ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness, sleep disturbance and irritability.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms however, they may also result in side effects like tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. Some people also notice that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances 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 the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available in brown or white dust. Large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can result in addiction and serious adverse effects, such as heart issues stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
They have also been proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing the amount of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be less in people suffering from ADHD. This increases the activity and communication of parts of the brain which control attention and executive functions. This results in an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident in the first week of treatment for both medications and the effect was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which condition has a larger impact on the quality of life of a person. One may experience numerous small-scale crises that cause anxiety throughout the day when they have to rush to make appointments or finish projects at work or school. These can be extremely stressful and cause people to be anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety or panic attack.
In these cases the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are administered orally and may take some time to take effect. The most commonly used choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These are often taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly useful if the patient experiences high blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant medications), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this category is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less side effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse to remain active and communicate with the post synaptic cell more than would be the case in other circumstances. This can increase norepinephrine output which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It could also result in higher levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein synthesis.
SSRIs also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in people with ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts among some people. medications for adhd uk can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they first begin.
Another kind of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can influence anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which can reduce anxiety and stress. Certain people with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in certain individuals, so those who suffer from high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find that tapping on certain points on the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone that creates anxiety. Exercise and diet can help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not always the best option for those with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. These medications can cause negative side effects, such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase the heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also proven that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in helping with 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 boost mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It is often best to treat the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This can usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is common for kids with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will address the root of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms and, consequently, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are often prescribed to those suffering from coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target the brain chemical serotonin can ease 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 symptoms, lifestyle and age as well as other health issues before recommending any medication. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and stick to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that can be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications like bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled substances like stimulants.