ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness, sleep disturbance and irritability.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but it can also cause side-effects like tics, or small growth reductions in adolescents and children. In addition, some people find their anxiety worsens when taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are 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. You can find them in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available as a brown or white dust. In large doses, they can cause over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and severe adverse effects, such as heart issues, high pressure and stroke.
These medicines have also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms. They improve the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be lower in those with ADHD. This boosts the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive functions. This leads to an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both drugs have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefits continued for 8 weeks.
It is important to note that the kind of medication that is best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which disorder is more affecting a person's quality of life. A person may experience a variety of minor crises that create anxiety in a regular manner when they have to rush to make appointments or complete projects at work or school. These are stressful and can cause anxiety more frequently than the symptoms of a panic attack or anxiety.
In these situations antidepressants or SSRIs are the best choice to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven to be effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and may take some time to take effect. The most common options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) which include venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are especially beneficial for patients who have an elevated or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are commonly used to treat anxiety-related disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have fewer side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cells more often than would otherwise occur. adhd medication adults iampsychiatry.uk can increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
They also decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease anxiety for those with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can 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 commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in some individuals therefore they should not be used by those with high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medication in addition, there are a variety of behavioral treatments that could help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping certain body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can increase anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not always the best option for those with anxiety disorders and ADHD. These medications can cause adverse effects like jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mimic or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase the heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as sweating, shaking, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can improve concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in children and adolescents 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 frequently recommended for those suffering from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is generally an excellent idea to identify and treat the underlying causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD since it can reduce anxiety symptoms.
It is quite common for children with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed to people with coexisting 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 best for you will be decided by your doctor. Before recommending a medication they will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health conditions. It is essential to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and to adhere to a regular schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health goals, there are other treatment options that can be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, 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, making it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He usually prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled substances as stimulants.