ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause irritation, restlessness and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms However, they can result in side effects like small growth reductions and tics in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs 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 as a brown or white dust. The use of large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety, stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may also lead to addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
These medicines have also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms. They help by increasing the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine which are typically less in people suffering from ADHD. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that regulate attention and executive function. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs, and the benefit was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the type of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. For instance, a person might be prone to frequent worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis as they rush around to schedule appointments or to stay on top of their work or school. These can be distressing and trigger anxiety more often than symptoms of panic attacks or anxiety.
In these situations the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are taken orally and can take a long time to take effect. The most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs), such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These are often taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly useful if the patient experiences high blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressant medications are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this group is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also help treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have fewer side negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cells more often than would otherwise occur. This can increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. It could also result in increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein production.
In addition, the SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with adhd medication guanfacine. However, these drugs may increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behavior in certain individuals. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they first begin.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may influence anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They can also enhance the mood of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs can cause blood pressure to rise in some people, so those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should stay clear of them.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized in addition to medication. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in lowering stress and anxiety 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 that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid sugar as it can increase anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating prescribe adhd medication and have been extensively studied, they may not be the best option for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger negative side effects, such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications have been used for ADHD (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 shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been proven to improve anxiety symptoms among adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is often best to treat anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will typically make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is common for kids with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their adhd medication titration symptoms. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue.
Antidepressants may also be prescribed to patients suffering from 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.
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is most suitable for you. Before recommending a medication for inattentive adhd they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, in addition to other health issues. It is important to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and to adhere to a routine daily when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping and sleeping and nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to experience symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both disorders at once. He typically prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.