ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
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 levels increase when they are taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
The use of stimulants is 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 crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a white or brown powder. Large doses can lead to over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and severe adverse effects, such as heart issues, high pressure and stroke.
These medicines have also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This boosts the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that control executive and attention functions. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both treatments improved anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefit continued for 8 weeks.
It is important to note that the type of medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on the quality of life of an individual. A person may experience a variety of small-scale crises that cause anxiety throughout the day as they try to meet appointments or complete projects at work or school. These can be distressing and cause anxiety more often than signs of a panic attack or anxiety.
In these instances, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs 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 common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These medications can be used together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are especially beneficial if a patient has high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressants are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this class, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less adverse negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cells more often than it would normally. This can boost the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It could also result in higher levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
SSRIs can also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. These drugs can, however increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which could reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some people and should not be used by anyone with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medications, there are a number of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find that tapping on specific points of the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone which causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can help reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can increase anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied, they may not be the most appropriate choice for people who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. These medications can trigger side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant medications are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase the heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as sweating, shaking or nervousness.
Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that improves attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also improve moods and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is usually best to treat the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This can usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
In some instances, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are check here usually the most effective treatments for anxiety in this scenario. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the problem.
Antidepressants are often prescribed to those suffering from co-existing 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.
Your doctor will ultimately determine which medication is right for you. Before recommending a medication, they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, in addition to other health issues. It is essential to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell 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 to address ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant drugs like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.