Before leaving university to go home I took some unprescribed ritalin to help with a load of studies on the last day (very dumb idea that I will definitely not have again; I am absolutely aware of how stupid it was). Since I got home, about 4 days after taking the ritalin, I have a very bad cold and started to take Ibuprofen 600mg 3 times a day and some cough sirup. About 2 days later I started to get really awful panic attacks and have had persistent anxiety since then. I have a history of anxiety disorders including eating disorders and depression. This began since I got home and has not stopped since. I was given some medications front he doctor however he does not know my background story and I feel uncomfortable taking the meds as I fear I will become dependent on them and I know that there should be some other way. I will begin therapy in a few weeks however I was hoping to get some advice now. The anxiety has been going on for a few weeks now with several panic attacks in between. I have stopped taking ibuprofen as I read that it can cause anxiety. If it is a side effect of it, how long does this last? Could it possibly be caused by the ritalin? Do panic attacks and anxiety ever stop happening?
Thank you so much. I am feeling quite in despair about this...
P.S. possibly the most terrifying is the heart racing, heart pinching, heart palpitations... then again my heart is supposedly fine as the doctor said...
Panic attacks and persistent anxiety (possibly from ibuprofen) and change of location for 2 weeks?
Question posted by HT27 on 31 Dec 2012
Last updated on 25 October 2017 by Anonymous
4 Answers
Yes I've had anxiety problem after taking NSAIDs heavily for one month. They triggered a 12 year long GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) that I still deal with. Now I just take Tylenol. In addition, I finally traced part of my anxiety problem to increased norepinephrine levels (from 2 doctors' tests) and I keep that under control with Olive Leaf Extract. I've also done a TON of other things to help, such as using Suzanneulloa's suggestion of using lots of natural probiotics on a regular basis, e.g. fermented vegetables and kefir. The gut is actually the source of most of the serotonin (feel good hormone) in your body, not your brain.
I have had a similar response to anti-inflammatories, with a history of anxiety disorder I had recently beat. I had to register for this site just so I could tell you, probiotics taken daily helped me get rid of anxiety after five years! I started out with a green powder, Green Vibrance you put in water and my nutritionist highly recommends taking any probiotics with a minimum of two spoons of yogurt or Keever and uses Women's Suprema, but any good probiotic should do the trick. It's helped me since I started early this year and has kept working. I only just made the connection with the anti-inflammatory since I had anxiety the day before yesterday after taking it the night before, nothing the next day and AGAIN, today after taking last night. You have just been through a stressful period, stripping your system of health flora. Good luck, I know how hard this can be.
Hello HT27, I have a very similar situation. If you are still getting email updates, please respond so I could get in contact. I have a few questions since it's been a while since you posted this. Thanks!
It is very possible that the Ritalin has aggravated your anxiety and panic attacks. In fact, I would blame the ritalin before ibuprofen! You may need to notify your Dr about what is happening and I would tell him about the Ritalin. You may need some antianxiety medications for a bit.
Related topics
ritalin, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, ibuprofen, mental health
Further information
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.
