ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to restlessness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but it may cause adverse effects, like tics, or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medications.
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 capsules, tablets crystals that are chunky and clear, or a brown or white powder. In large doses, they can cause over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
These medicines have also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms. They help by increasing the amount of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which tend to be lower in people with ADHD. This boosts the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain which control executive and attention functions. This leads to improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both drugs improved anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The effect continued for 8 weeks.
It is crucial to remember that the kind of medication best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which condition has the greatest impact on the quality of life of an individual. An individual may experience many mini-crises that cause worry throughout the day as they rush to make appointments or finish projects at work or school. They can be extremely distressing and might cause them to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these instances the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven to be effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and may take some time to begin working. The most popular options are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) which include duloxetine and venlafaxine. 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 antidepressants are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. add adult medications that is the most popular in this class is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. 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 dangerous adverse effects.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse and communicate with the post synaptic cell more than would be the case in other circumstances. This can increase the production of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in people with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in certain individuals. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first started.
Another type of antidepressant called SNRIs, works differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also impact anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. They can also boost the mood of people suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in certain individuals, so they should not be used by those with high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be used in addition to medication. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping on specific body points or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels, the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can cause anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
Although stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been studied extensively however they are not the best choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger negative side effects, such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant drugs are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase the 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 the brain chemical norepinephrine and can aid in improving concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been found 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.
Another drug that can be effective in relieving anxiety is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for those suffering from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is usually best to treat the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will typically make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are usually 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, consequently, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is best for you. They will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health issues before suggesting any medication. It is essential to discuss with your doctor about your treatment goals and to stick to a daily routine when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are other treatment options that can help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping and sleeping and nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to suffer from symptoms of ADHD according to Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both disorders simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances like stimulants.