ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness sleep disturbance and irritability.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms, but they can 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 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. You can find them in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available as a brown or white dust. In large doses, they can cause over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects like heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They help by increasing the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are typically lower in those with ADHD. This increases the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention functions. This leads to an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both drugs have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefits lasted for 8 weeks.
It is crucial to remember that the type of medication most effective for 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 instance, a person might experience a lot of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis as they rush around to make appointments or try to keep on top of school or work. These can be very distressing and might cause them to be anxious on more of a frequently than the symptoms of a specific anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these situations antidepressants or SSRIs are the best choice to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and can take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. They can be used as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety, and are particularly beneficial if a patient has a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant drugs), are often used to treat anxiety-related disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also aid in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more adaptable and have less side effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to stay active and to signal the post synaptic cell more than would be the case otherwise. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released which may reduce anxiety symptoms. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs can get more info reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease anxiety for those with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and actions in some people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first introduced.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also affect anxiety. They can improve the function of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Certain people who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in certain individuals therefore they should not be taken by those with high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in addition to medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping specific body parts or techniques for emotional freedom, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, since it can increase anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied but they are not the best choice for those who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can trigger side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
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 increase heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can help improve attention 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 whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is often an excellent idea to identify and address the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD because it can reduce anxiety symptoms.
In some cases, 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 therapies and psychostimulants. This is because these therapies tackle the root of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms, which will in turn, reduce the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed for those with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is best for you will be made by your doctor. Before recommending a medication they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health conditions. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your treatment goals and to stick to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health objectives, there are additional treatment options that can be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping sleep, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to suffer from symptoms of ADHD Dr. Hallowell says, which can make 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 are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.