. He has had a dramatic change in his behavior. We live together and until I found your site I thought something else was wrong. Mood swings... yes. He screamed at me one day. Believe me that was never Jim. He has lost interest in his normal daily activities and has become distant with a close friend. We have always been close and I feel like I bother him anymore. This is a man who is very routine. Now he is out all hours of the night, sleeps a couple of hours, gets up maybe 2am takes off, then returns. Many other changes also of which i will not elaborate. My heart is truly broken and I spend much time in prayer. I believe the Lord will take care of him. Going forward i want people to know this drug may have helped his condition but is ruining his life. any comments i would appreciate.
chacawila
4 Aug 2017
The combination of citalopram and humira has been wonderful for me. I have felt MUCH better since the initial prescription of Methotrexate was removed. I will never know how much my initial misery was the disease, and how much was the methotrexate... or maybe just the adjustment to the drugs? But in the end, I am extremely grateful for humor. I am 4 years in and after having my knees and shoulders replaced, am back in the gym, can walk 7+ miles... and I am content most of the time. I think you can do this.
stellasbaskets
28 Dec 2016
Omg I've had 4 injections. I had a meltdown yesterday of anger, crying, you name it. I could fight with myself. Seriously I could. I cried & apologized up & down to my poor husband yesterday. He agreed the mood swings are since humira. Of course he said, "it's okay". My response, "no it's not okay". Poor guy. I wasn't like this until a week ago. The worst day was Christmas & the day after. Just lots of anger. I need to figure out a way to "get a grip", perhaps start meditation again. Maybe that will help. Oh I hope the anger subsides.
Andipandi
15 Oct 2016
This was super helpful. I started humira like 3 months ago. Or so I've had several shots. I take it for crohns. It's definitely helped some symptoms. But twice now I've blown up. I've never done that before. The first time it happened I had reached a point where I couldn't calm down. I was on the floor hitting my head kicking the dresser and trying not to scream. My husband found me and it took him 1 and 1/2 hours to calm me down enough to stop tensing. I couldn't move my muscles very well. The second time was a lot less but I couldn't even figure out why I was angry. Which only made me more mad. Good to know it's not just me. I may have to let my doctor know. Luckily it hasn't happened often but that first one scared me cuz I've never been so angry before. I'm a happy person 99% of the time.
socnancy
28 March 2017
If you let your doctor know about this, he'll deny it, saying it's not the medication. This medication does not cure the problem. It only masks the symptoms, but the disease is still there. Doctors don't "cure" anything with drugs. They just get rich off the kickbacks they receive to support the American Medical Association and Big Pharmacy.
Nhanquitran
25 Jan 2018
Hi Andipandi,
I've had the same symptom as your. I've been taking humira for about three months ago, and it's been help me almost 95% for my psoriasis. Beside that, I've noticed that my memory has lost and got anger some time with no reason... It's scary. I've not talked to my doctor abouth this issue, since I found this website. I'm really worrying that this symptom will be worst if i'm keeping taking humira for every two week...
Gillybean92
27 Jan 2018
Hi there everyone!
My name is Gill, I'm 26 and I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis when I was 17 after 6 years of doctors telling me I was crazy about the pain I was feeling so don't get me started on them!
I'm from Glasgow, Scotland and here things are a little different with our health care but I'm not saying doctors aren't the same the world over!
I have been on many different drugs over the years (methotrexate, sulfazalazine, cosentyx and Humira to name a few) and all have had their failings. For years I thought having a bunch of my hair fall out while on sulfazalazine was just one of the many bad side effects I'd encounter but that was before they put me on humira. I was on it for 8 months but it's hard to keep track with the memory loss. This drug has been nothing but trouble from the beginning and I wish I'd done more research before I did.
The delivery of the drug was out of control and due to errors I'd be left not being able to take the drug on the day I was meant and if it wasn't that then it was the injection pens misfiring, spilling their contents over my leg rather than in it. Not to mention the nerve damage that I fear may be permanent caused by the injections themselves.
It wasn't until today after having taken my last humira injection on the 31st December 17 that I finally Googled "does humira cause depression" which led me to this page and I am so thankful it did! I'm not going crazy! I was right to trust my gut because the longer I have been off humira the more I began to feel like my old self again. Not sure how to explain it but I'm not an angry person or sad, I'm training to be a nursery teacher and I'm usually one of those people you can't get to shut up. Humira changed me, made me the type of person that slides down their bedroom door to sit there and sob for a while and have absolutely no idea why you feel so soul crushingly sad... Or the person that shouts at their beautiful cocker spaniel Millie for no reason other than being too boisterous.
I cannot begin to thank you all who have posted on this page, some of whom your stories broke my heart to read about but I take some solace, as I hope you do too, that we're not alone in this.
dalevw
13 Sep 2016
To answer your question - yes, yes, and yes - my husband has those exact symptoms, plus a few more - been on Humira and Methotrexate for 4+ years, and has had a total personality change - the anger and the mood swings were the first thing I noticed. He now has extreme anxiety as well. His specialist said its nothing to do with the drugs, and I was beginning to think he might have early onset Alzheimers, so I'm very relieved to read this. He has been prescribed anti-depressants which he refuses to try, but reading through this page it seems that others have been helped by taking them. Maybe they would help you too.
Bumble123
1 Oct 2016
I have found all your comments very helpful, but I am saddened to hear so many people are going through the mill. I also have concerns about my daughter's moods but I am not sure whether it is the anxiety caused by the onset of the illness or the medication or a bit of both. Four years ago my daughter was diagnosed with JIA/uveitis. She nearly lost her sight. The medics had to put her on methotrexate to try and get the eye inflammation under control but she was made very ill by methotrexate which damaged her liver, was very sick, stopped growing, started to lose weight and became very angry. After the doctors tried more than one drug which failed to treat JIA/uveitis (two years later) she was finally given humira. It has saved her sight. She is now physically so much better and stronger, but the problems with the moods haven't gone away. We have no choice. Without humira she would probably lose her sight, as the symptoms still rumble so we know it hasn't gone away.
I have huge amounts of anger and frustration inside me as a result of the anxiety over the past four years, and I'm not the one on humira. Dealing with her illness has changed me too. While it could be the humira having a chemical effect on our loved one's moods, I do also wonder about the emotional impact of living with these illnesses (both patient and the rest of the family). I don't think there is much in the way of emotional support.
socnancy
28 March 2017
I sure feel for you. I know exactly how you feel. I don't believe doctors when they say it's not the medication. Don't be fooled--they are getting kickbacks from prescribing this drug. This drug is only masking the symptoms and disease. Think about it. This medication is not a cure, so the disease is still there. Doctors like to treat symptoms, but they certainly don't provide help for the root of the problem.
DeborahLP
4 July 2017
To everyone in this chain of letters, YES.
I have RA and have tried methotrexate and Embril. I'm still not sure if the Humira is worked my by my replaced knee joints always hurt and they are much better now.
Everyday I get anxious and feel just plain mean several times a day. Yesterday I started screaming at my dogs because I was trying to build something and they just seemed to be in the way. My husband told me he almost said something about my mood but about a week ago I told him how I had been feeling so he didn't. I too have been on antidepressants for almost 10 years and everything felt fine until I started taking Humira. Like many I was hopeing that after awhile the feelings of extreme anxiety and meanness woul go away. On my 4th shot and I'm not sure it is really worth it. My body still aches and I am mean to boot.
I think all of us should contact the manufacturer about this side effect. It's bad enough to be in so much pain but I can't handle being so mean and fear it could hurt my marriage. We have never even fought and now I'm just instigating!
Cowgirl1133
10 Sep 2016
My husband has been on Humira for 3 years now. He has developed severe mood swings. It's mainly directed to me and our kids and grand kids. Not sure what to do about this. He's also developed issues with his memory. He stays so tired all the time. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know. He can't go off this medicine because it has helped with his Chrones.
Mmklos
10 Sep 2016
I know exactly what cowgirl is saying, my husband to. One shot a week for my husband. He blows up... I mran, extremely blow's up! In our faces. I'm beside myself, because cannot take anything else for his large joint RA, as he's in 3rd stage kidney failure. We get treatment at U of M. If I tell his Dr, she'll take him off, he can't do that either, he starts swelling up immediately. It's ruining our life, I'm unhappy, my 14year old sin is talking to me abusive like he, what can I do? I'm supportive, but living in hell.
Cowgirl1133
10 Sep 2016
I'm so sorry. It's the same here and he can't go off either. I'm like you and can't take anymore either. I'm wanting him to talk to his dr and see if they can do something without taking him off the shot but when I mention that he insists is not him that it's me. Our grand kids even dread it. They've just been coming over when he's not there and there just little. Hopefully we can get some help with this. Try to stay strong. I know how hard that is though.
Sbfiona11
27 Oct 2016
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Sfillm4
14 Nov 2016
My husband has been on Humeria injections for a year now for Crohns. He had always been a very tolerable person, now, not so much. His injections were just increased to every week and I can tell a huge difference in his moods. It doesn't take much to set him off. I am at a point that I find myself not wanting to come home from work if I know he had the night off. I feel guilty because I know he can't help it but I get really aggravated with him. I am glad to hear that he isn't the only one with mood swings on this medication.
Deedle4u
22 April 2017
My husband has been taking humira for 2 years for psoriasis . We have been together for 21. We are recently divorced because of his severe mood swings after taking this medication . Sadly we never researched that this medication could cause such emotional damage to everyone around. Now we realize the problem is after the injection is taken mood lasts 2days then off and on. We sat down and discussed this and came up with an idea. After injections I steer clear and ignore any dumb comments knowing the reason , or simply tell him I think you should go have some time to yourself. He also catches himself now and will apologize and ask for time to himself. Both scenarios he will go for a walk or go in the room for a while. Although we are sadly divorced we are back together and going strong after having a discussion about it. Talk to each other if it gets ugly walk away and do it again another day.
RedMel
23 Dec 2017
Yes! Memory issues! I noticed it but didn't put it together. I actually thought it was the anger, and him forgetting just to piss me off...
Sunninurse
15 March 2020
Maybe try half dose to see if the side effects are not as bad but still get the same relief. I often wonder why everyone has the same dose because not all have the same issues to the same degree. Maybe less medication will still be good for the condition but with less harmful side effects. Its worth a try.
footloose656
12 July 2015
Hi - I know its a long time since you asked this question, but I was searching for info about Humira/depression. I juststarted Humira 4 weeks ago, had 2 injections so far, and am convinced it is making me even more depressed/anxious/angry than I was before starting it! Am trying it for RA, but my situation is not clear cut, since I have been on high dose of antidepressants for years, and do know that I have mood swing problems anyway. Was reasonably stable (I thought!!) and keen to try Humira, but hours after first injection I just couldn't stop crying and everything felt hopeless. It did seem to wear off a bit after a week, but pretty much the same thing happened after second injection. So it's "catch 22" - I need to persevere with it in case it does actually help the RA, but the last thing I need is drug-induced mood problems... But so glad I found that others have experienced this too.
wwgirl5
7 Aug 2013
It has taken me awhile to find the answer to my question; I was so happy to read other posts. I've been taking Humira for the last 4 months and the last month I feel like my world is falling apart, Even though I have a good life! I will be calling my doctor in the morning knowing now that this is not just a bout of bad PMS. :)
Tkennedy44
6 July 2013
I have been on Humira for 2 months now and I am feeling the effects of extreme anger, depression and anxiety. It has gotten so bad that it has ruined personal relationships in my life. My doctor has already told me to stop taking the ejections, but my question is how long does it take for the medication side effects to wear off?
terriedesq
20 Sep 2016
What does your doctor recommend instead of Humira?
Harout20
8 Feb 2017
I have been on Humira for over 2.5 months now. I can't tell if I'm sick/flu or it's the side effects. Feeling sore throat, chills, shivers, and etc.
As for the pyschological effects, depressed, anixety stressed out for no reason, and constantly sad.
I feel like I'm losing myself completely
dwrn86
30 June 2013
I am on Humira every week now! I am on my third year, I also take Cymbalta. I have had anger issues too, it's good to know I'm not the only one. I also have bouts of anxiety and depression. Usually none of them last very long.
Wanderer53
30 June 2013
I'm a RN disabled by polymyositis and RA. I have notice moodiness since taking Humira. Unusual that I'm also a male with autoimmune diseases, and my moods have been more towards passiveness. Humira is combined with other drugs, one is Manitol. We used this in the ER (when I could work) for head trauma. It causes the patient to urinate lots, the fluid shift decreasing pressure on the brain. Steroids also decrease the pressure and cause mental change, making me wonder which drug is causing the change.
angjlu
16 Nov 2012
Yes I took humira for 10 months and experienced all those symptoms especially the first few days after my injection... I was so angry i would yell and scream and I had always been a happy person... Somedays I just couldn't get outta bed too emotional... I already took anti depressant but got prescribed an anxiety med I took before bed it does help but isn't really a long term solution...
beberhar
26 July 2012
Yes! It didn't start immediately for me, but after a few months I definitely had wild mood swings. Some days I can't let anything go and can go on being angry about small things for days, other times, I'll be happy no matter what happens. I've told my doctor and he says that he's never heard of anyone with these symptoms. I had a long spell of a flu this winter so I was off the medicine for about 8 weeks and I could tell I was back to my old self, but as soon as I started the Humira back up, I had the same problems. Although this is a problem, the drug has done wonders for my psoriasis. I had constant pain in most joints and lesions all over my scalp. The pain and lesions are completely gone, but now I'm dealing with the moods.
etsy
9 Aug 2012
I am having the same issues. the past week i have blown up at people-very unlike me. What is going on?
jeanlynnvw
9 July 2013
I have psoriatic arthritis and am on Humira. I have also experienced mood swings, but am on anti-depressants which definitely help with the mood swings and anxiety relating to having this disease. The biggest challenge when you have a medication that has this side effect is to get family, friends and colleagues to understand that it's not the real you.
socnancy
7 Oct 2016
I have a daughter on this stuff, and she has changed drastically in the last couple of months. She is no longer the same person. What a bunch of poison!
uwso25
26 April 2017
I have mood swings shortness of breath back pain. Shivers iching chest pain like i think i gona have a heart attack feeling sick from humira
RedMel
23 Dec 2017
My husband is on humira. Here's totally the most kind and even tempered person in ever met. This new guy, is running our marriage. Every week for about 3 days he'll be so angry, he's either yelling (at me), or giving the silent treatment. He doesn't appear to have any rational reason for his anger, he can't see reason in a discussion, and he's rude and spiteful. Then after 3-4 days it's gone, and I wait for it to happen again...
After his recent colonoscopy, they've mentioned switching to Remicade, I'm fearful/hopeful of these affects...
I mentioned the anger at his last appointment and the Dr typed it into her tablet, said there were no reports of it. I told her I googled it and they were all over. Sure blew me off, so now my husband does too. He doesn't think the mood changes are a thing...
Susanli
18 Sep 2018
I was prescribed Humira for RA and after a couple of months I experienced a wave of sadness on my injection days. My doctor had never heard this before but she changed me to Enbrel. Both medications helped my arthritis but only Humira brought on that side effect.
Adamqum
5 May 2020
Have anyone found out how these mental side effects can go away?
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Further information
- Humira uses and safety info
- Humira prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Humira (detailed)
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