Symptoms of anxiety occur when the brain overreacts to stress; however, the exact cause for the overreaction is not known. This overreaction causes the brain to release chemicals that cause anxiety. Treatment has focused on methods that prevent the brain form releasing these chemicals. Stimulants that cause the brain to release these chemicals can also produce symptoms of anxiety.

Stimulants that can trigger anxiety include:

• Caffeine
• Cocaine
• Cold medications
• Diet medications
• Nicotine