ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders can be co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms however, they may also cause side effects such as tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. Many people also experience their anxiety rises when they take stimulant drugs.
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 tablets, capsules crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a white or brown powder. In large doses, they can cause excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can lead to addiction, serious adverse effects, such as heart issues high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
These medicines have also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms. They improve the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are typically lower in people with ADHD. This boosts the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention functions. This leads to an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed from the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the effect was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the kind of medication that is best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could come down to which condition is more affecting the quality of life of a person. One may experience numerous minor crises that create anxiety in a regular manner as they rush to make appointments or finish projects at work or school. These can be very distressing and can cause them to be anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a particular phobia or panic attack would.
In these instances antidepressants or SSRIs are the best choice to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and can take a bit longer to take effect, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be utilized in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are especially beneficial for patients who have a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) 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 aid in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. adhd medication list are more adaptable and have less adverse negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to stay active and signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than would be the case in other circumstances. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
In addition, the SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and decrease hyperactivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in individuals with ADHD. These drugs can, however increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in certain people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they first begin.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also impact anxiety. They can improve the function of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This may reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They also can improve the mood of some individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. SNRIs may cause blood pressure to increase in some people, so those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should stay clear of them.
There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be used in addition to medication. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping on specific points of the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps lower the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor can recommend a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can increase anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied, they may not be the most appropriate choice for people who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been prescribed for 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 adverse reactions such as sweating, shaking, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that improves concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also shown that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine improved anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in relieving anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and lessen symptoms of anxiety. It is usually an excellent idea to identify and treat the root causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD, as that will usually reduce anxiety symptoms.
In some instances, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. This is because these therapies address the root of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms which, in turn, reduce the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed for those with coexisting 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 right for you. Before recommending a drug, they will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age, in addition to other health issues. It is crucial to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health goals, there are other treatment options that can be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping and sleeping 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 difficult to treat both conditions at once. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.