**Agitation can be serious, especially when you also have sudden confusion or trouble staying alert.**
You may feel restless, tense, or irritable during stress without having a serious illness. Medicines, infections, pain, and alcohol or drug withdrawal can also cause agitation. A clinician should assess symptoms that are severe, persistent, or unexplained. For mild symptoms, a quiet setting, regular sleep, and less caffeine may help.
When agitation needs a doctor
Common questions
Is Agitation serious?
Agitation is not always serious, but its cause and accompanying symptoms matter. You may feel tense or restless from stress, pain, or too much caffeine. Medicines, infections, and alcohol or drug withdrawal can also cause it. Get immediate medical care if you develop sudden confusion or reduced alertness. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger of harming yourself or someone else. Contact a clinician if your agitation is severe, persists, or comes with unexplained symptoms. For mild agitation, try a quiet space, regular sleep, and less caffeine.