ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but they can cause side effects like tics, or small growth reductions in children and adolescents. Many people also experience their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are 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 capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available in white or brown dust. Large doses can lead to excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may also lead to addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
They have also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which tend to be lower in people with ADHD. This boosts activity and communication between brain regions that control the executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed from the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the effect was maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication that is best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might come down to which condition is more affecting a person's quality of life. For example, an individual might experience a lot of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis when they have to make appointments or try to keep track of projects for work or school. They can be extremely distressing and can cause them to be anxious on more of a frequent basis than the symptoms of a specific phobia or panic attack would.
In these situations it may be beneficial to treat the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and may take a while to take effect. The most commonly used choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine, and duloxetine. medications for adhd in adults can be utilized in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are particularly useful if a patient has an elevated or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this category is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have fewer side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell more times than would otherwise occur. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety for those with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behavior in certain individuals. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first started.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin and norepinephrine. They also affect anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Certain people who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some individuals and should not be used by those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medication and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that could help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping on specific body points or techniques for emotional freedom can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can increase anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively, they are not always the best option for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects like sweating, shaking or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that improves attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also shown that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in treating anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for those suffering from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually a good idea to try and treat the underlying cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD, as it can make anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are generally the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this situation. These treatments will 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.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is best for you. They will consider your symptoms, lifestyle, age and other health issues before recommending any medication. It is crucial to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and stick to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health objectives, there are additional treatment options that can 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 experience symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both disorders at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medication like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, similar to stimulants.