ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, sleep disturbance and irritability.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms, but they can also cause adverse effects, such as tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. In addition, some people experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medication.
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. You can find them in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They can also be found in brown or white dust. Large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety, panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may lead to addiction, serious adverse effects such as heart problems, high pressure and stroke.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They are effective by boosting brain chemical like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This improves the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive functions. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both treatments improved anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefit lasted for 8 weeks.
It is important to note that the kind of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which of the conditions has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. One may experience numerous minor crises that create anxiety throughout the day as they rush to make appointments or keep up with tasks at school or at work. These can be distressing and cause anxiety more often than signs of a panic attack or anxiety.
In these cases, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best adhd medication for adults with anxiety choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are especially effective if a patient has an elevated or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressants, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this group is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also aid in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have fewer side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to stay active and communicate with the post synaptic cells more than would be the case in other circumstances. This can increase norepinephrine output which may reduce anxiety symptoms. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate protein synthesis.
In addition, the SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease the agitation of some people with ADHD. These drugs can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they can also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They also can boost the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some people therefore they are not recommended for those with high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medication and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping specific body parts or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor can recommend a diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medicines
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not the best adhd medication uk option for those who also suffer from anxiety or adhd medication without prescribing. The stimulant drugs can cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.
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 increase blood pressure or heart rate, and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as sweating, shaking or nervousness.
Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that can enhance attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out if atomoxetine improved anxiety in adolescents and children with new adhd medication.
Another medication that is effective in relieving anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve moods and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often recommended to investigate and treat the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD, as it can make anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some instances, anxiety symptoms in adhd anxiety Medication children can be the source of their anxiety. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. This is because these therapies target the root cause of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms, which will in turn, reduce the anxiety.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on which medication is best adhd medication for adults uk for you will be determined by your physician. Before recommending a drug, they will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health conditions. It is very important to discuss your treatment goals with your physician and adhere to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping and sleeping, nutrition, 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 prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.