ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it may also cause side-effects such as tics or slight growth decreases in children and adolescents. Many people also experience their anxiety increases when taking stimulant drugs.
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 can be found in tablets, capsules, chunky clear crystals or a white or brown powder. Massive doses of stimulants may cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety, panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can result in addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high pressure and stroke.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They help by boosting brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This increases the activity and communication of parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention functions. This leads to improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs, and the benefit was maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the kind of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which condition is more detrimental to the quality of life of a person. An individual may experience many minor crises that create anxiety on a regular schedule when they have to rush to make appointments or complete projects at work or school. These can be very distressing and cause people to be anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these situations, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a bit longer to take effect, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. They can be used alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially useful when a patient is suffering from high blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressant drugs are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also able to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more flexible than previous versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they are less likely to cause severe adverse effects.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to remain active and to signal the post synaptic cells more than is the case with other neurotransmitters. adhd and depression medication can increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. It may also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein production.
SSRIs can also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease anxiety for those with ADHD. These medications can, however increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first introduced.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which could reduce anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in certain individuals, so they are not recommended for anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medications in addition, there are a variety of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping specific points of the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help lower the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied however they are not the best choice for individuals who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause adverse effects like 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 don't increase blood pressure or heart rate, and they are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it is effective in reducing 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 children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can ease anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often advised for people who suffer from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is often an excellent idea to identify and treat the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD because that will usually make anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is common for children with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in some cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will address the root of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms, which will in turn, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed for those with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on which medication is right for you will be made by your physician. Before recommending a medication they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health issues. It is essential to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and to adhere to a routine daily when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep and nutrition, as well as 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 at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medication like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.