ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness sleep disturbance and irritability.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it can also cause side-effects like tics, or small growth reductions in children and adolescents. Some people also notice that their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances 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 capsules, tablets, chunky clear crystals or a white or brown powder. In large doses, they can cause excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, 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.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing the amount of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which tend to be less in people suffering from ADHD. This improves communication and activity between parts of the brain that control the executive and attention functions. This leads to improved control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen in the first week of treatment for both medications, and the benefit was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the kind of medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which of the conditions is more detrimental to the quality of life of a person. One may experience numerous small-scale crises that cause anxiety in a regular manner as they rush to make appointments or keep up with tasks at school or at work. These are stressful and cause anxiety more often than signs of a panic attack or anxiety.
In these situations it may be beneficial to treat anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and may take some time to take effect. The most commonly used choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) which include duloxetine, venlafaxine and. These can be taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially beneficial if a patient has a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this class, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are a bit more versatile than earlier generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer serious adverse effects.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would otherwise. This can increase norepinephrine output, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein synthesis.
In addition, the SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. These medications can, however, increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts among some people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, functions differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They also have an impact on anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can help reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs may cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and those with high blood pressure or heart disease should not take these medications.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral treatments that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people have found that tapping on certain points on the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques can help lower the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. adult adhd treatments can recommend a diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can increase anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied but they are not the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger negative side effects, such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant medicines are a recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that can enhance concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also shown 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 find out whether atomoxetine reduced 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 often recommended for people with co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is often a good idea to try and address the root causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD because it can help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
In some instances, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are usually the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this situation. This is because these treatments target the root of the issue and reduce ADHD symptoms and, in turn, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants may also be prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on which medication is right for you will be decided by your physician. They will take a look at your lifestyle, symptoms and age as well as other health issues before recommending any medication. It is very important to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to experience symptoms of ADHD, Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at once. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.