ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger irritation, restlessness and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but they can cause adverse effects, like tics or slight growth decreases in adolescents and children. Many people also experience their anxiety increases when taking stimulant medications.
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. adhd and depression medication can find them in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available in brown or white dust. The use of large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can result in addiction and serious adverse effects such as heart problems stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. 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 regulate executive and attention functions. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident as early as the fourth week of treatment for both drugs, and the benefit was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the type medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which of the conditions has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. One may experience numerous minor crises that create anxiety throughout the day when they have to rush to make appointments or finish tasks at school or at work. These can be stressful and cause anxiety more often than signs of a panic attack or fear.
In these instances antidepressants or SSRIs are the best choice to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a bit longer to take effect, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These can be taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly useful if the patient experiences high blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are commonly used to treat anxiety-related disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also able to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have fewer side effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would normally. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It could also result in increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein production.
In addition, the SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behavior in certain individuals. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first introduced.
adhd depression medication of antidepressant called SNRIs, works differently than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They also impact anxiety. They can improve the function of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This may reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They can also boost the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some individuals therefore they are not recommended for those suffering from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medications in addition, there are a variety of behavioral treatments that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people have found tapping certain points on the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help lower the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating a diet that is based on whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can worsen anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively, they are not always the best option for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger adverse effects like increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mirror or worsen 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 the heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects such as sweating, shaking, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. adhd without medication 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 address the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will typically make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will target the root of the issue and help reduce ADHD symptoms and, in turn, reduce the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to people with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target serotonin, a brain chemical can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is most suitable for you. They will consider your lifestyle, symptoms and age as well as other health conditions prior to making a recommendation for any medication. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your treatment goals and to stick to a routine daily when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are other treatment options that can help you manage 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, making it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances, as stimulants are.