ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but they can cause side effects like tics, or small growth reductions in adolescents and children. Additionally, some people experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (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 brown or white powder. In medication for add in adults , they can cause over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects like heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They help by boosting brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This increases activity and communication between parts of the brain that control the executive and attention functions. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both drugs have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The effect continued for 8 weeks.
It is crucial to remember that the type of medication that may be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which condition has the greatest impact on a person's quality of life. For example, an individual might experience a lot of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis when they have to make appointments or try to keep track of their work or school. These can be extremely stressful and might cause them to be anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety or panic attack.
In these situations it may be beneficial to address the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are administered orally and may take some time to begin working. The most common choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) which include duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be used together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are especially beneficial if a patient has a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant medications), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this category is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also able to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have less side effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cell more times than would otherwise occur. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
In addition, the SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in people with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first introduced.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may have an effect on anxiety, but they also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Certain people who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some individuals therefore they are not recommended for those suffering from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping specific body points or techniques for emotional freedom helps reduce cortisol, the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you consume whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid sugar as it can increase anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
While stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched however they are not the best choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause adverse effects like anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can 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 do not increase blood pressure or heart rate, and they are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. It has also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for people with co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It is generally a good idea to try and treat the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD since it will typically make anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are usually the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this type of situation. This is because these treatments address the root cause of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms which, in turn, reduce the anxiety.
Antidepressants may also be prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on which medication is best for you will be decided by your doctor. Before recommending a drug, they will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health conditions. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor your treatment goals and to stick to a daily routine while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping, sleep, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
medication adhd adults who are anxious are more likely to experience symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He usually prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant drugs like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, as stimulants are.