ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often associated with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms However, they can cause adverse effects, such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances 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. They can be found in tablets, capsules crystals that are chunky and clear, or a brown or white powder. The use of large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety and stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
These medicines have also been shown to alleviate 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 between the various parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention functions. This leads to an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed in the first week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to remember that the type of medication that is 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. For instance, a person might be prone to frequent anxious mini-crises on a daily basis as they rush around to schedule appointments or to keep track of projects for work or school. These can be extremely stressful and might cause them to be anxious on more of a frequent basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these situations, it might be best to treat anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs that have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are taken orally and may take a while to begin working. The most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs), such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. 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, including SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also aid in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more adaptable and have fewer side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than would otherwise occur. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein production.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and decrease hyperactivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation in some people with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and actions in some people. They can also increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may influence anxiety, but they also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which can reduce anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in certain individuals and should not be taken by those suffering from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medications in addition, there are a variety of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in lowering stress and anxiety, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping on certain points on the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone that creates anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can cause adverse effects like anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that improves attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also shown that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in treating anxiety is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and decrease anxiety symptoms. It is generally an excellent idea to identify and address the root causes of anxiety get more info prior to treating the ADHD, as that will usually make anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is common for kids with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are usually the most effective treatments for anxiety in this situation. These treatments can 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 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 drug, they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health conditions. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health objectives, there are additional treatment options that may also be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD according to Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both conditions at once. He typically prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications such as bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled substances like stimulants.