ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness irritability and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but it can cause side effects like tics or minor growth reductions in children and adolescents. In addition, some individuals find their anxiety worsens when taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
The use of stimulants is to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. adhd and medication 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. Massive doses of stimulants may create over-stimulation and cause anxiety, panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally lower in those with ADHD. This increases the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that control executive and attention functions. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident as early as the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the effect was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to remember that the kind of medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which condition has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. For example, an individual may experience lots of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis when they have to schedule appointments or to keep on top of their work or school. These can be extremely stressful and cause people to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a particular phobia or panic attack would.
In these instances the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to combat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are administered orally and can take a long time to work. The most popular options are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These drugs can be utilized in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment 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. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also help treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more flexible than previous generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and less dangerous side effects.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would normally. This can increase the production of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety for those with ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can influence anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and blood vessels, which could reduce anxiety and stress. Some adults 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). SNRIs may cause blood pressure to increase in some people, so people with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in conjunction with medication. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people have found tapping specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help lower the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid sugar, since it can increase anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
adult adhd medication -stimulant based medications
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched but they are not the best option for those who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. These medications can cause negative side effects, such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mirror or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that can enhance attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in helping with anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also help improve mood and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is generally recommended to treat the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This can usually reduce the anxiety symptoms.
It is common for kids with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are usually the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this type of situation. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue.
Antidepressants are also 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.
In the end, the decision on the right medication for you will be decided by your physician. They will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age as well as other health issues before recommending any medication. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your treatment goals and to stick to a daily routine when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled substances as stimulants.