ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms, but they can also result in side effects like small growth reductions and tics in children and adolescents. Many people also experience their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are used 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. They are available in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They can also be found in brown or white dust. Large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety, panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can lead to addiction, serious side effects like heart problems high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They improve the amount of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine which are typically lower in those with ADHD. This increases activity and communication between brain regions that regulate executive and attention. This results in increased control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the effect was maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the kind of medication that may be best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could come down to which condition has a larger impact on the quality of life of an individual. An individual may experience many mini-crises that cause worry on a regular schedule when they have to rush to make appointments or keep up with tasks at school or at work. They can be extremely distressing and can cause them to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a particular phobia or panic attack would.
In these situations antidepressants or SSRIs are the best choice to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are taken orally and may take some time to take effect. The most common options are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs), such as duloxetine, venlafaxine and. They can be used alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly useful if the patient experiences high blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant drugs, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this class, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These drugs are a bit more versatile than the earlier generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer severe side effects.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell more times than it would otherwise. This can increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the risk of suicidal ideas and actions in some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. They also have an impact on anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They can also enhance the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in certain individuals and should not be used by those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized in addition to medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping specific body parts or techniques for emotional freedom, helps lower cortisol, the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor can recommend a diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied, they may not be the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. These medications can cause negative side effects, such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant medicines are a recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). medications for adhd 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 is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that improves attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also shown that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can ease anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also help improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is generally recommended to treat the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
In certain cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the problem.
Antidepressants are often prescribed for those with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
Ultimately, the decision of which medication is best for you will be made by your physician. They will consider your lifestyle, symptoms and age, as well as other health conditions prior to recommending any medication. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your treatment goals and to stick to a regular schedule 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.
People who are anxious are more likely to develop symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both disorders at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.