ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but it may also cause side-effects like tics, or small growth reductions in children and adolescents. Additionally, some people have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medications.
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. They are available in capsules, tablets, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. The use of large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can lead to addiction, serious side effects like heart problems stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This boosts the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that control attention and executive functions. This leads to an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which disorder has more impact on the quality of life of a person. One may experience numerous small-scale crises that cause anxiety throughout the day as they rush to make appointments or keep up with assignments at school or at work. These are stressful and cause anxiety more often than symptoms of a panic attack or fear.
In these cases, it might be best to treat the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs which have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and may take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These medications can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are especially effective if a patient has a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressant medications are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These drugs are a bit more versatile than the earlier generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and less serious side effects.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse to remain active and communicate with the post synaptic cells more than would be the case otherwise. This can increase norepinephrine output which reduces anxiety symptoms. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate protein synthesis.
SSRIs can also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in people with ADHD. These drugs can, however, increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they first begin.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin and norepinephrine. They also impact anxiety. They can improve the function of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They can also enhance the mood of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in certain individuals therefore they are not recommended for those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed alongside medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping specific points of the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques can help lower the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and stay away from sugar as it can increase anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched, they may not be the best choice for those who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger negative side effects, such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
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 cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that improves attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also proven that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out if atomoxetine improved anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for those suffering from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is usually a good idea to try and treat the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD, as it will typically reduce anxiety symptoms.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. This is because these treatments target the root of the issue and help reduce ADHD symptoms which, consequently, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants are often prescribed to people with co-existing 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 decide which medication is right for you. They will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age and other health conditions prior to making a recommendation for any medication. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and to adhere to a daily routine when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to suffer from symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. adult add medication prescribes stimulants to address ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled substances like stimulants.