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Does Azithromycin Cause Severe Anxiety?
Question: I have been taking long term azithromycin for sinus inflammation/infection for around two months now. I find that this antibiotic has been giving me terrible anxiety.
I have seen on the internet that anxiety is a side effect of azithromycin, however some doctors tell me that it is NOT side effect of the antibiotic and that the anxiety is being caused by me worrying about my illness, and others say that it is, but it is in rare cases.
I was hoping to get a little bit more information, as I have been experiencing terrible anxiety from this.
Thanks
I have seen on the internet that anxiety is a side effect of azithromycin, however some doctors tell me that it is NOT side effect of the antibiotic and that the anxiety is being caused by me worrying about my illness, and others say that it is, but it is in rare cases.
I was hoping to get a little bit more information, as I have been experiencing terrible anxiety from this.
Thanks
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thank you for your premium question.
I have reviewed all of your past questions on this website and I feel I have a good picture of your medical history. I'm sorry you have been having anxiety and panic issues for the last two months. Let me give you my thoughts on this issue.
Azithromycin has been noted to have anxiety as a side effect. However, this has only been observed in less than 1% of people who take it. This means that over 99% of people who take this medication do not experience anxiety related to the medication. While possible, the odds of this being the case for you are very, very low. I think it is more likely the anxiety and panic is a separate issue.
You are in a prime age group for the emergence of anxiety and panic disorders. This alone makes it more likely that your issues are psychiatric rather than related to azithromycin. In any event, the good news is these disorders are very treatable. SSRI antidepressants like Lexapro, Zoloft, and Prozac are highly effective in stopping panic attacks and managing anxiety.
If you are interested in exploring the potential causes and reasons you might be having anxiety, and to give me more information to diagnose you properly, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thank you for your premium question.
I have reviewed all of your past questions on this website and I feel I have a good picture of your medical history. I'm sorry you have been having anxiety and panic issues for the last two months. Let me give you my thoughts on this issue.
Azithromycin has been noted to have anxiety as a side effect. However, this has only been observed in less than 1% of people who take it. This means that over 99% of people who take this medication do not experience anxiety related to the medication. While possible, the odds of this being the case for you are very, very low. I think it is more likely the anxiety and panic is a separate issue.
You are in a prime age group for the emergence of anxiety and panic disorders. This alone makes it more likely that your issues are psychiatric rather than related to azithromycin. In any event, the good news is these disorders are very treatable. SSRI antidepressants like Lexapro, Zoloft, and Prozac are highly effective in stopping panic attacks and managing anxiety.
If you are interested in exploring the potential causes and reasons you might be having anxiety, and to give me more information to diagnose you properly, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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