ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, sleep disturbance and irritability.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but it can cause adverse effects, like tics, or slight growth decreases in adolescents and children. Many people also experience their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are 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 can be found in capsules, tablets, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. The use of large doses can result in over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can result in addiction and serious side effects like heart problems high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This increases activity and communication between brain regions that regulate executive and attention. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both medications have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The effect continued for 8 weeks.
It is important to note that the type medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which condition has the greatest impact on a person’s quality of living. An individual may experience many small-scale crises that cause anxiety in a regular manner 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 panic attacks or anxiety.
In these cases antidepressants or SSRIs are the best option to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven to be effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a little longer to work, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are especially beneficial for patients who have an elevated or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this group is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. similar web-site are more adaptable and have less side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting serotonin reuptake at 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 increase norepinephrine output, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
SSRIs can also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in individuals with ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts among some people. They can also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can influence anxiety, but they also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Certain people with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in certain individuals and should not be used by anyone with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be used alongside medication. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping specific points on their body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques can help reduce the cortisol hormone which creates anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can increase anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively but they are not always the best choice for people with anxiety disorders and ADHD. These medications can trigger negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate and nervousness that can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to have anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in helping with anxiety is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for those suffering from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually a good idea to try and treat the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD because it will typically help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments tackle the root of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms which, consequently, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to people with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack serotonin in the brain can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is most suitable for you. They will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age as well as other health conditions prior to suggesting any medication. It is crucial to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and adhere to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health objectives, there are additional treatment options that may also be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to develop symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both disorders simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD, and then turns 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, similar to stimulants.