ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it may also cause side-effects like tics, or slight growth decreases in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are 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. You can find them in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available in white or brown dust. The use of large doses of stimulants can result in over the counter adhd medication for adults-stimulation, anxiety stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can result in addiction and serious adverse effects, such as heart issues stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
They have also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They improve the amount of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine which are typically less in people suffering from ADHD. This increases activity and communication between brain regions that control executive and attention. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen in the first week of treatment for both medications and the effect was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type of medication that may be best medication for inattentive adhd for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could come down to which condition is more affecting a person's quality of life. A person may experience a variety of mini-crises that cause worry throughout the day when they have to rush to make appointments or complete tasks at school or at work. They can be extremely distressing and cause people to be anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a specific phobia or panic attack would.
In these cases, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven to be effective in the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most effective adhd medication popular 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 as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are particularly beneficial if a patient has a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also help treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more adaptable and have less adverse effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse and signal the post synaptic cell more than would be the case in other circumstances. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released which may reduce anxiety symptoms. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake both serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also impact anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can help reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. Certain people with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in certain individuals, so people with high blood pressure or heart disease should not take them.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find that tapping specific body parts or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, as it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
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 or ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause adverse effects like jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase blood pressure or heart rate, and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been found to reduce anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with doctors prescribing adhd medication. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with adhd depression medication.
Another drug that can be effective in relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for those suffering from co-occurring depression and adhd anxiety medication [website]. It can also boost mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is usually a good idea to try and address the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD, as that will usually help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
In certain cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are typically the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this scenario. This is because these treatments will target the root of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms and, in turn, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed to people with coexisting 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.
Ultimately, the decision of the right medication for you will be determined by your physician. They will look at your lifestyle, symptoms and age as well as other health issues before making a recommendation for any medication. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your physician and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health objectives, there are additional treatments that could help you manage 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 experience symptoms of ADHD, Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He usually prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant drugs like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances like stimulants.