ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause irritation, restlessness and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but they can also cause side-effects like tics or slight growth decreases in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety increases 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 can be found in capsules, tablets crystals that are chunky and clear, or a brown or white powder. The use of large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety and panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may result in addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high pressure and stroke.
They have also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This increases activity and communication between brain regions that regulate the executive and attention functions. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as as well 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 kind of medication most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could come down to which condition has a larger impact on the quality of life of an individual. One may experience numerous minor crises that create anxiety throughout the day as they rush to make appointments or complete projects at work or school. These can be extremely stressful and cause people to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a particular anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these cases, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven to be effective in the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. They are typically taken orally and can take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be utilized in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are especially beneficial when a patient is suffering from an elevated or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this category is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have fewer side effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse and signal the post synaptic cell more than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. It may also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
SSRIs can also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in certain people. They can also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may have an effect on anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of heart muscle and blood vessels, which could decrease anxiety and stress. They also can enhance the mood of adults dealing with adhd without medication 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 and are not recommended for those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral therapies that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people have found tapping specific points on their body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques can help reduce the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, as it can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not the best option for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. 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 raise blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects like sweating, shaking, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can enhance concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also shown that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for people with co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve moods and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is often a good idea to try and treat the root causes of anxiety prior to treating the Adhd anxiety medication, as that will usually reduce anxiety symptoms.
In some cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are usually the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this situation. This is because these therapies address the root of the problem and decrease adhd medication options symptoms, which will in turn, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed to people with co-existing 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.
Ultimately, the decision of which medication is right for you will be determined by your doctor. They will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age as well as other health conditions before recommending any medication. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and adhere to a daily routine when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that can help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping sleep and nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to suffer from symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both disorders at once. He typically prescribes stimulants first to treat natural adhd medication before turning to non-stimulant drugs like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, similar to stimulants.