ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to anxiety, restlessness and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms However, they can cause side effects such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in children and adolescents. Additionally, some people experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are used to treat 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 can also be found in brown or white dust. The use of large doses can result in excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
These medications are also proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They are effective by boosting brain chemical like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This boosts activity and communication between brain regions that regulate executive and attention. This results in an improvement in impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen from the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to remember that the type medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which of the conditions is more detrimental to a person’s quality of living. For instance, someone may experience lots of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to keep on top of school or work. These can be distressing and cause anxiety more often than signs of panic attacks or phobia.
In these cases, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to take effect, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. They can be used as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are particularly useful if the patient experiences an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications), are often used to treat anxiety-related disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also able to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin from 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 amount of norepinephrine released which reduces anxiety symptoms. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
SSRIs also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people suffering from ADHD. These medications can, however, increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. adult add medications may also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which could reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some individuals and are not recommended for those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in conjunction with medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find that tapping specific body parts or techniques for emotional freedom helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, since it can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
While stimulants are very effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not always the best choice for people with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can resemble or exacerbate 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, which is a brain chemical that improves attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been found to improve anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can ease 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 boost mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is usually best to treat the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will typically reduce the anxiety symptoms.
It is very common for kids with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in a few cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments address the root of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms, which will consequently, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are often prescribed for those with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target serotonin, a brain chemical can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is best for you will be determined by your doctor. They will consider your lifestyle, symptoms and age as well as other health issues before making a recommendation for any medication. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your physician and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Other options for treatment may be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping, sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. adhd medications uk says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.