ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness sleep disturbance and irritability.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it may cause side effects like tics or small growth reductions in adolescents and children. In addition, some people experience anxiety-related issues 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 the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available in white or brown dust. The use of large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
These medicines have also been shown to relieve anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which tend to be lower in those with ADHD. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that control attention and executive function. This leads to improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident in the first week of treatment for both medications, and the benefit was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type of medication most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which disorder has a larger impact on a person's quality of life. An individual may experience many mini-crises that cause worry on a regular schedule as they try to meet appointments or finish tasks at school or at work. They can be extremely distressing and might cause them to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these situations the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and may take a while to take effect. The most commonly used choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) which include duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be utilized in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant drugs), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also help treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more versatile than the earlier generation antidepressants, and they are less likely to cause serious 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 cells more often than would otherwise occur. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which may reduce anxiety symptoms. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease agitation for some people with ADHD. These medications can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in certain people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also affect anxiety. They can improve the function of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can help reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They also can boost the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. SNRIs may cause blood pressure to increase in certain individuals, so people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping specific body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not the best choice for those who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause side effects such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for people with coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is generally a good idea to try and treat the underlying anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD, as it will typically make anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will address the root of the issue and reduce ADHD symptoms, which will in turn, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target serotonin in the brain, can help to relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately click here decide which medication is most suitable for you. Before recommending a medication, they will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health issues. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your physician and adhere to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other options for treatment may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD according to Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both disorders at once. He typically prescribes stimulants to address ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications such as bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances, as stimulants are.