ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to restlessness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but they can cause adverse effects, such as tics or small growth reductions in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the condition known as narcolepsy. They are also popular among recreational drug users as stimulants and performance-enhancing substances because of their ability to increase energy, alertness and focus. They are available in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available as a brown or white dust. Large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety and panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
These medications are also proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They improve the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine which are typically less in people suffering from ADHD. This improves the activity and communication of parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive functions. This leads to an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Both drugs showed improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The effect was evident for eight weeks.
It is important to keep in mind that the kind of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which condition has a larger impact on the quality of life of a person. For instance, a person might experience a lot of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis when they have to schedule appointments or to stay on top of their school or work. These can be extremely stressful and can cause them to be anxious on more of a frequently than the symptoms of a particular phobia or panic attack would.
In these cases the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven to be effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and may take a while to take effect. The most popular options are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) which include duloxetine, venlafaxine and. They can be used alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly beneficial if a patient has an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressant medications, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this category is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more versatile than the earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they are less likely to cause severe side effects.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse to remain active and signal the post synaptic cells more than would be the case in other circumstances. This can increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation in some people with ADHD. These drugs can, however, increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts among some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also impact anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can help reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. Certain people who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. SNRIs may cause blood pressure to increase in certain people, and those who suffer from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should stay clear of them.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed check here in addition to medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find that tapping on specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps lower the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medicines
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied but they are not the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. These medications can cause adverse effects like jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase the heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can improve concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also proven that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in helping with anxiety is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually advised for people who suffer from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is generally a good idea to try and treat the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD, as that will usually help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
In certain cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are typically the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this scenario. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the problem.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed to those suffering from coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately determine which medication is right for you. They will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age and other health conditions prior to recommending any medication. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and to adhere to a daily routine when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness, meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to develop symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at once. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances as stimulants are.