I am wondering if B Complex vitamins can cause someone with anxiety and panic disorders to actually get increased symptoms from this? Along with having the anxiety disorders, I am also B12 deficient, so I take a B12 Vitamin every day. I found a new B12 that I wanted to try, but it also has Super B Complex in it. I took it for 4 days and my anxiety and panic levels shot through the roof, and made me have heart palpitations. This did not happen to me when I took the Vitamin B12 alone. I'm wondering if this has anything to do with adding in the B Complex since it didn't start until I added that in? I have not taken the vitamins for 2 days now, and it seems to be getting a little better, but how long will it take for the jitters and stuff to go away now? It feels like my anxiety med is not even working right now, that's how bad it is!
Can Super B Complex cause increased anxiety and panic attacks?
Question posted by Foxxii on 21 Jan 2014
Last updated on 20 November 2024
Just wanted to update quick: As I was searching for the answer to this question on the web last night, I came across this post by someone and copied it. Hopefully it will help some other "unsuspecting" person that suffers from anxiety disorders, that thinks "Oh, it's just a vitamin, it can't hurt."
"Certain vitamins such as B-complex are stimulatory and will cause anxiety and even panic attacks in some people. Minerals such as copper, manganese and others are also stimulatory. Certain herbs such as ginseng and eluthero are also somewhat stimulatory and can cause anxiety. Be careful with supplements, as they are not all benign."
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
98 Answers Page 5
Wow, I sure had the same experience when adding a super b to my supplements after quitting tramadol a month ago.
Anxiety and some lethargy are my last remaining symptoms and initially I threw the herbal, amino acid and supplement book at them. My system is hyper sensitive right now and I found even low doses of b vitamins, dpa, rhodiola, cumin seed oil and even small amounts of coffee made me really anxious. I am down to liquid magnesium and theanine both twice a day, good food and some type of daily excersize.
I can feel the slow improvement in symptoms now and am letting the healing follow natures course.
I am a CNA and I had experience this very same thing. I didn't think so much that it was the vitimans that I was taking. I'm 38 years old and I started taking Magnesium at first and didn't think nothing of it but after a week or so I had an anxiety attack. It really scared me as I haven't had one in almost 15 yrs so I was really confused. So I stopped and I decided MYSELF to try the Stress B complex pill and for the first 3 days I was ok. But I woke up and my legs was jumping and I was shaking and heart was like I was on a roller coaster ride. I was cold and confused and didn't want to eat anything and I immediately started drinking water to try and flush out my system. After a day of doing that and I'm still drinking I am feeling much better. I hate having anxiety and it can cause you to spiral into depression not knowing when it'll come. I think if you have any spiritual guidance to stuck with just that.
The body is designed to heal itself when we alternate things inside I honestly think that knocks us off balance. Eat right as possible and exercise. Always find and keep in mind your happy place. I hope we all feel better you guys!
One month ago I started a b100 complex, and about a week later I had what I'd call a "stress reaction" to something... but the stress wouldn't go away, it kept building. It kept getting worse until I ended up in the hospital. Obviously the doctors had no clue what was going on and after a heart scan and blood tests that came back normal, they released me. I've never been in worse shape in my life, not even close.
So I went to see a Chinese doctor who told me I need to cut out vitamin B6 specifically, which got my thinking about the b100 complex. I stopped the next day. That was Thursday, and now by Saturday a lot of those symptoms have gone away. Now the biggest problem is the absolute nausea and sickness I feel. Still shaking a bit here and there, and some big anxiety, but probably mostly related to this awful situation. It's like I've been poisoned.
I'm really hoping this clears up soon and I haven't done some kind of damage to myself by taking these things. Worst three weeks of my life by far. I'm still feeling horrid, but it's important that people who have this kind of reaction are not alone. It's like a sensitivity or an allergy.
Watch out for folate too. (or synthetic version of it- folic acid). It can produce anxiety and heart palps in sensitive people. Folate consists of glutamate chains (excitatory neurotransmitter) that can break down to release those glutamate molecules into your system.
For me, all B vitamins produce anxiety and heart palps. I've tried them all individually. Recently I tried to divide my 100 mg cap of B6 into two caps (50 mg each) and it also produced anxiety. Dividing it again is a bit tricky coz it's in a capsule form but I might try it nevertheless to see how much I can safely take. Folate produces mega anxiety for me, especially in combination with B12.
Hi, I realise this is an old thread but thought I would add my two cents... I haven't read anyone addressing the methylation issues, i.e. Which B12? Methylcobalamin, cyancobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, adenocobalamin?? These are ALL B12's, and if you have a MTHFR gene mutation, you may react to methylated supps including methyl folate. Too much methyl folate/ B12 gives me palpitations,anxiety and even hallucinations !!! Switching from methyl's to a B Complex WITH B12 hydroxocobalin and Folinic acid (instead of methyl folate/folic acid) was the answer to everything including weight loss, energy, better sleep etc. So you need to check you don't have MTHFR or any other gene mutation before taking incorrect sups for your body. Good luck
Queen 1, thank you for your input! This is a very interesting subject. I thought those with MTHFR mutation were lacking in methylfolate and needed to take that form. I definitely need to research this more.
I have had an anxiety/neurotic problem for a couple years. I was getting better recently this summer and I only had minimal annoying anxiety at any given time. In the middle of July this year, I decided to try a vitateen thinking the B vitamins would even better improve my cognition and energy. That night, I started feeling extreme anxiety symptoms and weird fluids rush through my body and started having weird compulsive thoughts. That was the only time I took a vitateen this summer, and only after did my anxiety get a lot worse . I had taken vitateen the previous year, and my anxiety got worse than too, so I stopped taking them, and after a few months decided to try one recently, and I felt worse again. I know now not to take the chance.
With Vitamin B complex it is very rare that it would make your anxiety or stress go up this is why they use this so much in stress clinics, Stop smoking clinics, Pain clinics is it has helped many people get through the hardest part of withdrawals. As far as the Niacin all you might fell is a bit of tingling just don't get into looking for it or you sure find things. You might try and take it with some food and see how that works. Best of luck
Chuck1957, side effects of B complex are well documented and include depression, anxiety and anger among others. Folates of any kind (B9) in high doses are known to produce anxiety, especially in people who are already depressed or people that are bi-polar due to the fact that folates are comprised of numerous glutamic acids conjugates and a lot of people have trouble metabolising glutamates (excitatory neurotransmitter) already. Too much B6 is know to produce anger and hostility, B12 can also be quite excitatory for many people. As can B1, B2, B3, B7. People with certain genetic polymorphisms that have different pathways impaired are unable to properly break-down, metabolize, convert, excrete certain substances. There are no two people who would react the same way to the same substance, especially in higher doses as a lot of B complexes are these days.
From webmd.com
The following side effects are associated with VITAMIN B Complex capsule:
Common side effects of VITAMIN B Complex capsule:
Black Stools
Constipation
Diarrhea
Feel Like Throwing Up
Intense Abdominal Pain
Rare side effects of VITAMIN B Complex capsule:
Bronchospasm
Confused
Depression
Easily Angered Or Annoyed
Feel Like Throwing Up
Gas
Itching
Loss Of Appetite
Not Feeling Well
Over Excitement
Rash
Redness Of Skin
Sleep Disorder
Swelling Of The Abdomen
Taste Problems
This has happened to me. I started taking vitamin b complex just over a week ago never suffered with anxiety or panic attacks until 2 days after taking them. Since then I’ve been plagued with shakiness that seems to come from inside my body, I feel panicked, I haven’t slept in 3 days and wake up shaking. So yes vidtamin b complex can cause undesirable side effects. It’s been 4 days now since I took my last dose and still feeling pretty bad. I had a panic attack while driving my son to school because someone cut me up on the road. I’m just so glad I’m not the only one as I’m feeling pretty alone and scared right now as I don’t know how long before I will feel normal again.
Hi. How long did it take for you to feel better? I’m on day 4 and still shaking and anxious. Just looking for some help.
My mother was put on this after having two stents placed. She ended up with severe anxiety, palpitations, with the feeling that she was crawling out of her skin, panic attacks, shortness of breath with exertion and she "felt like she was being poisoned." She had the stents placed in March and felt this miserable until two days ago when she stopped taking the Super B-Complex.
Hi Saundraaussie: I had a problem with multiStress B complex vitamins. They gave me a voracious appetite and stomach pains as well. I quit the B couplex. I still take a vitamin B12 liquid which is administered through a dropper under the tongue ( only way it is properly absorbed by the body, other than injections, which I took for years). I was diagnosed with B12 deficiency and anemia. I also could not tolerate Vit B6- made my stomach burn, even after a meal. Please take your B12 after a meal to avoid the side effects. My B12 is in liquid form, 5000mcg. sublingual daily, taken after a meal. I couldn't tolerate a B Complex.
Since you feel as though your anxiety med is not working right now, you should not take any supplements along with your anxiety meds without notifying your doctor first. Some supplement have an interaction with anti anxiety meds and antidepressants.
Now I understand!! You can welcome me in your club- started taking B- Vitamins as a combo from my nutritionist, but I am feeling really edgy, shakey and anxious! At least I know where it is coming from.I will ask them to give me a good supplement without Vitamin B next time . I shpould have known since I also can't tolerate Ginseng or any Coffee, so I am maybe a bit prone to oversensitive reactions.Well, never mind, will jus wait until it wears off :))
I took a vit B complex for the first time yesterday as I am on B1 and B12 and thought the extras might help. Within an hour I had the shakes, I took a couple of Valium and it calmed slightly, when the shakes came back I thought it might be low blood sugar so I ate something, I then started experiencing tachycardia. I then googled this site and so glad I am not the only one. I haven't experienced this with berrocca.
If you are taking any prescription medications, you should check with your doctor as to whether you can take any of these supplements or not. Some of them have been known to have serious interactions with prescription medications. If I were you, I would not take any more until you discuss these reactions with your doctor.
I read wonderful things about B-vitamins and recently started taking an Organic Vitamin B-Complex supplement to reap the benefits. Within just a day or two I felt my mood drop and started to feel depression creeping into awareness which is the exact opposite of what I was expecting. I have also noticed my heart rate is kicked up a notch, and I have just woken up and found myself swallowing repeatedly in my sleep - maybe this jittery heart activity is making me thirsty even while I'm asleep a full 24 hours later after taking the last one. I am delighted to see this thread (the only one I could find) where you guys seem to be experiencing some of the same side effects. I will stop taking it and let it leave my system, hopefully I settle down again. I'll read more. I also found I am sensitive with vitD - guessing my body doesn't like its hormones being tweaked. Cheers to us getting out of the Stone Age soon.
Taking the Vitamin B complex gave me a voracious appetite. I now only take Vitamin B12, only after my noon meal. If you take it too late, it can keep you awake at night. On an empty stomach, it can make your stomach upset or burn. That has been my experience.
Just because supplements claim to be "natural" doesn't necessarily make them safe! They have to be monitored and reported to your doctor to avoid interactions with your prescription medications.
Yup, happened to me as well a few years back. I forgot why I stopped taking B-Complex but now I remember! I just started taking again this morning and it has put me right on edge! I used to have really bad anxiety, I'm fine now but this is making me worried it will bring it back.
Has anyone had better effects just minimising it to B12?
I can't tell you how many bottles of vitamin B complex I had to throw away through the years! I quit taking them, went back, quit, went back, then finally put 2 and 2 together, and realized I was feeling bad when I took it. And seemed like it was tied to an increase or a return, of my anxiety. Also, I figured out, and am convinced, that it gave me an increased appetite when I doc it.
I am B12 deficient, so I use a liquid B12 by Natures Bounty. You put it under your tongue. After finding this post, I will monitor how I feel now that I started a new bottle of it. I can't take it on an empty stomach.
"doc" should be "took" it. Sorry.
B12 works fine for me, I am also on B1 which is used for a multitude of conditions.
I have seizures and it was suggested that b12 would help with some of the side effects of the seizures and the drugs (FYI a lot of anti seizure drugs are the same drugs given to people who are bi-polar and the side effects on a non bipolar person are to cause them to act bi-polar even though if they are ever able to stop taking the drugs they stop showing the symptoms). I started having an increase in seizures and panic attacks but no one blamed the b12. I stopped the b12 on my own and the seizures stopped. The dr wanted me to start it back up again and within one week I had a seizure so I refuse to take it. In April, they suggested I try b6 to combat some of the side effects of the Keppra I take. I have had 3 mini seizures in the past 7 days after being seizure free since I last took the b12 in January. I am calling the dr tomorrow. I am done with the b6 but I also want a complete blood work screening done to check what my b levels are.
(FYI a regular blood scan doesn't show that. )There is absolutely nothing that ties b vitamins to seizures and on the contrary they say they help prevent them but I know what these two supplements have done to me so please be careful. If your body is telling you this is wrong, please stop. I made the mistake of listening to a neurologist tell me there was nothing wrong with me other than a little migraine after a car accident. Instead I now have brain damage due to two major seizures and take medicine that the side effects are horrible.
I started taking hair, nail, skin vitamins sometime ago approximately 1 month ago. I have never been meds for anxiety but have a very stressful job. One day I was fine. The next day I'm at work and I develop dizziness, palpitations some blurred vision and feeling of impending doom.I figured it was the bullet proof coffee I started to drink so I stopped it and didn't take vitamins either. The next day I forgot to take vitamins. Suffice it to say I started to feel better. However 2 days after that I took the 3 pills of the vitamin with acidophilus, I started taking the pills in the afternoon recently just because. Anyway after taking the pills after lunch, I also had 3 mini KitKat bars. I continued my day, I felt some heralding symptoms of the previous "attack". However it wasn't until 2-3 hours after did symptoms hit full force. It was so scary, I couldn't catch my breath, heart racing, slight full bodytremors, heightened fear.
I went to two ER's got EKG and blood work which were all fine. I felt foolish and helpless because I still felt bad but no answers for my symptoms. Not until I started recounting everything I ingested, then the idea of researching anxiety due to vitamins came to mind. I never thought vitamins could have adverse reactions unless you overdosed. I'm so glad I found this. It has been so helpful. I've been flushing my system since yesterday, today is a bit better. I'm still anxious and definitely feel the palpitations but it is definitely an improvement from last night and the night before. I will continue flushing my system and staying away from any and all supplements for now. I will update with improvements in a few days. I thank God for this thread because I thought I was losing my mind. Pray for me pleaase!! Worst feeling I've ever had
I started taking hair, nail, skin vitamins sometime ago approximately 1 month ago. I have never been meds for anxiety but have a very stressful job. One day I was fine. The next day I'm at work and I develop dizziness, palpitations some blurred vision and feeling of impending doom.I figured it was the bullet proof coffee I started to drink so I stopped it and didn't take vitamins either. The next day I forgot to take vitamins. Suffice it to say I started to feel better. However 2 days after that I took the 3 pills of the vitamin with acidophilus, I started taking the pills in the afternoon recently just because. Anyway after taking the pills after lunch, I also had 3 mini KitKat bars. I continued my day, I felt some herald img symptoms of the previous "attack". However it wasn't until 2-3 hours after did symptoms hit full force. It was so scary, I couldn't catch my breath, heart racing, slight full bodytremors, heightened fear.
I went to two ER's got EKG and blood work which were all fine. I felt foolish and helpless because I still felt bad but no answers for my symptoms. Not until I started recounting everything I ingested, then the idea of researching anxiety due to vitamins came to mind. I never thought vitamins could have adverse reactions unless you overdosed. I'm so glad I found this. It has been so helpful. I've been flushing my system since yesterday, today is a bit better. I'm still packing a little bit and definitely feel the palpitations but it is definitely an improvement from last night and the night before. I will continue flushing my system and staying away from any and all supplements for now. I will update with improvements in a few days. I thank God for this thread because I thought I was losing my mind. Pray for me pleaase!! Worst feeling I've ever had
How are you feeling now? How long did it take to feel normal again? I am praying that these vitamins are the cause of my recent SEVERE panic attacks. I stopped taking then today and am not feeling normal yet but hoping I will feel better soon!
Foxxii Also vitamins should always be taken in the morning and if any stomach upset take it with a piece of toast..To late in the day or at bedtime can cause insomnia. Hope this helps chuck1957
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vitamins, anxiety, panic disorder, multivitamin, disorder, symptom
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