ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but they can cause adverse effects, such as tics or minor growth reductions in children and adolescents. In addition, some individuals experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are used 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 are available in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available as a brown or white dust. The use of large doses can result in over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps, paranoia and aggression. Long-term stimulant use can cause addiction and severe adverse effects, such as heart issues stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They are effective by boosting brain chemical like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This improves the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention functions. This leads to improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident as early as the fourth week of treatment for both drugs, and the benefit was maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type of medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which of the conditions has more impact on the quality of life of an individual. An individual may experience many small-scale crises that cause anxiety in a regular manner as they rush to make appointments or finish projects at work or school. These can be extremely stressful and can cause them to feel anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these cases, it might be best to address the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and can take a long time to take effect. The most common options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine, and duloxetine. medication for adults with add can be used as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are especially beneficial if a patient has an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressants are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this class is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more adaptable and have less side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cell for more times than would otherwise occur. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released which reduces anxiety symptoms. It can also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein production.
In addition, the SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some individuals with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they first begin.
Another type of antidepressant called SNRIs, works differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also impact anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This may reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. People who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. SNRIs may cause blood pressure to rise in some people, so those who suffer from high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
In addition to medications, there are a number of behavioral treatments that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping specific points of the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone which causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, as it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medicines
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied however they are not the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. medication for adult add can trigger negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine improved anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in treating anxiety symptoms is bupropion which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often advised for people who suffer from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is generally recommended to treat the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are usually the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this situation. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is most suitable for you. They will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health conditions before making a recommendation for 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 in managing ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances, similar to stimulants.