ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause anxiety, restlessness and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but it may cause side effects like tics, or minor growth reductions in children and adolescents. Some people also notice that their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are 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. The use of large doses can result in excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. The long-term use of stimulants could cause addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
These medications are also proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are typically lower in those with ADHD. This boosts the activity and communication between the various 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. Both treatments showed improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The effect lasted for 8 weeks.
It is important to keep in mind that the kind of medication most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might come down to which condition has the greatest impact on a person's quality of life. One may experience numerous minor crises that create anxiety on a regular schedule as they try to meet appointments or finish tasks at school or at work. These are stressful and trigger anxiety more often than signs of a panic attack or fear.
In these instances antidepressants or SSRIs are the best choice to treat 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 begin working. The most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) like duloxetine, venlafaxine and. These medications can be used together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are especially effective if a patient has an elevated or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this category is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. They are more adaptable and have less adverse effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse to stay active and signal the post synaptic cell more than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released which reduces anxiety symptoms. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in individuals with ADHD. These drugs can, however increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts among some people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they first begin.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They also affect anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This may reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. They also can improve the mood of some adults with bipolar disorder.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some individuals therefore they should not be taken by those with high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medication and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques can help lower the cortisol hormone that creates anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not the most appropriate choice for people who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. These medications can trigger negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate and nervousness that could resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant medications 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 they are less likely to have anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that improves concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can ease anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for people with co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and decrease anxiety symptoms. It is usually best to treat anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
In certain cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are typically the most effective treatments for anxiety in this type of situation. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed for those with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is most suitable for you. They will take a look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age as well as other health issues before suggesting any medication. It is very important to discuss your treatment goals with your physician and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep, nutrition, 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 at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant medications such as bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. adhd medication for adults uk around the clock and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.
