ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. Anxiety can lead to restlessness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms, but they can also result in side effects like tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. In addition, some people experience anxiety-related issues when 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. They can be found in tablets, capsules crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a white or brown powder. 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 adverse effects such as 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 of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They help by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be less in people suffering from ADHD. This increases the activity and communication of parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention functions. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both treatments have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefit was evident for eight weeks.
It is important to note that the type medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which condition has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. An individual may experience many mini-crises that cause worry throughout the day as they try to meet appointments or keep up with assignments at school or at work. These can be distressing and trigger anxiety more often than signs of a panic attack or fear.
In these instances, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are administered orally and can take a long time to take effect. The most popular choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) like venlafaxine, and duloxetine. 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
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant medications), are often used to treat anxiety-related disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this class is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also help treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more versatile than earlier generation antidepressants, and they are less likely to cause serious side effects.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than would otherwise occur. This can boost the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.
SSRIs can also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people suffering from ADHD. These drugs can, however increase the risk of suicidal behaviour get more info and thoughts among some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
Another type of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may affect anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and blood vessels, which may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They can also enhance the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs can cause blood pressure to increase in some people, so those with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should stay clear of these medications.
In addition to medication in addition, there are a variety of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping on specific points of the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps lower the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can increase anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
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 or ADHD. These medications can trigger side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may 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). They don't increase heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can aid in improving concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for those suffering from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It is often recommended to investigate and treat the underlying cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD since it will typically make anxiety symptoms disappear.
In certain cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are generally the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this situation. This is because these therapies target the root of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms which, consequently, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also often 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.
Ultimately, the decision of which medication is right for you will be determined by your doctor. They will take a look at your lifestyle, symptoms and age, as well as other health issues before making a recommendation for any medication. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and adhere to a regular schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health objectives, there are additional treatment options that can help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping, sleep, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety 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 treat ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.