ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause irritation, restlessness and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms, but they can also cause adverse effects, such as tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. Some people also find that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs 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 are available in capsules, tablets crystals that are chunky and clear, or a brown or white powder. Massive doses of stimulants may create over-stimulation and cause anxiety stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and severe adverse effects, such as heart issues high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
These medications are also proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. They improve the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which tend to be less in people suffering from ADHD. This improves 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 decreasing.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen as early as the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which of the conditions is more detrimental to the quality of life of an individual. A person may experience a variety of mini-crises that cause worry on a regular schedule as they try to meet appointments or finish tasks at school or at work. These can be stressful and trigger anxiety more often than signs of a panic attack or anxiety.
In these situations, it might be best to treat anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs which have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a bit longer to take effect, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be utilized in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are particularly useful for patients who have a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant medications, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. medication for adult add is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also aid in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are a bit more flexible than previous generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer dangerous adverse effects.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse and signal the post synaptic cell more than would be the case otherwise. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. It can also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce the agitation of some people with ADHD. These drugs can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts among some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also affect anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some people and should not be taken by those with high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral treatments that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help 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 is responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant based medicines
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched but they are not the best choice for those who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger side effects such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise the heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine reduced 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 recommended for those suffering from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is usually best to treat the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will typically reduce the anxiety symptoms.
It is common for children with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are generally the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this type of situation. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the problem.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target serotonin in the brain, can help to relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
Ultimately, the decision of the right medication for you will be made by your doctor. They will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age and other health conditions before recommending any medication. It is important to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and adhere to a regular schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other options for treatment may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping and sleeping, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to experience symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both disorders at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants to address ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.