Does Zofran Help With Anxiety?

Regardless of the reason for your anxiety, there are many ways to find relief. One common way relief is acquired is by medication. Some medications may work better than others, one that may be used sometimes is Zofran, but does Zofran help with anxiety?

The only way to find out what treatment works for you is to partner with your doctor. With their knowledge of medicine and your history, they can create a treatment plan just for you. Deciding on a course of action on your own can have severe consequences.

When it comes to certain mental illnesses, anti-nausea medication, Zofran, has found some success. However, this drug can also make other conditions worse. Adverse interactions and side effects are why you must work together with your doctor to find what is best for you.

Bipolar Disorder

The mental health condition that has the most success with Zofran treatment is bipolar disorder. Previously known as manic depression, this mood disorder can cause problems in daily life. Unpredictable emotional lows and highs are the main symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar I

Episodes of mania lasting at least seven days with bouts of depression that last up to two weeks
A mix of mania and depression is possible
Severe symptoms may require care at the hospital immediately

Bipolar II

Cycles between hypomanic and depressive episodes
Lacks the same intense manic episodes of Bipolar I

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Mania
Decreased need for sleep
Feeling irritable or elated
Appetite loss
Racing thoughts
Unusual feelings of power or importance
The belief of the ability to do everything at once
Fast-talking about multiple topics
Wired or jumpy feeling
Hypomania
- A less intense form of mania
- Sudden ability to keep up with daily life
- Feeling good enough to get things done
Depression
- Increased appetite and subsequent weight gain
- Feelings of worthlessness, thoughts of suicide or death
- Empty feeling or hopelessness
- Slow talking and forgetfulness
- Indecisiveness
- Feeling unable to do mundane things
- Decreased interest in hobbies or sex
- Sleeping too much
- Restless feeling

Zofran may work for bipolar disorder but can increase some feelings of anxiety. Also, this drug has the ability cause serotonin toxicity. It is essential to inform your doctor of all medication you take.

This severe psychological reaction and allergic response, are both rare, but knowing about them is critical. If you experience any symptoms, such as swelling, hallucinations, or breathing problems, you must immediately find medical help. Ensure you take Zofran as directed by medical professional to help prevent overdose or withdrawal symptoms.

What is Zofran?

Most used as an anti-nausea treatment in chemotherapy patients, Zofran is known for its almost immediate relief of nausea and vomiting. By blocking certain chemicals that trigger nausea, it can work to prevent any further discomfort. Even though it is quite successful, there are factors to consider that may impact its efficacy.

Risk Factors

Use of apomorphine
Liver disease
Slow heartbeats or congestive heart failure
Zofran, Granisetron, Dolasetron, or Palonosetron allergy
Imbalance of electrolytes
Digestive tract blockage
Family or personal history of long QT syndrome

If any of the above risk factors apply to you, your doctor needs to know. The presence of an allergy or the use of apomorphine prevents you from being able to take this medication safely. Your doctor will know how to help you in this case, whether it be changing your current medication or considering other options.

Side effects are possible, but most are relatively common and not cause for concern. However, some of these side effects may need immediate medical attention. It is always essential to know the possible extreme side effects of any medication that you take.

Zofran Side Effects

Tiredness
Headache
Constipation or diarrhea
Drowsiness
Serious side effects
Temporary vision loss or blurred vision
Can last from a few minutes to a few hours
Pounding or fast heartbeat
Headache accompanied by fainting, dizziness, and chest pain
Severe stomach pain, bloating, or constipation
High serotonin levels
- Fever
- Nausea
- Agitation
- Overactive reflexes
- Loss of coordination
- Hallucinations
- Vomiting
- Fainting
- Fast heart rate
Jaundice

Other less common side effects can occur, but these are the most mentioned or potentially dangerous. Any sign of an allergic reaction or serotonin toxicity requires immediate attention. The best way to avoid it is to inform your doctor of everything that you take.

Heart rhythm medications, antipsychotics, cancer treatment, HIV or AIDS drugs, antibiotics, malaria drugs, and antipsychotics can potentially cause adverse reactions when taken with Zofran. Certain ones of these medications can make your body produce too much serotonin, which can be fatal.

Zofran for Anxiety Disorders

When it comes to anxiety disorders, there is not much research to reach a consensus. A few studies found promising signs of its ability to help alleviate symptoms. However, there is also evidence of the contrary.

Zofran works by antagonizing serotonin receptors in the brain. This interaction can be good or bad, depending on how your body translates it. Zofran is not a conventional treatment for anxiety, and you should always speak with your doctor before taking anything.

Conclusion

Since one of the symptoms of serotonin toxicity is a fast heartbeat, it is a definite potential trigger for anxiety. In the case of Zofran, it is incredibly important to have an unbroken line of communication with your doctor if an unexpected reaction occurs. There is no way to be sure how a drug will work with your body or work at all.

In rare cases, Zofran may help to alleviate anxiety from anxiety disorders. It may also help with anxiety-related nausea, which can break any cycle the feelings caused. However, it is up to your doctor to decide if it will benefit you, primarily due to the potentially severe complications that may arise.