ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders can be associated with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger anxiety, restlessness and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms However, they can result in side effects like small growth reductions and tics in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant drugs.
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 are available in tablets, capsules, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. The use of large doses can result in over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
These medicines have also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They help by increasing the amount of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally less in people suffering from ADHD. adhd adult medication increases activity and communication between parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive function. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid 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 crucial to keep in mind that the type of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. For instance, a person might experience a lot of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to keep track of projects for school or work. These can be distressing and can cause anxiety more frequently than symptoms of panic attacks or anxiety.
In these cases the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven to be effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are administered orally and may take a while to begin working. The most commonly used choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs), such as duloxetine, venlafaxine and. These drugs can be used together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are especially beneficial when a patient is suffering from a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressants, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this class, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have less adverse effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse to remain active and to signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than would be the case otherwise. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It could also result in higher levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein production.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation for some individuals with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake both serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can have an effect on anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may decrease anxiety and stress. They also can enhance the mood of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs may cause blood pressure to rise in certain individuals, so people with high blood pressure or heart disease should not take them.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized in addition to medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find that tapping specific body points or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, since it can increase anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied however they are not the best option for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant medications 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 are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. It has also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and lessen symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to treat anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This can usually reduce the anxiety symptoms.
It is quite common for kids with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are usually the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this type of situation. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue.
Antidepressants are often prescribed to people with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to help relieve 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 symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health conditions. It is important to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and to adhere to a regular schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that may also help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to experience symptoms of ADHD according to Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled substances as stimulants.