ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause anxiety, restlessness and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms however, they may also cause side effects such as tics and minor growth reduction in adolescents and children. Some people also find that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are 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 the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They can also be found in white or brown dust. Large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety, panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This increases activity and communication between brain regions that regulate attention and executive function. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Both treatments improved anxiety symptoms 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 that may be best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could come down to which condition is more affecting the quality of life of a person. One may experience numerous mini-crises that cause worry in a regular manner as they try to meet appointments or complete projects at work or school. They can be extremely distressing and can cause them to feel anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these instances antidepressants or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. most effective adhd medication for adults have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and may take a bit longer to take effect, but the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs 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
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this class is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also help treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less adverse negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would normally. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
They also decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in people 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 kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also have an impact on anxiety. They can improve the function of the heart muscle and blood vessels. adhd medication list can help reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in certain individuals therefore they are not recommended for those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in addition to medication. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping on certain body points or techniques for emotional freedom helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, as it 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 researched, they may not be the best option for those who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. These medications can trigger negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can enhance concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can ease anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to treat the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This can usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will address the root of the issue and help reduce ADHD symptoms which, in turn, reduce anxiety.
Antidepressants may 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 which medication is best for you. They will take a look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age and other health conditions before making a recommendation for any medication. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and stick to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness, meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes 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 are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.