ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but they can also cause side-effects such as tics or minor growth reductions in children and adolescents. Some people also find that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (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 capsules, tablets crystals that are chunky and clear, or a white or brown powder. Massive doses of stimulants may create over-stimulation and cause anxiety stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can result in addiction and serious side effects like heart problems high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
These medicines have also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This boosts activity and communication between parts of the brain that control the executive and attention functions. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the kind of medication that may be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could come down to which condition has a larger impact on the quality of life of a person. For instance, someone might be prone to frequent anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to keep on top of their work or school. These can be extremely stressful and cause people to be anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these situations antidepressants or SSRIs are the best option to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are taken orally and can take a long time to begin working. The most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These are often taken as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are particularly beneficial if a patient has high blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this class, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also able to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more adaptable and have less adverse effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell more times than it would normally. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It can also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein production.
Additionally, SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce the agitation of some people with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behaviors in some individuals. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first started.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also affect anxiety. They can improve the function of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They also can improve the mood of some people suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some individuals therefore they should not be used by those suffering from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people have found that tapping on specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques can help reduce the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, since it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
Although stimulants are extremely effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively but they are not always the best option for those with anxiety disorders and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause side effects such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant drugs are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to improve anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for people with co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is often best to address the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
In some cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will tackle the root of the issue and reduce ADHD symptoms which, in turn, reduce the anxiety.
adhd anxiety medication are often prescribed to those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately determine which medication is most suitable for you. Before recommending a drug, they will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age, along with other health issues. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and adhere to a daily routine while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that may also be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness, meditation yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications like bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.