ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders can be associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause irritation, restlessness and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms, but they can also result in side effects like tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. Many people also experience their anxiety increases when taking stimulant medication.
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 the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available as a brown or white dust. Large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety, panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and severe adverse effects such as heart problems stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They are effective by boosting brain chemical 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 leads to improved control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications, and the benefit was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
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 may depend on which of the conditions has more impact on a person’s quality of living. For instance, someone might experience a lot of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis as they rush around to schedule appointments or to keep on top of their school or work. These can be stressful and trigger anxiety more often than the symptoms of a panic attack or fear.
In these situations it is possible to address the anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are particularly useful for patients who have an elevated or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are frequently used to treat anxiety-related disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have less side effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to stay active and communicate with the post synaptic cell more than would be the case otherwise. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which reduces anxiety symptoms. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.
SSRIs can also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease the agitation of some people with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behaviors in some individuals. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first introduced.
Another type of antidepressant called SNRIs, works differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they can also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They also can enhance the mood of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. add adhd medication may raise blood pressure in some people and are not recommended for anyone with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping specific body points or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol, the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugar as it can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
Although stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been studied extensively however they are not the best choice for people with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can 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 do not increase blood pressure or heart rate, and they are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that improves concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in relieving anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently advised for people who suffer from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is generally recommended to treat the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will typically help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
It is quite common for kids with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack the brain chemical serotonin can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on which medication is best for you will be made by your physician. They will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age as well as other health conditions before making a recommendation for any medication. It is essential to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and adhere to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are other treatment options that may also be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness, meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep and nutrition, as well as 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 at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.