Many drugs (including barbiturates, anticonvulsants, and
sulfonamide antibiotics) can bring on an attack. A rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, urinary retention, insomnia, tremors, seizures and restlessness are also common during attacks. Mental symptoms are common, from irritation, restlessness, insomnia, and agitation to tiredness and depression.
Laboratory tests done on samples of urine taken during an attack show increased levels of two heme precursors.