ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger anxiety, restlessness and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it can cause side effects like tics or small growth reductions in children and adolescents. Additionally, some people find their anxiety worsens when taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (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. You can find them in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available as a white or brown dust. In large doses, they can cause over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, aggression and paranoia. The long-term use of stimulants could cause addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally lower in those with ADHD. This improves communication and activity between parts of the brain that regulate the executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Both treatments have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefits was evident for eight weeks.
It is crucial to remember that the kind of medication best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which disorder is more affecting the quality of life of an individual. For instance, a person might be prone to frequent worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis when they have to make appointments or try to keep track of their work or school. These are stressful and trigger anxiety more often than the symptoms of a panic attack or anxiety.
In these situations the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven to be effective at the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a bit 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 can be taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly useful if the patient experiences an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more flexible than previous generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer dangerous side effects.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cells more often than it would normally. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. adhd medication for adults can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate protein synthesis.
SSRIs also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people suffering from 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 first starting.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also have an impact on anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This may reduce feelings such as 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 may raise blood pressure in certain individuals and are not recommended for anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be used in addition to medication. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping on certain points on the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone that creates anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating a diet that is based on whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can increase anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched however they are not the best option for those who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant medications 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 blood pressure or heart rate, and they 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 and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children 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 relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually best to address the 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 some instances, anxiety may be caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are generally the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this scenario. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants may also be prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of the right medication for you will be made by your physician. They will take a look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age and other health conditions prior to making a recommendation for any medication. It is essential to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and stick to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health goals, there are other treatment options that can be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping sleep and nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to suffer from symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both disorders at once. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances like stimulants.