ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger irritation, restlessness and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms However, they can result in side effects like small growth reductions and tics in children and adolescents. Some people also find that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the condition known as 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, chunky clear crystals, 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 may result in addiction and serious adverse effects such as heart problems, high pressure and stroke.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They improve the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally less in people suffering from ADHD. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that regulate executive and attention. This leads to improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both drugs have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The effect lasted for 8 weeks.
It is important to keep in mind that the kind of medication best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which condition has a larger impact on the quality of life of an individual. For instance, someone might be prone to frequent worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to keep track of their work or school. These are stressful and can cause anxiety more frequently than the symptoms of panic attacks or anxiety.
In these instances it is possible to treat anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs which have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and may take a while to work. The most popular options are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) like duloxetine, venlafaxine and. These medications can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are especially beneficial when a patient is suffering from high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant drugs, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this category is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. They are more versatile than earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and less severe adverse effects.
The SSRIs block serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would otherwise. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It can also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein production.
Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease the agitation of some people with ADHD. These drugs can, however increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which could reduce anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), 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 stay clear of these medications.
In addition to medication and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping certain body points or techniques for emotional freedom helps reduce cortisol, the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, as it can worsen anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched but they are not the best option for those who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause adverse effects like increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise the heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects such as sweating, shaking or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can ease anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is usually best to treat the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
Full Survey is common for kids with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are typically the most effective treatments for anxiety in this scenario. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the problem.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack serotonin, a brain chemical, can help to relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
Ultimately, the decision of the right medication for you will be made by your doctor. Before recommending a drug, they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health issues. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and stick to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health objectives, there are additional treatments that could help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to experience symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both disorders at once. He usually prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances, similar to stimulants.