ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms however, they may also cause adverse effects, such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in children and adolescents. In addition, some individuals find their anxiety worsens when taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
The use of stimulants is to treat ADHD and 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 tablets, capsules crystals that are chunky and clear, or a white or brown powder. Large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety and stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and serious side effects like heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This improves the activity and communication of parts of the brain which control executive and attention functions. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Both drugs showed improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The effect lasted for 8 weeks.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the type medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which condition is more detrimental to the quality of life of a person. For example, an individual might experience a lot of anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to keep on top of school or work. These can be very distressing and might cause them to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a particular phobia or panic attack would.
In these cases, it might be best to treat the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a bit longer to work, but the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These medications can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are especially beneficial when a patient is suffering from high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressant drugs are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this group is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less side effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cell more times than it would otherwise. This can increase norepinephrine output which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate protein synthesis.
SSRIs also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first introduced.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. They also have an impact on anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the blood vessels and the heart muscle. adhd and depression medication can reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They can also boost the mood of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in certain people, and those with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping specific points of the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques can help reduce the cortisol hormone which creates anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating a diet that is based on whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can worsen anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched but they are not the most appropriate choice for people who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. These medications can trigger negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to cause anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can aid in improving concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently advised for people who suffer from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is usually a good idea to try and treat the underlying cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD since that will usually reduce anxiety symptoms.
It is quite common for kids with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in a few cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments tackle the root of the issue and decrease ADHD symptoms, which will consequently, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants are often prescribed to people with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Ultimately, the decision of which medication is best for you will be made by your physician. Before recommending a drug, they will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age, in addition to other health issues. It is important to discuss with your doctor about your treatment goals and to stick to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that can be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. adhd without medication include mindfulness meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to suffer from symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both conditions at once. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances like stimulants.