What Causes Anxiety Attacks After Facet Joint Injections?

Posted on Sun, 11 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 11 May 2014 Answered on

Sat, 31 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had 5 facet joint injections and one caudal epidural to treat sciatic type pain. This was almost 4 weeks ago. However in the last week I have experienced major anxiety levels regarding various random health related symptoms . I am also taking 1 25mg amytriptyline tablet in the evening. Is this a side effect of the injection and if so can I make it leave my system quicker.

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Not a side effect of the injection

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your question.

Heightened anxiety following any medical therapy is not unusual and often improves spontaneously given a little time. I would encourage you to see your family doctor and discuss this.

The injections themselves are not to blame and this I not a side effect of the drugs that were injected into your facet joints or spine.

I hope this answers your question

Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T