ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms however, they may also result in side effects like tics and minor growth reduction in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants can be used 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 tablets, capsules crystals that are chunky and clear, or a brown or white powder. Large doses can lead to over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may result in addiction and serious side effects like heart problems high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
They have also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. They are effective by boosting brain chemical like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This increases activity and communication between parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive function. This leads to increased control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both drugs showed improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefits was evident for eight weeks.
It is important to remember that the type of medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which disorder is more detrimental to the quality of life of an individual. A person may experience a variety of small-scale crises that cause anxiety throughout the day when they have to rush to make appointments or finish assignments at school or at work. These can be distressing and can cause anxiety more frequently than symptoms of panic attacks or fear.
In medications for adhd in adults is possible to treat anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and can take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be utilized together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are particularly useful for patients who have an elevated or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant drugs), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this group is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have less side effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than would otherwise occur. This can increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
Additionally, SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first started.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also affect anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They can also improve the mood of some individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in some people, so they should not be taken by those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be used in conjunction with medication. medication for adults with add and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping specific body parts or techniques for emotional freedom, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can increase anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
Although stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not always the best choice for people with anxiety disorders and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause side effects such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to 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 do not cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can aid in improving concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered 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 symptoms is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and lessen symptoms of anxiety. It is generally recommended to treat anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is very common for children with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in a few instances, anxiety may be caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed for those with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target serotonin, a brain chemical can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Ultimately, the decision of which medication is right for you will be determined by your doctor. They will take a look at your lifestyle, symptoms and age as well as other health conditions before making a recommendation for any medication. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and to adhere to a regular schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both disorders at the same time. He usually prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled substances like stimulants.