ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often associated with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger irritation, restlessness and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms However, they can cause side effects such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in adolescents and children. In addition, some individuals experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are 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 in brown or white dust. The use of large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may lead to addiction, serious adverse effects such as heart problems stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They help by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which tend to be lower in those with ADHD. This increases activity and communication between brain regions that regulate the executive and attention functions. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Both medications showed improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The effect lasted for 8 weeks.
It is crucial to remember that the kind of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could come down to which condition is more affecting a person's quality of life. For example, an individual might experience a lot of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to keep track of projects for school or work. These can be distressing and cause anxiety more often than signs of panic attacks or phobia.
In these instances it may be beneficial to treat anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs that have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to work, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These can be taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly useful if the patient experiences high blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this class, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less adverse effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cells more often than it would otherwise. This can increase the production of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in people suffering from ADHD. These medications can, however increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts among some people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first introduced.
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake both serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may affect anxiety, but they can also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which could reduce anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
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 with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should stay clear of them.
In addition to medications 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 techniques for emotional freedom can help lower cortisol levels, the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can increase anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
Although stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched, they are not always the best choice for individuals with anxiety disorders and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may resemble or exacerbate 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 don't increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been proven to improve anxiety symptoms among adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to treat anxiety first before treating ADHD. This can usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
In certain cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. best adhd medication for adults uk and cognitive-behavioral therapy are usually the most effective treatments for anxiety in this situation. This is because these treatments will target the root cause of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms which, in turn, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is best for you. Before recommending a medication, they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health issues. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and to adhere to a regular schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health goals, there are other treatments that could be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep, 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 can make it difficult to treat both disorders at once. He usually prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD before turning to non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.