Managing anxiety with myasthenia gravis (MG) requires some careful consideration, since certain medications can worsen muscle weakness. The good news is there are some antidepressants generally considered safer for people with MG that can also help with anxiety.
Here are some options that tend to be better tolerated:
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Managing anxiety with myasthenia gravis (MG) requires some careful consideration, since certain medications can worsen muscle weakness. The good news is there are some antidepressants generally considered safer for people with MG that can also help with anxiety.
Here are some options that tend to be better tolerated:
- Fluoxetine (Prozac) — an SSRI that's commonly used for both anxiety and depression, and is generally well-tolerated in most people with MG
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin) — works differently than SSRIs and may also help with fatigue and low energy, which are common MG symptoms
- Sertraline (Zoloft) — another SSRI considered relatively safer for MG; also available in liquid form, which can help if swallowing is difficult
- Escitalopram (Lexapro) — an SSRI shown in a small study to carry lower risk for people with MG, and is often prescribed for anxiety disorders It's equally important to know what to avoid. Some antidepressants can make MG symptoms worse:
- Certain tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like amitriptyline and imipramine can increase muscle weakness and fatigue
- Lithium has been reported to worsen MG symptoms and should be used with extreme caution or avoided altogether
Always talk to your MG specialist before starting any new medication. Make sure your full medication list — including any supplements — is shared with your neurologist and pharmacist to avoid harmful interactions.
May 17
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