20 Things You Must Know About ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, sleep disturbance and irritability.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but it can cause adverse effects, like tics or small growth reductions in children and adolescents. Many people also experience their anxiety increases when taking stimulant medications.
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. You can find them in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available in brown or white dust. The use of large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a 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 boosts activity and communication between parts of the brain that control attention and executive function. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both medications improved anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefit lasted for 8 weeks.
It is important to keep in mind that the kind of medication that may be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which disorder has a larger impact on the quality of life of a person. An individual may experience many small-scale crises that cause anxiety in a regular manner as they rush to make appointments or keep up with assignments at school or at work. These can be very distressing and can cause them to be anxious on more of a frequently basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these instances, it might be best to treat the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and can take a long time to work. The most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) which include venlafaxine, and duloxetine. They can be used alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially beneficial if a patient has 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 class, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less adverse effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to remain active and signal the post synaptic cells more than would be the case in other circumstances. This can increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
They also decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and actions in some people. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they first begin.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than SSRIs. adhd adults medication of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may affect anxiety, but they also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which can decrease anxiety and stress. 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). The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some people, so they should not be used by anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find that tapping specific body parts or techniques for emotional freedom can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively but they are not always the best choice for individuals who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant drugs are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to have anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently advised for people who suffer from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is usually a good idea to try and address the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD, as it will typically make anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is quite common for kids with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are typically the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this type of situation. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack serotonin in the brain, can help to relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on which medication is best for you will be determined by your physician. They will look at your symptoms, lifestyle, age and other health conditions before recommending any medication. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor your treatment goals and to stick to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep and nutrition, as well as 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 simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances, similar to stimulants.