ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, sleep disturbance and irritability.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms, but they can also result in side effects like the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in children and adolescents. In addition, some people have anxiety issues while 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 capsules, tablets crystals that are chunky and clear, or a white or brown powder. Large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety, panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can lead to addiction, serious adverse effects, such as heart issues stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
These medications are also proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that are generally lower in those with ADHD. This increases the activity and communication of parts of the brain which control attention and executive functions. This leads to an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both drugs improved anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit lasted for 8 weeks.
It is important to note that the type medication that will be most effective for 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. For instance, someone may experience lots of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to keep track of school or work. These can be extremely stressful and cause people to be anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these situations, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and can take a long time to take effect. The most common options are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) which include venlafaxine, and duloxetine. They can be used in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly beneficial if a patient has high blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant drugs), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this class is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are a bit more versatile than earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and fewer dangerous adverse effects.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell more times than it would otherwise. This can increase norepinephrine output which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They can also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also impact anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. People who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. similar web-site can cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and those who suffer from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should stay clear of these medications.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed alongside medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping certain points on the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone which causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor can recommend a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant based medicines
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied, they may not be the most appropriate choice for people who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger side effects such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mirror or worsen 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 cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. It has also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO 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 prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve moods and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often recommended to investigate and address the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD, as that will usually make anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is very common for children with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in some cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are usually the most effective treatments for anxiety in this situation. This is because these therapies tackle the root of the issue and help reduce ADHD symptoms which, in turn, reduce the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is right for you will be determined by your physician. Before recommending a drug, they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health issues. It is essential to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and stick to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Other options for treatment may be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep 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 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 work 24/7 and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.