ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms However, they can cause side effects such as tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. In addition, some individuals find their anxiety worsens when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
The use of stimulants is 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 tablets, capsules crystals that are chunky and clear, or a white or brown powder. Large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety, panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
These medicines have also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms. best adhd medication help by boosting brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that control attention and executive function. This leads to an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to remember that the type of medication that may be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could come down to 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 while they rush to schedule appointments or to stay on top of projects for school or work. These can be extremely stressful and cause people to be anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a specific phobia or panic attack would.
In these instances, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a little longer to work, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. They can be used as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are particularly useful if the patient experiences an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressant medications, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have less side negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cells more often than it would otherwise. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.
In addition, the SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease anxiety for those with ADHD. These medications can, however, increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they first begin.
Another type of antidepressant called SNRIs, works differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also impact anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They also can boost the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs can cause blood pressure to increase in certain people, and people with high blood pressure and heart disease should not take these medications.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed alongside medication. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping certain points on the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help lower the cortisol hormone that creates anxiety. Exercise and diet can help reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend a diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied however they are not the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause negative side effects, such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to cause anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that can enhance attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine whether atomoxetine improved 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 frequently advised for people who suffer from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve moods and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is generally recommended to treat anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This can usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
It is quite common for children with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in some cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are typically the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this situation. This is because these treatments will address the root of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms and, consequently, decrease anxiety.
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.
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is most suitable for you. They will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health issues before recommending any medication. It is important to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and adhere to a daily routine while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness, meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep, nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications such as bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances like stimulants.