Agitation: what it looks like, what causes it, and what to do now
Feeling wired, restless, or suddenly short-tempered? That’s agitation — a state where your body and mind won’t settle. It can come on quickly or build over days, and it’s often a clue that something else is going on. You don’t need to panic, but knowing the likely causes and practical steps to calm down helps a lot.
Agitation shows up as pacing, racing thoughts, irritability, trouble sleeping, or feeling keyed up. Sometimes people act impulsively, snap at others, or have trouble concentrating. Physical signs include a fast heart rate, sweating, or shaky hands. Those symptoms can come from many things, so the next move should be sensible and targeted.
Common causes you should check
Start by looking at obvious triggers: lack of sleep, too much caffeine, alcohol or drug withdrawal, or high stress. Medical issues also cause agitation — infections, low blood sugar, thyroid problems, or lack of oxygen. Medications are a big cause and worth reviewing: some people get agitation or mood changes after starting or changing doses of drugs such as montelukast (Singulair), some antidepressants or SNRIs, tricyclics like amitriptyline, certain anti-seizure meds (levetiracetam can cause irritability for some), steroids, and stimulants. Stopping benzodiazepines or alcohol suddenly can also produce severe agitation.
Drug interactions and combined effects matter too. If you’ve started a new med, increased a dose, or mixed prescriptions and over-the-counter pills, tell your clinician — small changes can trigger big reactions.
Practical steps to calm agitation now
Do these first: find a quiet spot, slow your breathing (4 seconds in, 6 seconds out), sip water, and remove bright lights or loud noise. Lower caffeine and sugar for the day. Use grounding techniques — name five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear. Text or call someone calm and say you need a few minutes of distraction. If sleep is the issue, try a short nap or read something soothing; don’t reach for extra alcohol or unprescribed sedatives.
If agitation is linked to medicine, don’t stop drugs abruptly unless a clinician tells you to. Instead, make an appointment, bring a full list of current meds, and note exactly when symptoms started. A doctor can suggest dose changes, safer alternatives, or short-term strategies while you adjust.
Get urgent help if agitation includes threats of hurting yourself or others, extreme confusion, chest pain, fainting, or very fast breathing and heart rate. Those signs need immediate medical attention.
This tag page collects practical articles about drug side effects, mood changes, and safer alternatives. Read pieces like the Singulair overview, the amitriptyline guide, and the levetiracetam article to learn which meds can cause agitation and what you can do about it. If you’re unsure, a quick call to your prescriber or pharmacist can clear things up and keep you safe.
In my recent exploration of the connection between agitation and anxiety, I've come to better understand just how intertwined these two emotions can be. Agitation often serves as a physical manifestation of anxiety, making it difficult for individuals to relax or feel at ease. This can create a vicious cycle, as the more agitated we become, the more anxious we may feel. It's important to recognize this link in order to effectively manage and reduce the impact of these emotions in our daily lives. By practicing mindfulness and other self-care techniques, we can begin to break the cycle and find a sense of calm amidst the chaos.
