ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders can be associated with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger irritation, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms However, they can cause adverse effects, such as small growth reductions and tics in children and adolescents. Additionally, some people have anxiety issues while taking 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. You can find them in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They can also be found in white or brown dust. Massive doses of stimulants may create over-stimulation and cause anxiety and panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may lead to addiction, serious side effects like heart problems stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing the amount of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are typically lower in those with ADHD. This improves the activity and communication of parts of the brain that control executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both treatments have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The effect continued for 8 weeks.
It is important to remember that the type medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on the quality of life of an individual. A person may experience a variety of minor crises that create anxiety on a regular schedule when they have to rush to make appointments or keep up with assignments at school or at work. These can be stressful and can cause anxiety more frequently than signs of panic attacks or fear.
In these situations, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven to be effective at the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. These are taken orally, and may take some time to work. The most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) which include duloxetine and venlafaxine. These can be taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially useful if the patient experiences a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressants, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. They are more flexible than previous generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer severe adverse effects.
The SSRIs block serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to remain active and to signal the post synaptic cell more than would be the case otherwise. This may increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. It could also result in an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein synthesis.
In addition, the SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety for those with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake both serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can have an effect on anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in certain individuals therefore they are not recommended for those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in conjunction with medication. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people have found tapping specific points of the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps lower the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, since it can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched, they may not be the best option for those who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause adverse effects like anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant medicines are a 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 than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for people with coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve moods and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is generally recommended to treat the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will typically make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are typically the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this type of situation. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target the brain chemical serotonin can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
medications for adhd will ultimately decide what medication is most suitable for you. Before recommending a medication they will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health issues. It is important to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and to adhere to a routine daily when taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health goals, there are a variety of treatments that could be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness, meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, similar to stimulants.