ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause anxiety, restlessness and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms, but they can also result in side effects like small growth reductions and tics in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the condition known as 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 capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They can also be found in brown or white dust. Large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, 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 medications are also proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They help by increasing the amount of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be lower in those with ADHD. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that control executive and attention. This results in an improvement in impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen as early as the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the type medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which of the conditions has more impact on the quality of life of a person. For example, an individual may experience lots of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis as they rush around to make appointments or try to keep track of their school or work. These can be very distressing and can cause them to feel anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these cases, it might be best to treat the anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs that have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and may take a bit longer to work, but the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be utilized together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are especially beneficial when a patient is suffering from high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are a bit more flexible than previous generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and less dangerous adverse effects.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to stay active and signal the post synaptic cells more than would be the case otherwise. This can increase norepinephrine output which reduces anxiety symptoms. It can also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein production.
SSRIs can also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in individuals with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the risk of suicidal ideas and actions in some people. They can also increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also impact anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. They also can enhance the mood of people suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in certain people, and those who suffer from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should avoid taking these medications.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized in conjunction with medication. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people have found tapping specific points on their body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. visit this website and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched, they may not be the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. These medications can cause side effects such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant medications are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that improves concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often advised for people who suffer from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and decrease anxiety symptoms. It is often a good idea to try and treat the underlying cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD since it can make anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is quite common for children with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are usually the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this type of situation. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target serotonin, a brain chemical can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on which medication is right for you will be made by your physician. Before recommending a drug, they will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health issues. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your treatment goals and to stick to a daily routine while taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that can help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness, meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.