ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, sleep disturbance and irritability.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms however, they may also cause side effects such as tics and minor growth reduction in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the condition known as 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 brown or white dust. In large doses, they can cause excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may also lead to addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
These medications are also proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. They help by boosting brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This boosts the activity and communication of the parts of the brain which control executive and attention functions. This leads to improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen in the first week of treatment for both drugs and the effect was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to remember that the type of medication that is best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might come down to which condition has a larger impact on a person's quality of life. For example, an individual may experience lots of anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis when they have to make appointments or try to keep on top of projects for work or school. They can be extremely distressing and cause people to feel anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these cases it may be beneficial to address the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been proven to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to take effect, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These are often taken as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety, and are particularly useful if the patient experiences an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant medications), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also help treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have less side negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would otherwise. This can increase norepinephrine output, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein production.
In addition, the SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce the agitation of some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
Another type of antidepressant called SNRIs, works differently than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also affect anxiety. They can improve the function of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They also can boost the mood of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some individuals therefore they should not website be taken by anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medication in addition, there are a variety of behavioral therapies that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people have found tapping specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and stay away from sugar as it can increase anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched, they may not be the best choice for those who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate and nervousness that can resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in treating anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also improve moods and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to treat anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will typically make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
In certain cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are generally the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this type of situation. This is because these treatments will tackle the root of the issue and reduce ADHD symptoms and, in turn, reduce anxiety.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to those suffering from coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target serotonin, a brain chemical can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of the right medication for you will be decided by your physician. Before recommending a drug, they will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health issues. 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
Depending on your unique health objectives, there are additional treatment options that may also be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping, sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to suffer from symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He usually prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications such as bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.