ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders can be co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can lead to anxiety, restlessness and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms However, they can cause adverse effects, such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in children and adolescents. Many people also experience their anxiety increases when 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. You can find them in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available as a brown or white dust. Large doses can lead to over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term stimulant use can result in addiction and serious adverse effects such as heart problems, high pressure and stroke.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They improve the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be lower in those with ADHD. This boosts the activity and communication of parts of the brain that control executive and attention functions. This results in improved control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both drugs have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefit was evident for eight weeks.
It is important to keep in mind that the kind of medication that may be best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which disorder is more affecting the quality of life of an individual. An individual may experience many small-scale crises that cause anxiety in a regular manner as they try to meet appointments or keep up with tasks at school or at work. These can be stressful and trigger anxiety more often than symptoms of panic attacks or anxiety.
In these cases it may be beneficial to address the anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs that have been proven to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are administered orally and may take some time to take effect. The most common options are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which 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 beneficial if a patient has high blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are frequently used to treat anxiety-related disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also aid in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more versatile than the earlier generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer dangerous adverse effects.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to stay active and communicate with the post synaptic cells more than would be the case in other circumstances. This can increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It can also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
They also decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts among some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may affect anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which can reduce anxiety and stress. Some adults who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs can cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should avoid taking these medications.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping specific points on their body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone that creates anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively researched however they are not the best option for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate and nervousness that could mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also help improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is usually an excellent idea to identify and address the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD, as it will typically reduce anxiety symptoms.
In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are typically the most effective treatments for anxiety in this situation. managing adhd without medication These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed for those with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately determine which medication is most suitable for you. They will take a look at your lifestyle, symptoms and age, as well as other health issues before recommending any medication. It is essential to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Other options for treatment may be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping and sleeping nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to experience symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to Dr. Hallowell says, which makes 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 as stimulants are.