ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause irritation, restlessness and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it may also cause side-effects like tics or small growth reductions in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant medication.
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. You can find them in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available as a white or brown dust. The use of large doses can result in over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps, paranoia and aggression. The long-term use of stimulants could cause addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This increases activity and communication between brain regions that control the executive and attention functions. This results in improved control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both treatments showed improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit lasted for 8 weeks.
It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could come down to which condition is more affecting a person's quality of life. One may experience numerous small-scale crises that cause anxiety in a regular manner as they try to meet appointments or keep up with tasks at school or at work. They can be extremely distressing and can cause them to be anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a specific phobia or panic attack would.
In these instances it is possible to treat anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs that have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and can take a long time to take effect. The most common options are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine, venlafaxine and. These are often taken as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety, and are particularly beneficial if a patient has a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are frequently used to treat anxiety-related disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this class, is fluoxetine. 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 less severe side effects.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would normally. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released which may reduce anxiety symptoms. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating protein synthesis.
SSRIs also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in individuals with ADHD. These medications can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in some people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they first begin.
Another type of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which could decrease anxiety and stress. They also can boost the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs may cause blood pressure to increase in some people, so people with high blood pressure and heart disease should not take them.
In addition to medication, 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 tapping certain body points or techniques for emotional freedom helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you consume whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and to avoid sugar as it can increase anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not the best option for those who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause negative side effects, such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can mirror or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in relieving anxiety 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 moods and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is often an excellent idea to identify and address the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD, as it can help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the problem.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed to those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Ultimately, the decision of which medication is best for you will be made by your doctor. Before recommending a medication, they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health issues. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your treatment goals and to stick to a regular schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other options for treatment may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping, sleep and nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. medications for adhd uk says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medication like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled substances like stimulants.