ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but they can cause side effects like tics, or minor growth reductions in children and adolescents. Many people also experience their anxiety increases when taking stimulant drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the condition known as 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 can also be found in brown or white dust. Massive doses of stimulants may create over-stimulation and cause anxiety stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may result in addiction and serious side effects like heart problems high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They help by boosting brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This improves the activity and communication of the parts of the brain which control attention and executive functions. This leads to increased control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. adhd and depression medication in anxiety symptoms was observed from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the effect was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to remember that the type of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which of the conditions is more detrimental to 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 make appointments or try to stay on top of school or work. These are stressful and trigger anxiety more often than symptoms of a panic attack or anxiety.
In these cases the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are taken orally and may take some time to work. The most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) which include duloxetine and venlafaxine. They can be used as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety, and are particularly beneficial if a patient has high blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressant medications are frequently 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 drugs are more versatile and have fewer side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cells more often than it would otherwise. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.
SSRIs can also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first started.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They also impact anxiety. They can improve the function of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They also can improve the mood of some adults with bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. SNRIs can cause blood pressure to increase in certain people, and those who suffer from high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized alongside medication. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in reducing anxiety and stress, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping on specific body points or techniques for emotional freedom helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied, they may not be the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can trigger negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to have anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it is effective in reducing 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 in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is usually a good idea to try and address the root causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD, as it will typically make anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is quite common for kids with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in some cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are typically the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this situation. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to those suffering from coexisting ADHD and anxiety. adhd without medication , which attack the brain chemical serotonin, can help to relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is right for you. They will take a look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health issues before recommending any medication. It is crucial to discuss your treatment goals with your physician and adhere to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that can help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping sleep, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to suffer from symptoms of ADHD Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both disorders at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD before turning to non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances like stimulants.