ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms however, they may also cause side effects such as small growth reductions and tics in children and adolescents. In addition, some individuals find their anxiety worsens when taking stimulant medication.
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 brown or white powder. Large doses can lead to over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and severe adverse effects, such as heart issues high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
They have also been proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They help by increasing the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally lower in people with ADHD. This increases the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that control attention and executive functions. This leads to an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and comorbid 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 type of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which condition is more detrimental to the quality of life of an individual. For instance, someone may experience lots of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to stay on top of projects for work or school. These are stressful and cause anxiety more often than the symptoms of a panic attack or fear.
In these cases, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven to be effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are administered orally and can take a long time to work. The most popular options are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) like duloxetine, venlafaxine and. These are often taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly beneficial if a patient has high blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this category is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. They are more adaptable and have fewer side negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin 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 can increase norepinephrine output, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating protein synthesis.
SSRIs can also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. These drugs can, however increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They can also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, functions differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also have an impact on anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They can also enhance the mood of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the 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 medication in addition, there are a variety of behavioral treatments that could help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping certain body points or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied however they are not the most appropriate choice for people who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger side effects such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can aid in improving concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also help improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is usually recommended to investigate and address the root causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD, as that will usually help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
adhd medication side effects is very common for kids with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in some cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will address the root of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms, which will consequently, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target serotonin, a brain chemical can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately determine which medication is best for you. They will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age and other health issues before recommending any medication. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and stick to a routine daily 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. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep, nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both disorders at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.