ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders can be co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger irritation, restlessness and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms However, they can cause side effects such as small growth reductions and tics in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are 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 are available in tablets, capsules, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. In large doses, they can cause excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety and panic, stomach cramps, paranoia and aggression. Long-term stimulant use can cause addiction and severe side effects like heart problems high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They are effective by boosting brain chemical such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This boosts the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive functions. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both treatments showed improvement in anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The effect lasted for 8 weeks.
It is crucial to remember that the type of medication most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on the quality of life of an individual. An individual may experience many minor crises that create anxiety in a regular manner as they try to meet appointments or complete projects at work or school. These can be extremely stressful and can cause them to be anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these instances it may be beneficial to treat the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and may take a little longer to work, but the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These are often taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant drugs, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this category is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. They are more versatile than the earlier generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and less severe adverse effects.
The SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse and to signal the post synaptic cell more than would be the case in other circumstances. This can increase the production of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate protein synthesis.
SSRIs can also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in certain people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first introduced.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They also affect anxiety. They can improve the function of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can help reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs can cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should stay clear of them.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people have found that tapping on specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend a diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medicines
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied, they may not be the best choice for those who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. These medications can cause side effects such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mirror or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant medications are a more recent option that has been used to get more info treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to suffer anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often advised for people who suffer from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve moods and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually best to address the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is common for kids with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in some cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are usually the most effective treatments for anxiety in this type of situation. This is because these treatments will target the root of the issue and reduce ADHD symptoms and, in turn, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately determine which medication is right for you. They will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age and other health issues before suggesting any medication. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that can help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping and sleeping nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to suffer from symptoms of ADHD, Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both disorders simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD before turning to non-stimulant medications such as bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.