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 these symptoms, but they can also cause side effects such as tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. Many people also experience their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
The use of stimulants is 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 the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available in brown or white dust. Large doses can lead to excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can lead to addiction, serious side effects like heart problems stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
These medicines have also been shown to relieve anxiety symptoms. They help by increasing the amount of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally lower in those with ADHD. This boosts the activity and communication of parts of the brain that control attention and executive functions. This leads to improved control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Both drugs showed improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefit was evident for eight weeks.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the type of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which disorder is more detrimental to the quality of life of an individual. For instance, someone 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. These are stressful and can cause anxiety more frequently than the symptoms of a panic attack or phobia.
In these situations antidepressants or SSRIs are the best choice to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven to be effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be utilized in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this class is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These drugs are a bit more versatile than earlier generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer severe adverse effects.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to remain active and communicate with the post synaptic cells more than would be the case otherwise. This can increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
They also decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can have an effect on anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and blood vessels, which could reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in certain people, and those who suffer from high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should stay clear of these medications.
In addition to medication in addition, there are a variety of behavioral therapies that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in reducing anxiety and stress as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping on specific body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest a diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can increase anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied however they are not the best option for those who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger side effects such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. adhd and medication can mirror or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant medicines are a 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 are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can aid in improving concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to improve anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It is often best to address the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This can usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some instances, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are generally the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this situation. This is because these treatments target the root of the issue and help reduce ADHD symptoms, which will in turn, reduce anxiety.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately determine which medication is best for you. Before recommending a medication they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health conditions. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your physician and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health objectives, there are additional treatment options that can help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping, sleep and nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to suffer from symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants are.