ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but it may cause adverse effects, like tics, or small growth reductions in children and adolescents. Some people also notice that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medication.
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 as a white or brown dust. The use of large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may also lead to addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
These medications are also proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that are generally lower in those with ADHD. This boosts the activity and communication of the parts of the brain which control executive and attention functions. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen from the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication that may be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could come down to which condition has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. For example, an individual might be prone to frequent anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis while they rush to make appointments or try to stay on top of their work or school. These can be extremely stressful and might cause them to be anxious on more of a frequently than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these instances, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are administered orally and may take a while to work. The most commonly used options are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) which include venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These can be taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially useful if the patient experiences an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are a bit more flexible than previous versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they are less likely to cause serious side effects.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to stay active and communicate with the post synaptic cell more than would be the case otherwise. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It may also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They can also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also impact anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can help reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They can also boost the mood of people suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, check here Pristiq). The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some individuals, so they are not recommended for those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed alongside medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find that tapping certain body points or techniques for emotional freedom, helps lower cortisol, the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid sugar as it can worsen anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied, they may not be the most appropriate choice for people who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause negative side effects, such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms 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 cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can ease anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve moods and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is generally an excellent idea to identify and treat the root causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD because it will typically help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are usually 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 cause of the issue.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of the right medication for you will be decided by your physician. Before recommending a medication they will take into consideration your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health conditions. It is essential to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and stick to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that may also help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping sleep and nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to suffer from symptoms of ADHD Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both disorders simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.