ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms However, they can result in side effects like the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in adolescents and children. Many people also experience their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medications.
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 the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They can also be found in white or brown dust. Large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety, panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can lead to addiction, serious adverse effects, such as heart issues high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This increases activity and communication between brain regions that control the executive and attention functions. This leads to improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident as early as the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which condition is more affecting a person's quality of life. One may experience numerous mini-crises that cause worry in a regular manner as they try to meet appointments or finish tasks at school or at work. These can be distressing and trigger anxiety more often than the symptoms of panic attacks or fear.
In these cases the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to work, 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 can be taken as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are particularly useful if the patient experiences a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressants, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this group is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are a bit more versatile than the earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and fewer severe side effects.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would otherwise. adhd treatment without medication can increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and decrease hyperactivity. They can also 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.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also affect anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. Certain people who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs could cause blood pressure to rise in certain individuals, so those with high blood pressure and heart disease should not take these medications.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized in addition to medication. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people have found tapping specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone which causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid sugar, since it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched but they are not the best option for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can trigger negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate and nervousness that can resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
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 increase heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to have anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that can enhance concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and lessen symptoms of anxiety. It is generally recommended to investigate and address the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD because that will usually reduce anxiety symptoms.
It is common for children with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in some instances, anxiety may be caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. This is because these therapies tackle the root cause of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms which, in turn, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is best for you. They will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health issues before making a recommendation for any medication. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your physician and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health goals, there are other 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 with anxiety are more likely to suffer from symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both disorders at once. adhd treatment without medication prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD before turning to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, similar to stimulants.