ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness sleep disturbance and irritability.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms, but they can also cause side effects such as small growth reductions and tics in children and adolescents. Some people also find that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the condition known as 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 capsules, tablets, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. Massive doses of stimulants may result in over-stimulation, anxiety panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They help by boosting 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. adhd and medication 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 have anxiety disorders. Both medications improved anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefits lasted for 8 weeks.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the type medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which of the conditions has more impact on the quality of life of an individual. For instance, someone might experience a lot of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis when they have to schedule appointments or to keep on top of projects for school or work. These are stressful and cause anxiety more often than signs of panic attacks or anxiety.
In these instances it is possible to treat anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These can be taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from high blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant drugs are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this group is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also able to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more adaptable and have less adverse effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse and communicate with the post synaptic cell more frequently than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. It may also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein production.
They also decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation in some individuals with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in certain individuals. They may also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
Another kind of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also affect anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They also can enhance the mood of people suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in some individuals and are not recommended for anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in conjunction with medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping on certain body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in some 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 most appropriate choice for people who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause side effects such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. adhd and medication can mimic or worsen 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 don't increase the heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects such as sweating, shaking or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. It has also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in relieving anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It is often an excellent idea to identify and address the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD since that will usually reduce anxiety symptoms.
In some instances, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments address the root of the issue and reduce ADHD symptoms which, in turn, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Ultimately, the decision of which medication is right for you will be made by your physician. Before recommending a medication, they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, along with other health conditions. It is important to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health goals, there are other treatment options that may also be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping, sleep, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to suffer from symptoms of ADHD according to Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant drugs like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled substances as stimulants.