ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger anxiety, restlessness and sleeplessness.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms however, they may also result in side effects like tics and minor growth reduction in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances 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 are available in capsules, tablets crystals that are chunky and clear, or a brown or white powder. Large doses can lead to excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, paranoia and aggression. 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 are effective by boosting brain chemical like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This increases the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that control attention and executive functions. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both drugs showed improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The effect lasted for 8 weeks.
It is important to remember that the type medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which of the conditions has more impact on a person’s quality of living. For instance, someone might be prone to frequent anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis when they have to make appointments or try to keep on top of school or work. They can be extremely distressing and might cause them to feel anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these instances, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are especially effective if a patient has an elevated or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant medications are commonly 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 depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have fewer side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to stay active and to signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It could also result in an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein synthesis.
SSRIs can also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some individuals with ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts among some people. They can also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also impact anxiety. They can improve the function of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can help reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They also can enhance the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in some people, so those with high blood pressure and heart disease should not take them.
In addition to medications, there are a number of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find that tapping specific body points or techniques for emotional freedom, helps lower cortisol, the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you consume whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, since it can increase anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based get more info medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched however they are not the most appropriate choice for people who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause side effects such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
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 heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been found to improve anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also help improve mood and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is generally a good idea to try and treat the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD since that will usually help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
It is common for children with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in a few instances, anxiety may be caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is best for you will be made by your physician. Before recommending a medication, they will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age, along with other health conditions. It is essential to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and stick to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are other treatments that could be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping and sleeping nutrition, 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 prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances like stimulants.