ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, irritability and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms, but they can also cause adverse effects, such as tics and minor growth reduction in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety increases 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 are available in tablets, capsules crystals that are chunky and clear, or a white or brown powder. In large doses, they can cause over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and severe adverse effects, such as heart issues stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They help by increasing the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be lower in those with ADHD. This boosts activity and communication between brain regions that regulate executive and attention. This leads to improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both treatments showed improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefits lasted for 8 weeks.
It is important to remember that the type of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which condition has the greatest impact on the quality of life of an individual. One may experience numerous small-scale crises that cause anxiety on a regular schedule as they rush to make appointments or keep up with projects at work or school. These can be distressing and can cause anxiety more frequently than the symptoms of panic attacks or anxiety.
In these cases antidepressants or SSRIs are the best choice to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and may take a while to take effect. The most common choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) like duloxetine, venlafaxine and. These are often taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially useful if the patient experiences high blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant drugs, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group, is fluoxetine. 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 previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would normally. This can increase norepinephrine output which may reduce anxiety symptoms. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate protein synthesis.
In addition, the SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first introduced.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can influence anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which can decrease anxiety and stress. Some adults who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in certain individuals therefore they should not be taken by those suffering from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medications, there are a number of behavioral treatments that could help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can 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. visit the following website and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not the best option for those who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger adverse effects like increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine improved anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in treating anxiety symptoms is bupropion which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve moods and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is usually an excellent idea to identify and treat the root causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD, as it will typically make anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some instances, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are typically the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this situation. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the problem.
Antidepressants can also be 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.
The final decision of which medication is right for you will be decided by your doctor. They will take a look at your lifestyle, symptoms and age as well as other health issues before recommending any medication. It is important to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and adhere to a regular schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other options for treatment may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping sleep, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. 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 drugs like stimulants.