ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but they can cause side effects like tics or small growth reductions in children and adolescents. Some people also notice that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medication.
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 the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available in white or brown dust. The use of large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can lead to addiction, serious adverse effects, such as heart issues high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They help by boosting brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This increases activity and communication between parts of the brain that control executive and attention. This leads to improved impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen from the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to remember that the type of medication that is best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which condition is more affecting the quality of life of an individual. One may experience numerous small-scale crises that cause anxiety in a regular manner as they rush to make appointments or keep up with tasks at school or at work. These can be distressing and can cause anxiety more frequently than the symptoms of panic attacks or anxiety.
In these instances, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven to be effective at the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. These are taken orally, and can take a long time to begin working. The most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) which include duloxetine, venlafaxine and. They can be used as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are especially useful when a patient is suffering from high blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressants, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this class, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have less side negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to remain active and signal the post synaptic cells more than would be the case in other circumstances. This can increase norepinephrine output which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.
Additionally, SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first started.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can influence anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which could reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They can also enhance the mood of people suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs could cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and those who suffer from high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in addition to medication. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people have found that tapping on certain points on the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone which creates anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied however they are not the best option for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can cause adverse effects like increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
adhd medication side effects -stimulant medications are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. It has also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often advised for people who suffer from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and decrease anxiety symptoms. It is often a good idea to try and address the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD, as it will typically make anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some instances 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 and psychostimulants. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants are often prescribed to people with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is best for you will be made by your physician. They will take a look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health conditions before recommending any medication. It is important to discuss with your doctor about your treatment goals and to stick to a daily routine when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to suffer from symptoms of ADHD Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both disorders simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD before turning to non-stimulant drugs like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.