ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. medications for adhd in adults can cause restlessness anxiety, and insomnia.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms however, they may also cause side effects such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in adolescents and children. In addition, some people have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medication.
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. Large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety 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.
These medicines have also been shown to relieve anxiety symptoms. They improve the amount of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that are generally lower in people with ADHD. This boosts the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention functions. This leads to improved impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both medications have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit continued for 8 weeks.
It is important to note that the type of medication that is best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which disorder has a larger impact on the quality of life of a person. For example, an individual may experience lots of anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis when they have to schedule appointments or to keep on top of their work or school. These can be extremely stressful and can cause them to be anxious on more of a frequently than the symptoms of a particular anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these cases, it might be best to treat anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been shown to be 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) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as 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
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant medications), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this class is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also help treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have less side effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse and communicate with the post synaptic cells more than would be the case in other circumstances. This can increase norepinephrine output which may reduce anxiety symptoms. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate protein synthesis.
In addition, the SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation for some people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can influence anxiety, but they also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which can decrease anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. SNRIs may cause blood pressure to increase in certain people, and those who suffer from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in addition to medication. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety and stress, 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 creates anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, since it can worsen anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are very effective in treating ADHD and have been studied extensively, they are not always the best choice for people with anxiety disorders and ADHD. These medications can trigger side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can be similar to 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 increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out if atomoxetine improved anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in treating anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often recommended to investigate and treat the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD since it will typically reduce anxiety symptoms.
In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. This is because these therapies tackle the root cause of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms and, consequently, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants can also be 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.
In the end, the decision on which medication is right for you will be decided by your physician. Before recommending a medication, they will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health conditions. It is important to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and to adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health objectives, there are additional treatment options that can be beneficial in managing 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 bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled substances as stimulants.