Psychological impact: How illness and medications change mood and what to do

Getting sick or starting a new drug can hit you harder than the physical symptoms. Anxiety, low mood, insomnia, irritability and foggy thinking are common reactions. Sometimes the condition causes stress; sometimes the medicine affects the brain. Spotting patterns early helps you take quick, practical steps that actually work.

First, track changes for at least two weeks. Each day note your mood, sleep length, appetite, energy, and any unusual thoughts. Also mark when a medication starts, stops, or changes dose. A simple timeline makes it easy to show your clinician what really happened, which speeds up fixes.

Medication side effects to watch

Certain drugs are more likely to affect mood. Antipsychotics such as risperidone can cause drowsiness or emotional numbness. Montelukast, used for allergies and asthma, has reports of agitation, vivid dreams, and depressive symptoms in some people. Some antibiotics and pain medicines can cause anxiety or low mood. If you notice a clear change soon after a prescription begins, call your prescriber. Don’t stop meds without guidance, but do ask about alternatives, lower doses, or closer follow up.

What to tell your clinician: say when changes started, how strong they are on a 1 to 10 scale, whether they disrupt daily life, and whether you have thoughts about harming yourself. Bring your timeline and a current list of all prescriptions, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs.

Practical steps that help now

Small routine changes often bring fast relief. Stick to regular sleep and meal times. Move daily, even a short walk counts. Cut back on caffeine and alcohol while mood is unstable. Try one calming habit each day: paced breathing for five minutes, a short stretching routine, or writing down three things you did well. These habits reduce pressure while you sort medical causes.

Seek therapy for support and tools. Cognitive-behavioral therapy or brief problem-solving therapy can change patterns that keep you stuck. Peer support groups — online or local — connect you with people facing similar problems and useful tips.

If you have thoughts of self-harm, severe panic, or feel unable to keep yourself safe, get emergency help now. If changes are severe but not life threatening, ask your doctor for urgent review or ask for a mental health referral within days.

Tips for caregivers: listen without judgment. Help keep a symptom and meds log, attend appointments when allowed, and encourage professional review if you notice changes. Your calm presence reduces isolation and helps find solutions faster.

For more details read condition-specific posts on our site, like thyroid cancer and emotional wellbeing, or medication guides for Risperdal and Singulair to understand risks and options. Early recognition and honest conversations are the quickest route to feeling better.

Keep a contact list of mental health helplines, your prescriber, and a trusted friend. If cost or access is a problem, ask about teletherapy, sliding-scale clinics, or community mental health services — many options make help realistic. Seek help.