ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness irritability and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms, but they can also cause side effects such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in adolescents and children. Many people also experience their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant drugs.
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 can be found in tablets, capsules crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a brown or white powder. The use of large doses can result in excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may lead to addiction, serious adverse effects, such as heart issues high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
These medications are also proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They help by increasing the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that are generally lower in those with ADHD. This increases the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that control executive and attention functions. This results in improved control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both drugs have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefits continued for 8 weeks.
It is important to note that the type of medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which condition has the greatest impact on the quality of life of an individual. A person may experience a variety of small-scale crises that cause anxiety in a regular manner as they try to meet appointments or complete assignments at school or at work. These can be stressful and trigger anxiety more often than symptoms of a panic attack or anxiety.
In these cases antidepressants or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven to be effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and can take a bit longer to take effect, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These medications can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are especially beneficial when a patient is suffering from high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressant drugs, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less adverse effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cells more often than it would otherwise. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released which may reduce anxiety symptoms. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation for some individuals with ADHD. These drugs can, however, increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first started.
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can influence anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may decrease anxiety and stress. They also can enhance the mood of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs may cause blood pressure to rise in certain individuals, so people with high blood pressure and heart disease should not take them.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping certain body points or techniques for emotional freedom helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid sugar, as it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
While stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not always the best choice for people with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause adverse effects like jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mirror 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 do not raise heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects such as sweating, shaking, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and decrease anxiety symptoms. It is often best to address the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will typically help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
It is quite common for kids with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in a few cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are generally the most effective treatments 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 are also prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack serotonin, a brain chemical can aid in reducing 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 take a look get more info at your symptoms, lifestyle, age and other health conditions before suggesting any medication. It is crucial to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and stick to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health objectives, there are additional treatment options that can be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants to address ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants are.