ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can lead to restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms however, they may also result in side effects like the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in children and adolescents. In addition, some individuals have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medications.
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 can be found in capsules, tablets crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a brown or white powder. Large doses can lead to over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
They have also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. They are effective by boosting brain chemical like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This improves the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive functions. This leads to an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both drugs improved anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit continued for 8 weeks.
It is important to note that the type medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on a person’s quality of living. A person may experience a variety of minor crises that create anxiety throughout the day when they have to rush to make appointments or finish assignments at school or at work. adhd medications for adults can be extremely distressing and can cause them to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a particular phobia or panic attack would.
In these cases, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are administered orally and can take a long time to begin working. The most common choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine, venlafaxine and. These drugs can be utilized together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are especially effective when a patient is suffering from an elevated or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant drugs, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this group is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more versatile than earlier generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and less severe side effects.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would otherwise. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It could also result in increased levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein synthesis.
They also decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease anxiety for those with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may affect anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which could reduce anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in certain individuals and should not be used by those with high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find that tapping specific body parts, or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
Although stimulants are extremely effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively studied however they are not the best choice for individuals with anxiety disorders and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate, and they are less likely to suffer anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. It has also been shown to improve anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in treating anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently advised for people who suffer from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is generally recommended to investigate and treat the root causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD because that will usually help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
In certain cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are usually the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this situation. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed to those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is best for you will be made by your physician. Before recommending a drug, they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health issues. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and adhere to a daily routine 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 and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances like stimulants.