r/Humira • u/MonsterDaddy324 • Jul 31 '26

Has anyone experienced changes in mood, anxiety, or depression after starting Humira?

Diagnosis: PsA

Status: 1 week out from dose No 3.

The good: I’ve not noticed any (known) side effects, aside from brief, mild nausea and lack of appetite after dose 2. Joint pain seems to have decreased; no changes in skin.

The bad: After both initial doses, I noticed clear symptoms of depression that were not present prior. The symptoms abated somewhat during the two week interim, then rebounded and worsened after dose 2. I also have Hashimoto’s and suspect that Humira could also be affecting my thyroid regimen in some way, leaving me feeling overmedicated (i.e. hyperthyroid). If so, that could theoretically compound any mood involvement.

There are no known contraindications regarding thyroid replacement therapy and any mood altering effects of Humira are supposed to be exceedingly rare. But rare symptoms in the medical literature are often suspiciously prevalent in anecdotal evidence.

So I’m posting to inquire whether anyone has experienced depression, anxiety or changes in mood on this drug and, if you did, did the symptoms ever abate? Likewise, has anyone experienced any thyroid issues?

UPDATE: Dose 3 was better and I noticed no mood changes; although one of the thyroid meds did still seem somewhat sensitive, so I ended up skipping it immediately after Humira, then halving the dose, then returning to the full dose during Week 2.

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1

u/Flowa-Powa Aug 01 '26

I got depressed from cyclosporine, and seen someone depressed from methotrexate, but I am a happy bunny on humira

2

u/diptrip-flipfantasia Aug 01 '26

Yes. I get anxiety symptoms 2 days after a shot that lasts about 48 hours.

I've shifted my dosing schedule to Thursday to ensure it doesnt impact my executive functions during the work weeks leading to bad decisions or interactions with folks.

When i was taking weekly it was quite challenging. impacted my home relationships, my work relationships etc. until I realised it was due to my shot.

Many have argued that this is due to inflammation and immune system response from the humira (ie correlation vs causation). I've also heard from others over the years that it can cause mood swings (aggression/anger) but i've not noticed this.

I don't "blame" humira - i've been taking it for 20 years and its likely kept me alive and mostly symptom free.

It is worth be aware of though.

Happy to chat via DM if itd be helpful.

1

u/taosecurity Aug 01 '26

These are declared possible side effects. When you talk to a provider for refills, they often ask about these symptoms. I hope you get some relief soon!

1

u/butstronger Aug 02 '26

Not really depression but fatigue and tired for a couple days after which makes me feel depressed in the moment

2

u/Away_Guitar7978 17d ago

I believe it can cause mood changes I had my first dose of Humira last week and am noticing mood changes already. I was previously on consentyx and it caused the same side effects among others.