ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to restlessness, irritability and sleeplessness.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms however, they may also cause adverse effects, such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in children and adolescents. Additionally, some people find their anxiety worsens when taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are used 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 are available in capsules, tablets crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a white or brown powder. The use of large doses can result in excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and severe adverse effects, such as heart issues high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
They have also been proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They help by boosting brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This boosts the activity and communication of the parts of the brain which control attention and executive functions. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed in the first week of treatment for both medications, and the benefit was maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which condition has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. For example, an individual may experience lots of anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis as they rush around to schedule appointments or to keep on top of projects for school or work. They can be extremely distressing and cause people to feel anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a specific phobia or panic attack would.
In these instances the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven to be effective at the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. These are taken orally, and can take a long time to begin working. The most popular choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs), such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These medications can be used together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are especially effective when a patient is suffering from high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more versatile than the earlier generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer severe side effects.
The SSRIs block 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 would otherwise occur. This can boost the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation for some people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also affect anxiety. They can improve the check here functioning of both the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. Certain people who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some people and are not recommended for those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping on specific body parts, or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you consume whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, since it can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medicines
While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not always the best option for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant medications are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been shown to improve anxiety symptoms among adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can ease anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and lessen symptoms of anxiety. It is generally recommended to investigate and treat the underlying cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD, as that will usually help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are typically the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this type of situation. This is because these therapies address the root cause of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms, which will consequently, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to people with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target serotonin in the brain can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is right for you will be decided by your physician. They will take a look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health conditions before making a recommendation for any medication. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and to adhere to a routine daily 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 (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD before turning to non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.