ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but it may also cause side-effects such as tics or slight growth decreases in children and adolescents. Some people also notice that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs 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, chunky clear crystals or a white or brown powder. Large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may lead to addiction, serious adverse effects such as heart problems, high pressure and stroke.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They improve the amount of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which tend to be less in people suffering from ADHD. This boosts activity and communication between brain regions that control attention and executive function. This leads to increased control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the effect was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to remember that the type medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which of the conditions has the greatest impact on the quality of life of an individual. An individual may experience many minor crises that create anxiety in a regular manner when they have to rush to make appointments or finish projects at work or school. These can be very distressing and might cause them to be anxious on more of a frequently than the symptoms of a particular phobia or panic attack would.
In these situations it is possible to treat anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are taken orally and can take a long time to work. The most commonly used options are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine, venlafaxine and. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are especially effective for patients who have an elevated or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant drugs are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this category is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more flexible than previous generations of antidepressants, and they are less likely to cause severe side effects.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to remain active and communicate with the post synaptic cell more frequently than would be the case in other circumstances. This can increase the production of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. It can also lead to an increase website in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein production.
Additionally, SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation in some people suffering from ADHD. These drugs can, however, increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake 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 like anxiety and stress. People who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in some individuals, so they should not be used by those suffering from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in conjunction with medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find that tapping specific body parts or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and to avoid sugar as it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
Although stimulants are extremely effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not always the best option for those with anxiety disorders and ADHD. These medications can trigger side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise blood pressure or heart rate, and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often advised for people who suffer from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is usually a good idea to try and address the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD because it can help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
It is common for children with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in a few instances, anxiety may be caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are usually the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this scenario. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants may also be prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of the right medication for you will be determined by your doctor. They will take a look at your lifestyle, symptoms and age, as well as other health issues before suggesting any medication. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and stick to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health goals, there are a variety of treatments that could be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness, meditation, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants are.