ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms however, they may also cause adverse effects, such as tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. Additionally, some people experience anxiety-related issues when 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 tablets, capsules crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a brown or white powder. Large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and serious side effects like heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
These medicines have also been shown to relieve anxiety symptoms. They help by boosting brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This boosts activity and communication between brain regions that control executive and attention. This leads to an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both drugs have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefit continued for 8 weeks.
It is crucial to remember that the kind of medication most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which condition is more affecting a person's quality of life. One may experience numerous small-scale crises that cause anxiety throughout the day as they try to meet appointments or keep up with projects at work or school. These can be very distressing and might cause them to be anxious on more of a frequently basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these situations it may be beneficial to treat the anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually 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, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. They can be used in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly beneficial if a patient has an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressant drugs are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also able to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more flexible than previous generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and less dangerous side effects.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse to remain active and signal the post synaptic cell more than would be the case in other circumstances. This can boost the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. 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 can also improve sleep quality and decrease anxiety for those with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they first begin.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They also have an impact on anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs could cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and those who suffer from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should stay clear of them.
In addition to medication and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping certain points on the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone which creates anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, as it can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medicines
While stimulants are very effective in treating ADHD and have been studied extensively, they are not always the best option for those with anxiety disorders and ADHD. These medications can trigger side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can enhance concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can ease anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often a good idea to try and address the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD because it can help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
In some instances, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause get more info of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the problem.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to people with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on which medication is right for you will be decided by your physician. They will take a look at your symptoms, lifestyle, age and other health issues before making a recommendation for any medication. It is very important to discuss your treatment goals with your physician and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health objectives, there are additional treatments that could be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD before turning to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled substances like stimulants.