ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. Anxiety can lead to irritation, restlessness and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it can cause adverse effects, like tics, or small growth reductions in children and adolescents. Many people also experience their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medications.
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 can be found in capsules, tablets crystals that are chunky and clear, or a white or brown powder. Large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety and panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can result in addiction and serious adverse effects such as heart problems, high pressure and stroke.
These medications are also proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This increases activity and communication between parts of the brain that regulate the executive and attention functions. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both treatments have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The effect lasted for 8 weeks.
It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication that may be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on the quality of life of an individual. For example, an individual might be prone to frequent anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to keep track of projects for work or school. These can be distressing and can cause anxiety more frequently than symptoms of panic attacks or fear.
In these cases it may be beneficial to treat anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs which have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. medication for adhd adults 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 inhibitions (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These are often taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly beneficial if a patient has high blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressant drugs are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also help treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have fewer side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block 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 would otherwise occur. This can increase norepinephrine output which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein synthesis.
In addition, the SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
Another kind of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They also impact anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. People who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in certain individuals therefore they should not be taken by those with high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be used alongside medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping certain body points or techniques for emotional freedom helps reduce cortisol, the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also 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 medications
While stimulants are very effective in treating ADHD and have been studied extensively but they are not always the best option for those with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate and nervousness that could be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant drugs are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase blood pressure or heart rate, and they are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. It has also been found to alleviate anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually advised for people who suffer from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve moods and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is often an excellent idea to identify and address the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD, as it will typically reduce anxiety symptoms.
It is quite common for kids with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in some instances, anxiety may be caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are typically the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this type of situation. This is because these treatments target the root cause of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms which, consequently, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to people suffering from 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.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is most suitable for you. Before recommending a medication, they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health conditions. It is important to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping sleep and nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to experience symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.