Is Zofran Good for Anxiety?

Anxiety is a mental disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. Although it has many causes, it can often start without any reason. Thankfully, people with anxiety attacks find relief through various things, including medication. One medication that may be used to offer relief is Zofran. But does it really help?

 

Before starting any medication, it is advisable to consult your doctor to know whether the treatment will work for you. You can take advantage of their knowledge to get the right medicine for your condition. Please note that deciding to use medication on your own can have serious consequences.

Zofran has been proven effective in treating certain mental illnesses. But, experts say that it can worsen other conditions. Like any other drug, it can produce side effects and adverse interactions. For this reason, working with your doctor on the best course of action is crucial.

 

What Is Zofran?

 

Zofran, known as Ondansetron, is an antiemetic drug used for treating nausea in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Many people report immediate relief from nausea and vomiting after taking this drug. It works by blocking chemicals that cause nausea and vomiting. In some cases, it might prevent future discomfort. While this medicine is successful, various things may affect its efficiency.

 

You need to let your doctor know whether you have a history of long QT syndrome, digestive tract blockage, electrolyte imbalance, allergy to this drug, liver disease, congestive heart failure, slow heartbeats and use of apomorphine. Using apomorphine or being allergic might be unsafe in some patients. In that case, discuss with your doctor the way forward.

 

Is Zofran Good for Anxiety?

 

There is still limited research on whether this drug can be used to treat anxiety. Some studies say that it might help alleviate some symptoms. But other studies do not encourage the use of this drug for anxiety. Those in favor of Zofran for anxiety argue that the medication antagonizes serotonin receptors. But this can be good or bad, depending on how your brain will interpret it.

 

To understand why it may or may not work for you, you need to understand how anxiety occurs. The condition is caused when the part of the brain called the amygdala overdrives due to primarily irrational fear. So to treat the disease, doctors aim at retraining this part of the brain. Bear in mind that the amygdala is designed to perceive threats, which cause emotions of fear in people with anxiety.

 

Now, when you take Zofran, it may make your mind perceive events as less stressful. But this isn’t always the case for everyone. However, there is no issue trying it, provided you talk to your doctor about it and avoid using it as a long-term solution. But we should say that the drug might be more helpful in treating nausea caused by anxiety and not the disease itself.

 

What Other Mental Disease Does Zofran Treat?

 

This medicine is mostly successful in treating bipolar disorder. It is a mood disorder that can affect a person’s quality of life. People with bipolar report feeling sudden, unpredictable changes in their emotions. There are two types of bipolar disorder; I and II.

 

Bipolar II doesn’t produce the same intensity of symptoms as I, but patients may experience varying episodes of hypomania and depression. In bipolar I, patients report experiencing episodes of mania mixed up with depression. The symptoms may be so severe needing immediate medical intervention.

 

Generally, people with bipolar suffer from the following symptoms, regardless of the type;

 

• Depression

 

• Increased appetite and weight gain

 

• Feeling unworthy and having suicidal thoughts

 

• Feeling hopeless and empty

 

• Feeling good to do things

 

• Racing thoughts

 

• Loss of appetite

 

• Intense mania form

 

• Feeling wired or jumpy

 

• Talking fast about several topics

 

• Feeling like you want to do everything at once

 

• Restlessness, indecisiveness and forgetfulness

 

While Zofran can help reduce symptoms, it may increase anxiety in some people. The medicine is also said to cause serotonin toxicity, which is why you need to talk to your doctor before taking it. Zofran can also cause an allergic response and psychological reactions, but this is rare. However, it’s essential to know about them to act fast. Please seek immediate medical attention if you develop breathing problems, hallucinations and swelling after taking this medicine.

 

What Are the Side Effects of Zofran?

 

After taking this drug, you may experience dizziness, headaches, tiredness, drowsiness or constipation. However, these are usually mild and go away on their own. But, please call your doctor if they get worse or persist. Remember that your doctor prescribed you this medicine after judging that its benefits are greater than the side effects.

 

Many people do not experience severe side effects. But some report stomach pain, vision changes, muscle spasms, chest pain, changes in the heartbeat, and fainting. Please get medical attention promptly if you are experiencing these effects.

 

What to Know When Taking Zofran?

 

Regardless of what you are treating, sticking to the recommended dose is essential. Overdose and withdrawal symptoms have been reported. So, please do not go past your doctor’s recommendation. Additionally, if using it as a dissolvable tablet, ensure that your hands are clean and dry, peel the foil backing to get the drug and place it on the tongue. After it dissolves, swallow with saliva.

 

Please do not take more than 8 mg if you have severe liver issues. Additionally, you need to take it at the scheduled times and follow the directions of your prescription. Since the medication can cause dizziness, we recommend you avoid operating machinery, driving or doing other dangerous activities until the effects subside.

 

How Much is Zofran?

 

Since the medication is available as generic, you may find it at a lower price than when buying the brand version. If you don’t have a particular reason for buying the brand version, you’ll get better value from the generic one. Plus, it will be much cheaper. Some online stores even sell it at a fraction of the retail price.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Some doctors might recommend using Zofran for anxiety. But, the effects might not always be positive as it depends on how a user’s brain interprets the drug. If you are using it or plan on using it, it’s crucial to be in touch with your doctor. This way, should anything out of the ordinary happen, your doctor will know how to help you.

 

In conclusion, some people may benefit from Zofran. However, let your doctor decide if this treatment is the best course of action for you.

 

References

 

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-30/zofran-oral/details

 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29995744/

 

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder