ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause irritation, restlessness and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but it can cause adverse effects, like tics, or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant drugs.
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. They are available in tablets, capsules crystals that are chunky and clear, or a white or brown powder. In large doses, they can cause excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety, panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This improves the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention functions. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both treatments improved anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit was evident for eight weeks.
It is crucial to remember that the type of medication that is best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which condition has a larger impact on the quality of life of a person. For example, an individual might be prone to frequent anxious mini-crises on a daily basis while they rush to make appointments or try to stay on top of their school or work. These can be distressing and trigger anxiety more often than symptoms of panic attacks or fear.
In these instances, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to work, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be utilized in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are especially beneficial for patients who have high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressants, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this category is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more flexible than previous versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and less serious adverse effects.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would otherwise. This can increase the production of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.
In addition, the SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety for those with ADHD. These medications can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first started.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which could reduce anxiety and stress. adhd adults medication I Am Psychiatry with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. SNRIs can cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and people with high blood pressure or heart disease should not take these medications.
In addition to medications in addition, there are a variety of behavioral treatments that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people have found that tapping on specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone which creates anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, since it can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
Although stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied however they are not the best choice for people with anxiety disorders and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause negative side effects, such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise the heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects like sweating, shaking, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also help improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to treat the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are generally the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this situation. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is right for you. Before recommending a drug, they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health conditions. It is essential to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and adhere to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga, 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 to address ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants are.