ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders can be associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness sleep disturbance and irritability.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but it may cause adverse effects, like tics, or minor growth reductions in children and adolescents. In addition, some people experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs 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 can be found in capsules, tablets, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. Large doses can lead to excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety and panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can result in addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high pressure and stroke.
These medicines have also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They improve the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine which are typically lower in those with ADHD. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that regulate executive and attention. This leads to improved control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both medications showed improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The effect lasted for 8 weeks.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the kind of medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which disorder has more impact on the quality of life of a person. A person may experience a variety of mini-crises that cause worry in a regular manner when they have to rush to make appointments or finish tasks at school or at work. They can be extremely distressing and might cause them to feel anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a particular phobia or panic attack would.
In these situations the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and can take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These are often taken as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are especially useful if the patient experiences an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressant drugs, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more flexible than previous versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they are less likely to cause dangerous adverse effects.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cells more often than would otherwise occur. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce the agitation of some people with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals. medication for adhd adults can also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
Another type of antidepressant called SNRIs, works differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can have an effect on anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and blood vessels, which may reduce anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. SNRIs can cause blood pressure to rise in certain individuals, so those who suffer from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people have found that tapping on specific points on their body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps lower the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid sugar as it can increase anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medicines
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched, they may not be the most appropriate choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause 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 don't increase the heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been found to alleviate anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for those suffering from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and lessen symptoms of anxiety. It is generally a good idea to try and treat the underlying cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD, as it will typically make anxiety symptoms disappear.
In certain cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is most suitable for you. Before recommending a drug, they will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health issues. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and to adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medication like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances like stimulants.