20 Things You Should Know About ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but they can also cause side-effects such as tics or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. In addition, some individuals find their anxiety worsens when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
The use of stimulants is to treat adhd medication intuniv 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 tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available as a brown or white dust. The use of large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety, stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may result in addiction and serious side effects like heart problems stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
These medicines have also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They improve the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that are generally less in people suffering from ADHD. This increases the activity and communication of parts of the brain that control executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults dealing with adhd without medication ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications, and the benefit was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the type of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which condition is more detrimental to the quality of life of a person. One may experience numerous small-scale crises that cause anxiety in a regular manner as they try to meet appointments or complete projects at work or school. These are stressful and can cause anxiety more frequently than the symptoms of panic attacks or anxiety.
In these instances the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven to be effective at the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These can be taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly beneficial if a patient has an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this class is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also aid in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more versatile than earlier generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer serious side effects.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cell more times than would otherwise occur. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which reduces anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein production.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease anxiety for those with ADHD. These drugs can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first introduced.
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can have an effect on anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which could decrease anxiety and stress. They also can improve the mood of some individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in certain individuals, so they are not recommended for those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be used alongside medication. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping on specific points on their body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid sugar as 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 however they are not the best medication for adhd and anxiety option for those who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can trigger adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that can enhance attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also shown that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in treating anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is generally recommended to treat anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will typically 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 treatments are generally the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this type of situation. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can 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. They will take a look at your symptoms, lifestyle, age and other health conditions prior to making a recommendation for any medication. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your treatment goals and to stick to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that may also help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness, 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 simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants to address ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled substances as stimulants.