ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger anxiety, restlessness and sleeplessness.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms however, they may also cause adverse effects, such as tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. Some people also find that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are 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. medication for adult adhd can find them in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available as a brown or white dust. The use of large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They help by boosting brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This boosts activity and communication between parts of the brain that control executive and attention. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that the kind of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could come down to which condition has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. A person may experience a variety of mini-crises that cause worry throughout the day when they have to rush to make appointments or keep up with projects at work or school. These can be distressing and trigger anxiety more often than the symptoms of panic attacks or phobia.
In these cases it is possible to treat anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are administered orally and can take a long time to take effect. The most commonly used choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs), such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These are often taken as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressant drugs are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this class, is fluoxetine. medications for adhd are also able to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have fewer side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to stay active and signal the post synaptic cell more than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can increase the production of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
In addition, the SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in people with ADHD. These medications can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts among some people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they first begin.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake both serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which may reduce anxiety and stress. They can also boost the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in some people and are not recommended for anyone with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medications, there are a number of behavioral treatments that could help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people have found tapping specific points of the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help lower the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, as it can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied, they may not be the most appropriate choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger side effects such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mimic or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects like sweating, shaking, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to improve anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out if atomoxetine improved anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in treating anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is generally recommended to treat the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will typically help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
In some cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will target the root of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms, which will consequently, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants are often prescribed to those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can alleviate 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 look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health issues. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and adhere to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping, sleep and nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled substances like stimulants.