ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders can be co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause irritation, restlessness and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but it may also cause side-effects such as tics or small growth reductions in children and adolescents. Some people also find 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 are available in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They can also be found in brown or white dust. The use of large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety and stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects like heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They help by increasing the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally lower in people with ADHD. This boosts activity and communication between brain regions that regulate the executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both medications showed improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The effect continued for 8 weeks.
It is important to note that the type medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which disorder is more detrimental to a person’s quality of living. One may experience numerous mini-crises that cause worry on a regular schedule as they rush to make appointments or keep up with assignments at school or at work. These can be very distressing and might cause them to be anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these situations it is possible to address the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs that have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a bit longer to take effect, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These medications can be used together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are especially beneficial if a patient has an elevated or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more flexible than previous generations of antidepressants, and they are less likely to cause dangerous adverse effects.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to 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 can reduce anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein production.
In addition, the SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety for those with ADHD. adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication can, however, increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first introduced.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can influence anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in certain individuals, so they are not recommended for anyone with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medications in addition, there are a variety of behavioral therapies that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping certain points on the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Since adhd medication for adults , non-stimulant medications have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase blood pressure or heart rate, and they are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in helping with anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for people with co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is often an excellent idea to identify and treat the underlying causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD, as it can reduce anxiety symptoms.
It is quite common for kids with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective method of treating 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 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.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is right for you. Before recommending a medication they will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age, along with other health conditions. It is essential to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness, meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep, 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 typically prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances like stimulants.