ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness sleep disturbance and irritability.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms, but they can also result in side effects like small growth reductions and tics in children and adolescents. Additionally, some people experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medications.
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 are available in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available in brown or white dust. The use of large doses can result in over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and severe side effects like heart problems, high pressure and stroke.
These medications are also proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This increases the activity and communication of the parts of the brain which control executive and attention functions. This leads to improved impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both treatments showed improvement in anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefits was evident for eight weeks.
It is crucial to remember that the kind of medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which disorder has a larger impact on the quality of life of a person. One may experience numerous minor crises that create anxiety throughout the day when they have to rush to make appointments or finish tasks at school or at work. They can be extremely distressing and can cause them to be anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these situations the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and can take a long time to take effect. The most popular choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) which include duloxetine, venlafaxine and. They can be used 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 are antidepressant drugs, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this category is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These medications are more versatile than earlier generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer severe side effects.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse to remain active and signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can increase norepinephrine output which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
SSRIs also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation for some individuals with ADHD. These medications can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts among some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may influence anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and blood vessels, which can decrease anxiety and stress. They also can improve the mood of some individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some individuals therefore they are not recommended for those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medications in addition, there are a variety of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find that tapping on certain points on the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone that creates anxiety. Exercise and diet can 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 medicines
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied however they are not the most appropriate choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.
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 side effects like sweating, shaking or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that can enhance concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been found to improve anxiety symptoms among adolescents and children 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 a different medication that can ease anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually a good idea to try and treat the underlying causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD because it will typically help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
In some cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to people with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target the brain chemical serotonin can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately determine which medication is best for you. They will consider your symptoms, lifestyle, age and other health conditions before making a recommendation for any medication. It is very important to discuss your treatment goals with your physician and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health goals, there are other treatment options that can be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep, nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. adult add medication says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, making 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.