ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but they can also cause side-effects like tics, or slight growth decreases in children and adolescents. Many people also experience their anxiety levels increase when they are 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. They are available in capsules, tablets crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a brown or white powder. The use of large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and severe side effects like heart problems, high pressure and stroke.
These medicines have also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms. They help by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be lower in people with ADHD. This improves the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain which control attention and executive functions. This results in improved impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to keep in mind 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 more impact on the quality of life of a person. One may experience numerous minor crises that create anxiety throughout the day as they rush to make appointments or finish assignments at school or at work. These can be extremely stressful and can cause them to be anxious on more of a frequent basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety or panic attack.
In these cases it may be beneficial to address the anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs that have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a bit longer to work, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These are often taken as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are particularly beneficial if a patient has an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also able to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more flexible than previous generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and less severe side effects.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse to stay active and signal the post synaptic cell more than would be the case otherwise. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which reduces anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein synthesis.
SSRIs can also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease anxiety for those with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first introduced.
Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also have an impact on anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can help reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. Some adults who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some people therefore they are not recommended for those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medications in addition, there are a variety of behavioral treatments that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find that tapping on certain points on the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques can help lower the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor can suggest a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched, they may not be the most appropriate choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger negative side effects, such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant medicines are a 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 are less likely to have anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that improves concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently advised for people who suffer from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve moods and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is often recommended to investigate and treat the underlying anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD, as that will usually make anxiety symptoms disappear.
In certain cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are usually the most effective treatments for anxiety in this scenario. This is because these treatments address the root of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms, which will consequently, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
Ultimately, the decision of which medication is best for you will be determined by your doctor. They will consider your lifestyle, symptoms 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 physician and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include check here mindfulness, meditation yoga, 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 medication like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled substances like stimulants.