ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness anxiety, and insomnia.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but they can also cause side-effects like tics or minor growth reductions in children and adolescents. Some people also find that their anxiety rises when they take 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. They can be found in tablets, capsules crystals that are chunky and clear, or a brown or white powder. Large doses can lead to excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may also lead to addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
They have also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This boosts activity and communication between brain regions that regulate attention and executive function. This results in increased control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both drugs showed improvement in anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit lasted for 8 weeks.
It is important to note that the type of medication best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which disorder is more affecting the quality of life of a person. A person may experience a variety of mini-crises that cause worry in a regular manner as they try to meet appointments or keep up with projects at work or school. These can be distressing and cause anxiety more often than signs of a panic attack or fear.
In these instances antidepressants or SSRIs are the best choice to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven to be effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are taken orally and can take a long time to work. The most common options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs), such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These are often taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially useful if the patient experiences an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant medications), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this group is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also help treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more versatile than the earlier generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and less serious side effects.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse and communicate with the post synaptic cell more frequently than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can increase the production of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.
Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety for those with ADHD. These drugs can, however increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in certain people. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first started.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also affect anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can help reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. Certain people who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs may cause blood pressure to rise in some people, so those who suffer from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should avoid taking these medications.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be used in addition to medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find that tapping on specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques can help reduce the cortisol hormone which causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. adhd and depression medication may suggest that you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, since it can increase anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are very effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively however they are not the best choice for people with anxiety disorders and ADHD. These medications can trigger side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.
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 increase heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that can enhance attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often advised for people who suffer from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also improve moods and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is usually best to address the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will usually reduce the anxiety symptoms.
It is common for kids with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in a few instances, anxiety may be caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are generally the most effective treatments for anxiety in this type of situation. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to people suffering from 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 what medication is right for you. Before recommending a medication, they will take into consideration your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health conditions. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and adhere to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health objectives, there are additional treatments that could help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping and sleeping nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He usually prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications such as bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.