ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but they can cause side effects like tics or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. Additionally, some people have anxiety issues while 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. 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 can result in over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can lead to addiction, serious adverse effects such as heart problems stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
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 communication and activity between parts of the brain that regulate the executive and attention functions. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both drugs improved anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefits was evident for eight weeks.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the kind of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which of the conditions has the greatest impact on a person’s quality of living. For instance, a person might be prone to frequent anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis when they have to schedule appointments or to stay on top of school or work. These can be very distressing and can cause them to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these cases the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be used together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are especially effective for patients who have a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressants are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are a bit more flexible than previous versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and less dangerous side effects.
The SSRIs block serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to stay active and communicate with the post synaptic cells more than would be the case in other circumstances. This can increase norepinephrine output, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It could also result in increased levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in people suffering from ADHD. However, these medications can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behavior in certain individuals. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may influence anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They can also improve the mood of some individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some people therefore they should not be used by anyone with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medication and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find that tapping specific body parts or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can increase anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
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 medications may cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
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 increase heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also shown that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also improve moods and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually best to treat anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is common for children with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the problem.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to alleviate 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. Before recommending a medication, they will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age, along get more info with other health conditions. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and adhere to a daily routine while taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health objectives, there are additional treatment options that can be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled substances like stimulants.