ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness sleep disturbance and irritability.
The use of stimulants can ease 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 substances used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the condition known as 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. In large doses, they can cause over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
These medications are also proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing the amount of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which tend to be less in people suffering from ADHD. This boosts the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain which control executive and attention functions. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type of medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which condition is more detrimental to the quality of life of a person. For instance, a person might experience a lot of anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis when they have to make appointments or try to stay on top of projects for school or work. These can be extremely stressful and can cause them to be anxious on more of a frequently than the symptoms of a particular phobia or panic attack would.
In these instances, it might be best to treat anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs that have been proven to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. They can be used in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly beneficial if a patient has a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressant drugs, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this category is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. They are more versatile than the earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and fewer severe side effects.
The SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse and signal the post synaptic cells more than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can increase norepinephrine output, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
They also decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation in some people with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in certain individuals. They may also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also impact anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some individuals, so they should not be used by those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety, as can practicing yoga and meditation. adhd medication list find tapping specific points of the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can increase anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied however they are not the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause negative side effects, such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant drugs are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise blood pressure or heart rate 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, which is a brain chemical that improves concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also proven that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for those suffering from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is often recommended to investigate and treat the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD since that will usually reduce anxiety symptoms.
It is quite common for children with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are generally the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this situation. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target serotonin, a brain chemical can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is right for you will be decided by your doctor. They will take a look at your lifestyle, symptoms and age as well as other health issues before recommending any medication. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your physician and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health objectives, there are additional treatment options that can be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping, sleep, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to suffer from symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both disorders simultaneously. He usually prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled substances as stimulants.