ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, irritability and sleeplessness.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but it can also cause side-effects such as tics or slight growth decreases in children and adolescents. Additionally, some people have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are 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. You can find them in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available as a brown or white dust. Large doses can lead to excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety and stomach cramps, panic as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
They have also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They help by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are typically less in people suffering from ADHD. This improves the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that control attention and executive functions. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the effect was maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type of medication best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could come down to which condition is more affecting a person's quality of life. One may experience numerous mini-crises that cause worry throughout the day as they try to meet appointments or finish tasks at school or at work. These can be extremely stressful and cause people to feel anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these cases it may be beneficial to address the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are taken orally and can take a long time to work. The most popular choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs), such as duloxetine, venlafaxine and. These are often taken as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are especially beneficial if a patient has a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressants are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this group is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also able to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more adaptable and have less adverse effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse to remain active and communicate with the post synaptic cells more than would be the case otherwise. This may increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
SSRIs also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety for those with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they first begin.
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may have an effect on anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and blood vessels, which may decrease anxiety and stress. They also can enhance the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in certain individuals and should not be taken by those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized in conjunction with medication. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping specific body points or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid sugar, as it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
Although stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched, they are not always the best choice for individuals with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger adverse effects like increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant medicines are a recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (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, a chemical in the brain. It can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to improve anxiety symptoms among adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in read more order to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for those suffering from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually best to address the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This can usually reduce the anxiety symptoms.
It is very common for kids with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will tackle the root of the issue and decrease ADHD symptoms, which will consequently, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed for those with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target serotonin in the brain can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is right for you will be made by your doctor. They will take a look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age and other health conditions prior to suggesting any medication. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and to adhere to a routine daily when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are other treatments that could be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping and sleeping and nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances like stimulants.