ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness anxiety, and insomnia.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but they can cause adverse effects, like tics, or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety rises when they take 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 can be found in capsules, tablets, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. Large doses can lead to over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. The long-term use of stimulants could also lead to addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
These medications are also proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This increases activity and communication between parts of the brain that control executive and attention. This leads to improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both medications have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefit was evident for eight weeks.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the type of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on a person’s quality of living. A person may experience a variety of small-scale crises that cause anxiety on a regular schedule as they try to meet appointments or complete assignments at school or at work. These can be distressing and can cause anxiety more frequently than signs of panic attacks or phobia.
In these cases the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are taken orally and can take a long time to take effect. The most popular options are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) which include duloxetine, venlafaxine and. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are particularly useful for patients who have an elevated or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are frequently used to treat anxiety-related disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also able to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are a bit more flexible than previous generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer dangerous adverse effects.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cells more often than would otherwise occur. This may increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. It may also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein production.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and reduce hyperactivity. Iam Psychiatry can also improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in people with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in certain individuals. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first introduced.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also affect anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This may reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. People who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in certain individuals, so they should not be taken by those with high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in addition to medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people have found tapping specific points of the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques can help reduce the cortisol hormone that creates anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are very effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not always the best choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can cause adverse effects like increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase the heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can aid in improving concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can help 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 adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in relieving 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 improve moods and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is generally a good idea to try and treat the underlying cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD since it will typically reduce anxiety symptoms.
It is quite common for children with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in a few instances, anxiety may be caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are usually the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this type of situation. This is because these therapies tackle the root of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms and, in turn, reduce the anxiety.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is most suitable for you. They will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health conditions prior to making a recommendation for any medication. It is important to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and adhere to a daily routine while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping sleep, nutrition, 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, and then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances like stimulants.