ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness anxiety, and insomnia.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms, but they can also 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 substances 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 are available in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They can also be found in brown or white dust. Massive doses of stimulants may cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety, stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause addiction and severe side effects like heart problems, high pressure and stroke.
These medicines have also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that regulate executive and attention. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident from the fourth week of treatment for both medications, and the benefit was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the type of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which condition has more impact on the quality of life of a person. A person may experience a variety of small-scale crises that cause anxiety throughout the day as they try to meet appointments or complete assignments at school or at work. These can be extremely stressful and cause people to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a particular phobia or panic attack would.
In these cases, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven to be effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and may take some time to take effect. The most popular choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs), such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be utilized in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are especially effective when a patient is suffering from high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this class is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also help treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more versatile than the earlier generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer dangerous side effects.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cells more often than it would normally. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. medication for add in adults can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
SSRIs can also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation in some people suffering from ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in certain individuals. They can also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also have an impact on anxiety. They can improve the function of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They can also enhance the mood of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. SNRIs can cause blood pressure to increase in certain individuals, so those with high blood pressure and heart disease should not take them.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral therapies that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone that creates anxiety. Exercise and diet can help reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating a diet that is based on whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant based medicines
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied however they are not the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant drugs 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 they are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that improves attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been proven to improve anxiety symptoms among adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve moods and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is generally recommended to address the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
It is quite common for kids with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in some cases the anxiety is actually 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 tackle the root cause of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms which, consequently, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
Ultimately, the decision of the right medication for you will be decided by your physician. They will consider your lifestyle, symptoms and age as well as other health issues before making a recommendation for any medication. It is important to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and to adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that may also be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep, nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to experience symptoms of ADHD Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both disorders at once. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications like bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.