ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms however, they may also result in side effects like the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in children and adolescents. In addition, some people have anxiety issues while 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. They are available in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available in white or brown dust. In large doses, they can cause over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, aggression and paranoia. The long-term use of stimulants could also lead to addiction and serious side effects like heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This boosts activity and communication between parts of the brain that control the executive and attention functions. This leads to an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident from the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the effect was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which of the conditions is more detrimental to the quality of life of a person. For instance, someone may experience lots of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis as they rush around to make appointments or try to keep on top of their work or school. These are stressful and trigger anxiety more often than symptoms of a panic attack or anxiety.
In these instances, it might be best to treat anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs that have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and may take some time to take effect. The most common options are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These are often taken as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from high blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant drugs, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this category 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 less side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to stay active and communicate with the post synaptic cell more frequently than would be the case otherwise. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released which reduces anxiety symptoms. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some individuals with ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, functions differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may influence anxiety, but they also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which could reduce anxiety and stress. People who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in some people and should not be used by anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease.
In medication for adults with add to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that could help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people have found that tapping on specific points of the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques can help lower the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, since it can worsen anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not the most appropriate choice for people who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant medicines are a recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for those suffering from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is often an excellent idea to identify and address the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD since that will usually make anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are usually the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this situation. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed for those with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is right for you. Before recommending a medication they will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health conditions. It is crucial to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and adhere to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are other treatment options that may also help you manage ADHD and anxiety. medication for adults with add include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping and sleeping nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to suffer from symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, 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 for anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.