ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger irritation, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but it can also cause side-effects such as tics or minor growth reductions in children and adolescents. Some people also find that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants can be used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. most effective adhd medication for adults 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 are also available as a white or brown dust. Massive doses of stimulants may result in over-stimulation, anxiety panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can result in addiction and serious adverse effects such as heart problems high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
These medications are also proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally lower in people with ADHD. This boosts activity and communication between brain regions that control executive and attention. This leads to increased control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Both treatments showed improvement in anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit was evident for eight weeks.
It is important to remember that the kind of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which of the conditions has more impact on a person’s quality of living. For instance, a person might experience a lot of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis when they have to make appointments or try to stay on top of work or school. These can be extremely stressful and can cause them to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a specific phobia or panic attack would.
In these instances, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven to be effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and may take a while to begin working. The most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) which include venlafaxine, and duloxetine. They can be used in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant medications), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this class is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. They are more versatile than earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and fewer dangerous side effects.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would normally. This can increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
In addition, the SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in individuals with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behaviors in some individuals. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they first begin.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also affect anxiety. They can improve the function of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This may reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. Certain people with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. SNRIs can cause blood pressure to increase in certain individuals, so those with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should stay clear of them.
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 have found that tapping on specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone which creates anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied, they may not be the most appropriate choice for people who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. These medications can cause negative side effects, such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mirror or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects like sweating, shaking or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that improves attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can help with anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is generally an excellent idea to identify and address the root causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD because it will typically help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are usually the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this situation. This is because these therapies tackle the root cause of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms, which will consequently, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants may also be prescribed to patients suffering from 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.
The final decision of the right medication for you will be decided by your physician. They will look at 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 goals for treatment and to adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness, meditation yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to experience symptoms of ADHD Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both disorders at once. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, similar to stimulants.