ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders can be co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability and sleeplessness.
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. Some people also notice that their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the condition known as narcolepsy. add medication adult 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 in white or brown dust. In large doses, they can cause excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety and stomach cramps, panic as well as paranoia and aggression. The long-term use of stimulants could also lead to addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
These medications are also proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They help by boosting brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This increases the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain which control attention and executive functions. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both medications have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefit continued for 8 weeks.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the kind of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which disorder is more detrimental to the quality of life of an individual. For example, an individual might experience a lot of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis as they rush around to make appointments or try to stay on top of projects for work or school. These are stressful and can cause anxiety more frequently than signs of a panic attack or anxiety.
In these situations, it might be best to treat the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and can take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. They can be used as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are especially useful when a patient is suffering from a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also help treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have fewer side effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cells more often than it would otherwise. This can increase the production of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It could also result in an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates 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. These medications can, however, increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts among some people. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first started.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they can also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. People who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. SNRIs can cause blood pressure to increase in certain people, and those with high blood pressure and heart disease should not take these medications.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people have found tapping specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone which creates anxiety. add in adults medication and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched however they are not the best choice for people with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to suffer anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that improves attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also proven that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine improved anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in treating anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually recommended to investigate and treat the underlying causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD, as that will usually reduce anxiety symptoms.
In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue.
Antidepressants may also be prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of the right medication for you will be determined by your physician. Before recommending a drug, they will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age, in addition to other health conditions. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and adhere to a routine daily while 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, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) 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 simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants are.