ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders can be associated with ADHD. Anxiety can lead to restlessness, irritability and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms However, they can cause side effects such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in children and adolescents. Many people also experience their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
The use of stimulants is to treat ADHD and Narcolepsy. medication for adult adhd are also popular among recreational drug users as stimulants and performance-enhancing substances because of their ability to increase energy, alertness and focus. You can find them in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They can also be found in brown or white dust. The use of large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. The long-term use of stimulants could cause addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This boosts activity and communication between parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive function. This results in an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both drugs have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefits continued for 8 weeks.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the type of medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which condition is more detrimental to the quality of life of an individual. For example, an individual might experience a lot of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis while they rush to make appointments or try to keep on top of projects for work or school. These can be extremely stressful and can cause them to feel anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these cases antidepressants or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are taken orally and may take a while to work. The most commonly used choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs), such as duloxetine, venlafaxine and. These drugs can be utilized in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are especially effective for patients who have a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressants, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. They are more versatile than the earlier generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer dangerous side effects.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to remain active and to signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can boost the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.
SSRIs also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in people with ADHD. These medications can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can influence anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of heart muscle and blood vessels, which may decrease anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some people therefore they are not recommended for those with high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness techniques 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, or Emotional Freedom Techniques can help lower the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not the best option for those who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines 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 suffer anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine improved anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for those suffering from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is usually recommended to investigate and treat the underlying anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD because that will usually reduce anxiety symptoms.
It is very common for kids with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are typically the most effective treatments for anxiety in this type of situation. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.
Antidepressants are often prescribed for those 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.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is best for you. Before recommending a drug, they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health conditions. It is essential to discuss with your doctor about your treatment goals and to stick to a daily routine while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are other treatments that could be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep, nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He usually prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.