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 help alleviate these symptoms However, they can result in side effects like the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in children and adolescents. Many people also experience their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants can be 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. They are available in capsules, tablets, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. In large doses, they can cause over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term stimulant use can lead to addiction, serious adverse effects, such as heart issues high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
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 boosts the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that control executive and attention functions. This leads to an improvement in impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Both drugs showed improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefits lasted for 8 weeks.
It is crucial to remember that the kind of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which disorder has a larger impact on the quality of life of a person. An individual may experience many mini-crises that cause worry on a regular schedule as they try to meet appointments or complete projects at work or school. These are stressful and can cause anxiety more frequently than symptoms of panic attacks or phobia.
In these situations it may be beneficial to treat the anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs which have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. They can be used in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly beneficial if a patient has a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressant medications are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this group is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also help treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have fewer side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse and communicate with the post synaptic cell more than would be the case in other circumstances. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It could also result in an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
SSRIs also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease agitation for some people with ADHD. These drugs can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts among some people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first introduced.
Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also have an impact on anxiety. They can improve the function of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. adhd without medication may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. People who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. SNRIs may cause blood pressure to increase in some people, so those with high blood pressure and heart disease should not take them.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral treatments that could help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping specific body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can help reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest a diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can increase anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively, they are not always the best choice for individuals who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant drugs are a more 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 are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can enhance attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been found to reduce anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children 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 medication that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for those suffering from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to treat anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This can usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed for those with co-existing 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.
In the end, the decision on which medication is best for you will be determined by your doctor. They will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age and other health conditions prior to recommending any medication. It is important to discuss with your doctor your treatment goals and to stick to a regular schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He usually prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled substances like stimulants.