Xeljanz and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Mea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I do not recommend this drug to anyone! I have been on leflunomide for the last 4 months, and it didn’t help, so my doctor put me on Xeljanz. Immediately, I started having sinus pressure, my eyes burning, and developed bronchitis and an upper respiratory infection. The fatigue is unimaginable, and severe headaches along with body aches. My anxiety has increased to the point it’s intolerable. I ended up in the ER tonight due to the pain I was in and coughing up blood! I really just want relief from my RA symptoms, but the side effects are far worse than the RA pain itself!"

• Xel...
• March 26, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Moderate/severe RA, it's not recommended. Tried it though; very little help. Withdrawal is awful due to anxiety/depression. It's not stated, but there must be an ingredient that is also used for antidepressants in Xeljanz. Most other countries in the world refuse this drug. Just be careful. Ask for other options!"

• Egi...
• November 7, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Within 2 weeks, Xeljanz was working amazingly for my rheumatoid arthritis. But had to stop after 8 weeks because of complete insomnia and depression/anxiety. This drug brought on depression, insomnia, and anxiety so hard and so quickly. I just could not continue. This had the same effect on me as prednisone. My system cannot tolerate that either. Too bad because both work so well for the arthritis. Luckily, these side effects have gone away after stopping the medicine."

• PSA...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 29, 2022

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have psoriatic arthritis and methotrexate, sulfasalazine, anti-inflammatory drugs, Cimzia, Cosentyx, all worked a little, but only took the edge off in terms of pain. I have been on and off Xeljanz (because of COVID) for over 18 months. Initial reaction was good and very quick compared to other meds, a few days for results. I have recently suffered with high blood pressure for the first time, white spots/boils on my torso and legs, extreme bloating and rectal bleeding (led to an emergency colonoscopy), and general anxiety, which led to a burst blood vessel in my eye. I explained all of this to my longstanding and trusted Rheumy, and he didn't flag any of these as linked with Xeljanz. However, I decided to stop my meds. Within a few weeks, my blood pressure has returned to normal levels, my spots and boils have all cleared, I have no anxiety, chest pains have stopped, and my gut has returned to normal. I can't say for sure they're all linked, but I certainly won't be taking it again."

• Ven...
• February 7, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "On my 5th week, and my pain is gone, however, I had a herpes flare at 4 weeks and it came back a week later. I just realized today that it might be causing severe anxiety, and my husband noticed this because I’m acting paranoid and obsessive. So scary. I have the same problem with prednisone, and it nearly drove me to suicide. My doctor should have known better."